Company History

Thank you for visiting Saddlelights
I would like to share why I developed this product as well as some personal experiences and joy of my horses.
All the Best and Ride Safely,
Annie Kelly
Owner/Creator Saddlelights (Patent Pending)

Why I developed Saddlelights Products

I have been a resident of a small, semi-rural community that boasts itself as “Horse Capitol of the USA" and has a population of horses nearly as high as the residents themselves. As in many other communities across the United States, a common summer pastime here in Norco is the evening/nighttime horseback rides. It’s a way of life that we all enjoy. Even though my children and I rode at night often, my constant concern was for our safety from passing motorists who may be unfamiliar with Norco's deep-rooted country lifestyle. Street lights are not always a part of this “rural” landscape and I know first hand (as a driver) just how difficult it is to see a horse and rider at night. Many unfortunate accidents involving vehicle vs. Equestrian have happened in the past and will sadly continue in similar areas where Equestrians and vehicles are on the streets together. My intention is to prevent them from happening in the first place.

I began mentally creating SADDLELIGHTS in 1999 after an incident while driving home from a late evening event at my daughters’ high school. As I drove over a rise on a residential street near our home, something white caught my eye for a moment on the road ahead. The white object quickly disappeared and reappeared a few more times and my mind hastily flashed through the possibilities of what it could be. My daughter and I both peered into the darkness as I quickly slowed, still not sure of what I was seeing. It brought chills to my spine when I realized my vehicle headlights were reflecting off a white patch on the side of a little girls’ pony as she struggled to regain control in the middle of the street! (She was barely 9 or 10 years old.) My car headlights were directly on them as I came to a stop within 15-20 feet and I still barely saw them. The pony was all black, except for ONE white patch on its side. (Thank heavens for that white patch!) To make matters worse, the little girl had on dark clothing as well. I can't imagine how horrible that night could have ended if I hadn’t seen them when I did. It was then I knew I had to create an equine lighting system to safely and effectively advise a motorist of the horse and rider’s presence at a greater distance.

After that unforgettable night, I spent the first four years searching and waiting for the adequate light source and materials to become available so I could provide this necessary safety product to the public. Keep in mind, an Equine lighting system on a horse is not a NEW idea at all. After researching, I've found this has been tried MANY times and various patents were issued beginning in the early 1900's. Unfortunately appropriate light sources for use on a horse did not exist until recently so none of the early patents were truly feasible. Since 1999, LED technology evolved significantly and was destined to provide quality, hands free lighting within a short period of time. The time has finally come.

By Summer of 2005 and after several months in "design mode", I was proud to present the custom designed leather pouch which neatly secures the light to the horses breast collar, yet allows quick and easy access when needed. SADDLELIGHTS were designed with "real world" situations and uses in mind. SADDLELIGHTS intentionally includes the highest quality LED light source with exceptional battery life that provides significant power throughout a full night if need be. Originally created for the safety of those who enjoy pleasure rides at night, it has quickly become the new standard for Equestrian safety and the variety of uses is almost limitless. The growing list of happy customers include several mounted Police, Sheriff & Search and Rescue teams across the country, backcountry riders, endurance riders, pack teams in areas of difficult or dangerous terrain, children and adults who ride to and from the local arenas for horse club events and for everyone who enjoys any discipline of equestrian lifestyle. Horse drawn carriage drivers are also finding SADDLELIGHTS to be providing that extra margin of safety.

I've spent most of my life around horses and yes, that is me on the rearing horse at age 17. You see...I WAS that child, riding alone (at NIGHT) nearly 7 miles to get back home after playing too long at my best friend's ranch. Of course as an adult, I now know that none of the drivers of those cars and "Big Rigs" could have ever seen me when I crossed roads and highways. Annie’s Equestrian Safety Gear’s mission is to provide you, your family and your horse that extra margin of safety and peace of mind whenever and wherever you ride.

A wholehearted “Thank you” goes out to all my customers for their wonderful supportive feedback and incredible stories of how Saddlelights has improved their rides and/or actually SAVED their lives altogether. I am so happy and grateful for the opportunity to make a positive difference in the equestrian world today.

Be seen, be safe and enjoy the ride!

Annie Kelly
Annie’s Equestrian Safety Gear

“I’d like to thank my family for their unconditional love and support as I brought my dream to life. My vision of Saddlelights could not have become a reality without them.”

Annie's Equestrian Safety Gear

2834 Hamner Ave., #208
Norco, CA 92860

www.saddlelights.com 2008 ©

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Patent Pending.