Saddlelights FAQ

Thank you for visiting Saddlelights
All the Best and Ride Safely,
Annie Kelly
Owner/Creator Saddlelights (Patent Pending)
Saddlelights Products FAQ

•Q) Do Saddlelights come in colors?
A) Yes we offer 5 basic colors. Black, Havana Brown, Chestnut, London Tan , and Natural.

•Q) Do I need a breast collar to use my Saddlelights?
A) Yes it is necessary to use a breast collar with your Saddlelight. The only place a light source can be mounted on your horse that will not interfere with his vision is the center of his chest. We recommend using a breast collar that has a center mounted ring to attach your Saddlelight.

•Q) Do you make a Saddlelight that fits on a breast collar with no ring?
A) Yes we do. We now offer the “Carriage Style” which can be used on both the light harness and the breast collars without the center ring.

•Q) Can you remove the light from the pouch for other uses?
A) Absolutely. I custom designed the leather pouch with that in mind ensuring quick and easy access for emergencies or if you just need to search through your saddlebags for a hoof pick or a horse treat! Simply place the light back in the leather pouch, snap it closed and you’re ready to ride!

•Q) Are Saddlelights waterproof?
A) Only the MYO XP light source (provided in Saddlelights) are classified as “water resistant” however they are VERY close to waterproof! I posed this very question to Petzl and was pleased to be advised their Sale Team places the lamp (the MYO XP only) in water with the light ON and proceeds to give the hour long presentation about the durability, dependability and versatility that everyone knows and expects from a PETZL product. At the end of that presentation, the lamp is STILL ON when removed from the tank. The Salesman then asks, “Are there any questions on how water “resistant” the MYO XP actually is?” Of course, now you know WHY I selected the MYO XP for my Saddlelights!

•Q) How much does a Saddlelight weight?
A) Approximately 18 ounces. This includes Light, leather pouch and batteries.

•Q) Is it true that horses see better than humans in the dark?
A) Researchers tend to agree on this, however some studies indicate that horses eyes do not handle changes in lighting as quickly as a human. This may account for why some horse shy at shadows and other dark places.

•Q) What about using a flashlight or lights on my stirrups or saddle?
A) Because a horse has monocular vision the horse can see about 320 degrees around themselves. Any light source mounted on the saddle or the rider will be shining right into the horse’s eyes. This will only interfere with your horses vision and make processing changes from light to dark more difficult. Especially when the horse bends his neck and looks to one side.

•Q) Why does putting a light on your horse help your horse?
A) Typically we find that it’s the rider that benefits the most from lighting. A comfortable and confident rider tends to ride with a more relaxed leg and on a looser rein. This permits the horse to work more comfortably. Of course good lighting also allows the horse to see better ground detail as well.

•Q) My horse suffers from night blindness. Would using lights help?
A) Night blindness is a condition that makes seeing any detail very difficult in low light situations. Adding light in the right location will allow more light to enter the horses eye and permit the horse to see better. Of course this also depends on the horses headset. A horse that is ridden on the bit will be collected and their Bifocal vision will be directed to the immediate ground in front of the horse. Because Saddlelights are adjustable and the light can be diffused to a large area you can illuminate the ground in right location for his headset. As a result your horse may benefit from the extra light.

•Q) My horse has never had a light on him. How do you train them to accept it?
A) As always the best method is the safest. We recommend you put your Saddlelight on your horse and turn it on while you are on the ground. Lead your horse around and observe their reactions before riding with the light. The smart horseman always introduces something new to the horse in safe conditions and with another person present if things do go wrong.

•Q) Are Saddlelights a light system for night riding or a safety device?
A) Actually the answer is both. Extra lighting helps both horse and rider when properly used. Saddlelights provide the rider with the ability to see better and be seen by oncoming motorists. This is critical for horseman riding on roads where cars may or may not see them until they literally are right on top of them.

•Q) A front mounted light is great, but what about being seen from behind?
A) Here at Saddlelights we saw the need to offer a two light set to add protection for the rider when cars come up from behind. The second Saddlelight is equipped with longer straps that can be mounted behind the cantle. We recommend the light be set to blink. This gives motorists advance warning that a rider is in front of them and they tend to slow down. Some saddles do not have D rings or ties near the cantle, for these units we recommend having your local saddle shop install D rings to secure your Saddlelights.

•Q) Should I shut off the Saddlelight when other horses approach?
A) If your Saddlelight is properly adjusted towards the ground it should not interfere with other riders. However common courtesy indicates if an approaching rider is having trouble with their mount to turn the light off. Never look directly into the light source or point it at your horses eye.

•Q) How long do the batteries last?
A) The Petzl (MYO XP) light we use in Saddlelights has three brightness modes. On the maximum setting a set of 3 AA batteries will last approximately 70 hours. The Optimum (Middle) setting enhances battery life to approximately 90 hours. The Economy setting (Lowest) will last approximately 170 hours.

•Q) How can I tell how much battery time remains?
A) The lamps used in our lineup vary based on model. Please refer to Petzl’s documentation for specifications regarding the light source you have purchased. If you are unsure, always carry a spare set of batteries in your saddlebags.

•Q) How long is the Saddlelight warranted for?
A) The Petzl light we use in Saddlelight's is guaranteed for three years. The pouch is guaranteed free from defects in workmanship for 1 year. More Petzl information is available in the product guide.

•Q) What if I need to replace my light or the mounting pouch?
A) Replacement lights and pouches are available on the website.

•Q) What is the most exotic animal to wear a Saddlelight?
A) Matilda the Australian Camel from Norco, CA. Matilda is regularly seen on their local trails! Click here to see Matilda.

•Q) Do you offer the Saddlelight in Biothane?
A) We are currently working on producing a Bioplastic version of the Saddlelight pouch. We expect to complete a prototype and be able to offer a Biothane version soon.

•Q) Do you have to dismount to turn on the Saddlelight?
A) The top of the Saddlelight pouch has been cut out to allow access to the light switch. Many experienced riders with well trained horses simply bend down and turn the light on while mounted. We recommend each rider access their own skills and their horse’s possible reactions. If your even marginally uncomfortable turning on your light while mounted you should always take the safest route and dismount.

•Q) If I have a great picture of my horse with a Saddlelight will you put it on your website?
A) Sure why not! We have been thinking of putting up a customer pictures page. Send your digital photos to info@saddlelights.com

•Q) Are you interested in customer testimonials?
A) Absolutely! If you have a story of how a Saddlelight saved a life, prevented an accident, or just want to tell us how its changed your riding we would love to hear from you! Send your testimonials to info@saddlelights.com

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Patent Pending.