Description: This leather-wrapped utility light attaches to your horse saddle's breastcollar to provide a lighted path or attaches to the back of your horse saddle so others can see you during twilight rides. The 18-ounce light has three brightness settings and comes with multiple rings and straps to help you anchor it to your tack. A choice of black, chestnut, tan, natural, or Havana brown leather encases the light to make it blend in fashionably with your gear. As a bonus safety feature, you'll receive an extra light you can clip on to your belt or wrap around your arm to help motorists and other riders spot you on your way home from a day-long ride.
The test: This light was tested by longtime horsewoman and registered North American Riding for the Handicapped Association Inc. Instructor Heidi Nyland of Longmont, Colorado. "This is a clever and useful gadget," she reports. "I maneuvered the light within the leather casing to point toward the ground before anchoring it to my horse's tack. Attaching the light to a breastcollar is easy - most collars have large rings available for easy anchoring.
"On a pitch-black night, the light - at full blast - lit up the ground in an illuminated circle. The light spread far enough ahead to take the fear out of walking into the darkness. I could easily see the ground's texture and slope. Inside, the gadget's white light easily lit up a 12-foot wall.
"Then I moved the Saddlelight to the back of my saddle. This proved a bit more challenging, because my saddle doesn't have D-rings toward the back of the skirt. As an alternative, I laced the longer straps provided through the back-cinch anchors. This held the light firmly behind the cantle, but proved a little difficult to tighten. Once in place, the product provided a safety light that's easy to see from a distance.
"This little power-chocked accessory is great to help keep you safe on the trail, feel calm when you're riding at night, or just to have if you need a mighty flashlight accessible during an overnight trek."
Cost: $110.
Contact: Cowgirl Annie's Custom Designs, 800-686-0590; www.saddlelights.com
