Your Horse’s Night Vision

Last Updated on February 23, 2022 by Allison Price

It’s easy to navigate a dark trail with the horse’s excellent night vision.

You don’t have to limit your riding time to areas with artificial or natural lighting, even if daylight hours are limited. Horses can see well at night, even if there is no light from the moon or bright stars.Moonlight can make horses see just as well in moonlight as they do in sunlight.

Your Horse's Night Vision

Some riders feel uncomfortable riding in the dark, but mounted horses can safely navigate open fields and areas with little vegetation after sunset. Although riding in the dark and dense woods is not recommended, your horse will be able to navigate through familiar terrain if you let him choose his path.

It takes horses approximately 15 minutes to adjust their vision when they move between different lighting environments. For an evening ride, or to turn horses out at night, keep your horse on the same familiar path and move slowly after leaving a barn that is brightly lit.

Sudden brightness requires equal adjustment. As you can see, every occupant blinks and squints until their eyes adjust.

Allison Price
Allison Price

I’m Allison, born and raised in San Diego California, the earliest memory I have with horses was at my grandfather’s farm. I used to sit at the stable as a kid and hang out with my Papa while he was training the horses. When I was invited to watch a horse riding competition, I got so fascinated with riding!