Press Releases

Unique Environmentally friendly lighting to keep horse riders safe

Perfect Christmas present for riders of all ages

Suitable for the most jumpy horses

17 November 2008 – Horse riders will be safer in the countryside, on roads and bridleways this winter thanks to a new range of solar powered safety lighting products - Anklelite and Baglite Light Harness from award-winning, safety lighting specialist, Pedalite International.

With no batteries required and providing up to six hours of lighting from a full charge, eco-friendly Anklelite and Baglite make ideal Christmas presents for keen horse riders of all ages who want to improve their safety and ride confidently this winter.

The popularity of equestrianism is growing fast in the UK with over two million horse riders, a number which has doubled since 2000. But, with more cars on the road than ever before, the number of near misses and riding accidents has risen and safety is a major concern.

Baglite Light Harness and Anklelite are both designed to protect riders by providing super bright lighting that illuminates wearers so they can be seen by motorists and others from up to 1km away. The lights shine at 360 degree angles, so riders will be seen from the side; a major blind spot for motorists and the cause of many accidents. The products should be worn in addition to high visibility jackets and horse exercise sheets.

Retailing at just USD$49.99, Baglite Light Harness is an innovative solar powered lighting system that is worn over the shoulders as a Light Harness. It also doubles as a bag lighting system, as it fits over any size backpack that the rider might be wearing. It uses a unique 360 degree floodlight module in order to ‘light up’ the rider’s upper body. There is a single red floodlight at the back and two white floodlights at the front attached to straps that fit together to form the harness or to the shoulder straps of a backpack if required.

Anklelite retails at just US$24.99 so it makes the ideal stocking filler. It is an extremely lightweight, weather-resistant adjustable strap which fits securely over riding boots. It weighs just 85 grams weight so riders will not even be aware they are wearing it and, it does not affect signals sent from the rider’s leg to the horse. It also has a unique 360 floodlight module attached to the strap which is comfortable to wear and provides super bright lighting which shines at every angle. Both products are available at www.pedalite.com.

Margaret Allard, a former Newmarket racehorse rider, says of Anklelite, “Anklelite is perfect for on road riding, it is so lightweight you would not know you have it on and the light is just right for ensuring that you are seen but that horses are not bothered. I use Anklelite on my young horses as well as my more experienced Arabs. Anklelite is essential for all horseriders both young and young at heart.”

The lights can be charged in natural sunlight and artificial light. The clever technology behind the product enables an hour of light for every hour of sunlight to which the products are exposed. They provide up to six hours lighting from a full charge in sunlight.

They can be set to flashing, constant or off modes but the constant mode is recommended to start with to eliminate the risk of startling the horses. However, the products were tested in flashing mode with both mature and young horses none of which were bothered by the flashing lights as they are positioned well away from the line of sight and flash at an appropriate rate.

Simon Theobald, Managing director of Pedalite says, “Horse riding has never been so popular but safety is a major concern for riders. Our unique innovative lighting products will clearly light up horse riders, keep them safer on the roads and reduce the risk of accidents. They both offer practical, lightweight, stylish and environmentally friendly lighting that requires no maintenance and which could save lives. The technology breakthroughs of these products have provided retail prices whereby Anklelite represents an "impulse buy" and made Baglite (Light Harness) the perfect Christmas present.”

Editors Notes

About Pedalite International Ltd

Pedalite International design, make and sell worldwide battery free products for Safety, Health and the Environment with QUALITY built in. The Pedalite product range includes the best selling battery free 360° visibility pedal lights, toe clips, solar powered lighting for backpacks & rucksacks and solar powered ankle lights.

Photos are available from www.pedalite.com

In July 2007 Pedalite was acquired by the Mpower1 Group of companies (www.mpower1.com); a major business development organisation, which has increased investment, accelerated product development, attracted celebrity endorsement for Pedalite products, initiated a major marketing campaign and underwritten the future of Pedalite.

Pedalite equestrian products are distributed in the United States of America by Choice Brands and by a growing number of specialist equestrian distributors worldwide.

Pedalite cycling products, including the best selling battery free 360 degree visibilityPedal Lights are distributed in the UK to retailers by the major bicycle company Raleigh and are available at most high street bicycle retailers or online direct from Pedalite at www.pedalite.com for just £34.99 along with Pedalite toeclips for just £6.99.