These days, twilight is around 19:00 and I like to set everything up for the night before total darkness descends.
I recently bought four rechargeable lights that are magnetic, and so ideal for sticking on the container. I thought they could show the ponies where the containers were.
But they are quite bright and now I wonder if they are too bright. Each container has a step up as they are on blocks on the hard-standing and I want the lights to show the ponies where to step up if they want to go inside.
I would hate them to bash their knees trying in the pitch dark. It would put them off and that would defeat the object.
But not all light is good light and I am busily asking questions about horses, lighting and finding out how they need the darkness for their circadian rhythms at night. Apparently red lights are considered perfect for night-time. So now we are experimenting……
Anywho, later on I went outside to double check everyone was ok and nearly tripped up over a small capybara who was being particularly unhelpful.
Argh – LED lamps may be better for the environment but their light is so harsh! I am lucky to work in theater and have access to mylar color sheets so I can cover my LED clock face with a lovely blue. The other think you can try is to make a baffle out of tinfoil that would direct the light only downwards and not into anyone’s eyes.
Good thinking to consider effect of 24 hour lighting on the ponies.
Whatever colour you decide upon, would it work to mount the lights low down next to the step so that the pool of illumination is more precisely confined?
Enquiring minds so no!
– ah yes, the inimitable Investigative Powers of a naughty Shetland Pony!!
Have you considered the small solar powered lights that are not very bright but could be just enough to show them the step up into the containers? I have them around my house to discourage night visitors like raccoons, deer, people, etc.
They need to be red, though