Hunting attire... a question often asked in the shop, of what t wear.
With the formal opening meet now gone and winter drag hunting well under way. Some of you will be already fully kitted out and some of you will have autumn drag hunted & thought of going to the spectacular boxing day meet!
So grab your port glass and feast your eyes on our checklist below.
Now first of all, most hunts will be happy to have you join in and will be ok, with a dark black or navy riding coat or tweed. Remember thou unless a hunt jacket, it will not be waterproof and you'll be wet and cold, in no time if wet. You'll bail and head home long before it finishes. If in doubt, contact your local hunt and ask suitability, they'll be only glad to help.
So lets go!
Rider
- Black or navy velvet hat ( sew the ribbons up and under, unless a hunt servant), or skull with a plain navy or black silk is fine.
- Spurs (optional - you do not need to have or use them).
- Hair tied up & in a hairnet.
- Brown, tan or black gloves, not white.
- Jodhpur's or breeches, in brown, fawn, canary or buff colours.
- Black or brown crop, preferably brown.
- Black or navy hunt jacket or tweed, with shirt, tie or stock. Remember your stock pin.
- Handy pocket things to take; bailer twine, sandwich, fully charged up mobile.
- Coniston flask & saddle holder for your drink.
- Long leather plain boots.
Remember, neutral is key. You need to blend into the country you ride in not stand out. No bing.
Horses
- Turnout is paramount, showing respect for landowners. Put the effort in.
- Tidy, clean plain tack. Stirrups polished. Ensure you check all stitching answers buckles.
- Scrubbed clean horses, pulled plaited manes and tails. Polished clean hooves.
Some examples of do's and dont's!
- Dont overtake hunt staff and absolutely never the master.
- Turn heads in towards hounds passing, not bums in, risking a hound being kicked.
- Wear RED ribbon in the tail for a potential kicker (do not take a known kicker hunting) & stay at the back. GREEN ribbon in the tail for a green horse or newbie hunting.
- Call commands back to followers behind you. Hounds please, gate please...
- Do not wear a go pro unless prior consent due to safety.
- You may wear a body protector.
- Be courteous at all times.
So there you have it some tips and basic guidelines. Always contact your local hunt if unsure.
We have a huge variety of pre loved with free postage, so check it out before purchasing new and getting it ruined in mud, it will!