My vanity is officially dead.....

[Suziq77]

Finally managed to get a morning off work so I could get out autumn hunting today. It was a lovely sunny morning for admiring the view

After a fall from a green youngster at a show last winter when I did a few ribs I made it my new year's resolution to wear a body protector out hacking, whatever I rode.

This morning I hesitated for a moment then put it on over my jacket and set off like a stylish pony clubber, feeling years younger than I had felt at 4am when I got up . Having abandoned a velvet cap for a skull cap some time ago and having swapped my straight topped boots with garter straps for the comfort of a pair with zips last year it felt like I was doing away with my last vestige of vanity.

The strange thing was that as soon as I was sat in the saddle I didn't mind a bit and no one said a thing, not even people who have known me for years. It turns out that they are nice and warm when you're sitting still too. I think I'm converted.....

 

[Bernster]

I am with you there, although I never was kitted out in totally traditional attire tbh. Air jacket for me - I don't bounce like I used to!

Hope you had a fun day out?

 

[combat_claire]

Good on ya Suziq.

I've never thought that paralysed from the neck down was a good look and frankly if wearing a chunky safety cap means I continue to be able to wipe my own ass then I am happy to pick that over a Patey...

However acknowledging that accidents can and do happen we support Spinal Research's Saddle Up Campaign through some of our hunt fund raising.

 

[Buds_mum]

Nice to see this.

I will be going out this season in my body protector and skull hat (with velvet silk )

May be the only one wearing it but ah well. I need to work for living and if that bp keeps me intact than its only a good thing

I also wear my boots and chaps, leather and clean, because I feel far more secure in these rather than my big leather long boots.

 

[A1JUMPJOCKEY]

Ive no issue with any of the above comment's. Its your own opinion on what you wear as long as its smart, as the main point of being smart is in respect of the farmers and land owners whom let us cross there land.

Personally i wear a patey, always have. I qualify Point to pointers with both Foxhounds and Draghounds and also whip in to my local pack the Southdown and Eridge. Where i do have a problem (not saying any of the above have said it) is people who give me grief for doing so. Im a up to date member of the countryside alliance, i have my own personal accident insurance and i do my bit for the injured Jockeys fund and air ambulance! So if i choose to wear my patey which lets not forget its made to measure, id like to do so without people preaching to me.

 

[combat_claire]

Entirely your choice, there is a part of me that loves to see a perfectly fitted Patey with a toned male backside in tailored breeches and makes me look at their website and dream. Then I remember how my luck seems to be going recently and realise that if anyone was going to go splat, get a new Patey kicked into a dent or other horrible fate it would be me!!!

It would also be nice if in return the Patey wearers didn't take the piss out of my choice of headgear by calling it a wally strap or smacking their hunting whips on my cycling skid lid (which bloody hurts even when it is meant in jest!) ;-)

 

[combat_claire]

*not that I can afford a Patey anyway....

 

[Suziq77]

So if i choose to wear my patey which lets not forget its made to measure, id like to do so without people preaching to me.

I love pateys and I do feel sad at the loss of traditional dress because I am a fan of beauty. The modern safety kit is smart and functional but it is a very different 'look' IMO. However, I've made my choice for various reasons which are important to me, and I fully respect that others make different choices.

I posted because I had a fabulous morning, surprised myself with how easily I gave up the last thing I had been putting off changing and thought I might make some of the people on here who worry about how they would be perceived if they wore a BP feel a bit more reassured.

Plus it's always nice to talk about a good day out, whatever you wore on it. I fell in love with my horse all over again yesterday, I love that about hunting. She's such a beauty no one would ever be looking at me anyway

ETA: I appreciate you clarified that you didn't mean any of us were preaching