OLD vs NEW; Correct Dress, Manners and £ available for Hunting

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MrWoof

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Being a middle-aged old bat, living on pensions, I cannot see why people cannot dress correctly and at a reasonable price.
I have worn second-hand (quality) hunting kit for very many years and now, with the advent of ebay and Internet Shops, there is absolutely no reason whatsoever why anyone should venture forth looking like a loon.
"Proper" Hunting Kit is designed to do a job - to keep one dry and warm - but also looking correctly turned out.
Also, a stock (NOT ready-tied) is always useful as a bandage in case of an injury to a horse or rider.
The two Safety Pins keeping a Stock in place can be used due to a wardrobe malfunction.
If people do not know how to dress and behave in the hunting field, then there is always someone to ask - so please do so.

As far as I am concerned, the hunting field is the last bastion of good manners and etiquette in this now totally mannerless and lawless country.

I do not go to the pub on a regular basis and very rarely to restaurants.
Myself and my friends cook and we have a great time.
Pot Luck Kitchen Supper and lots of wine.
I suppose it all depends on one's priorities. However, I choose to spend what spare £ I have on hunting.
 
Not many spare pennies around for most of us. And the majority of horse owners on here (I'd say) actually keep their horses at livery - costing them several thousand pounds a year.

I totally agree with you about Ebay - and there are some wonderful bargins to be had on there. But some people simply do not have the spare pennies to have a correct set of 'everything' needed for every discipline that they may be interested in.

Also, for those of us who work for a living and who only hunt ocassionaly, or at the most once a week - the outlay is huge, as are the caps.
 
Sorry for being rude in the other post Mr Woof.. I'm a bit of dick head when I've had wine!

Thing with hunting stuff is does seem to last a long time so once you've got it then you are sorted for a good few years.

Maybe it's because fashions in SJing etc have changed a lot - where as before everyone used to wear the same kind of gear for everything now there is a quite specific look for every discipline... TBH if I was a SJing person and only had that gear, if I fancied going hunting on boxing day I wouldn't want to go out and buy I whole new set of kit!

It doesn't bother me that much if people don't have quite the right stuff on... or even if they are not plaited up... as long as they look smart.
 
Right ok, I have £20 spare, do I spend it supporting my local hunt and go hunting for the day or do I not bother because I haven't got the right boots??

I have £150 spare, do I sub or not bother because I don't have the right jacket?

Quite simply, though it may be an alien concept to you, people do not have the spare cash, surely its better that they support the hunt - and turn up well turned out, albeit in the 'wrong' gear or should they simply not bother?
 
Oh dear, people do get their knickers in a twist about things. I agree that people should make as good an effort as they are able when hunting, but not all of us have hunted all our lives and it can take time to build up the correct wardrobe. If some people only have a black hat with a silver stripe, should they think 'oh dear, I am such a rude person for having this hat the hunt won't want my money anyway'? How ridiculous! Some of us have struggled, scrimped and saved to keep horses and enjoy them, so I don't think saying we should get our priorities right is helpful.

Taking myself as an example:

In August 2006 I got my first horse. The very first thing I did when I'd broken him was take him on the hunt fun ride for the experience and to support the hunt. I'd never hunted before and knew few people in the area but that winter I cubbed then hunted as much as I was able with a couple of packs. I hacked up to 2 hours to meets as I had no transport but went with a friend or on my own if necessary. Every time I went I made an effort to plait, wore a hairnet, cleaned my tack, bought a dark numnah and tried as much as possible to learn about hunting. I hunted that season every month, subscribed the second season (and have the following years), was asked to join the social committee in my third season, have attended every hunt ball (big money spinners!) since I've been hunting and have acted as mounted steward for hunt rides.

However, when I started I was wearing a second hand, very cheap black nylon jacket, jod boots & gaiters and a skull cap with a dark purple cover. I didn't have a proper hunt shirt but got a fake back and wore a real stock.
Over the last 4 years, I have made an effort to build up my kit; bought a real hunting jacket, a velvet hat (not a Patey, I'm not rolling in it!) which has the ribbons tucked up and a hunt shirt. I still wear my boots & gaiters but I only have one pair of long boots and they are used for showing etc, so I can't afford to damage them. I am hoping to get another, cheaper pair to hunt in but it's not a huge problem. And yes, all my spare money goes on my horse and related activities - I don't eat out, go out drinking or spend on non-horsey clothes. I just don't have the money to buy it all at once.

Now, if, as you seem to think, I should not have turned up for having such bad manners as to not have completely the correct kit, I would not have supported the hunt as I have, would not have drummed up support as I do or given up my time and money to help them. My point is, I suppose, that I was clueless to begin with but I have learnt over the years and helped hunt funds in the meantime.

Not all of us can start out wearing all the correct gear but that may be because we are new to it and need a few years to gather all the bits together. Give people such as myself a chance and over time we will improve and support the hunt as we do so.
 
Mr woof, frankly, it's people with attitudes like yours that make people hate the hunting community, and form the opinion that it is a closed group of old school-ers who would have you lynched for wearing the wrong jacket. As kitsune said, surely it's better for you to support your hunt in a sj jacket and gaiters than not? What ur ts actually going to 'do' to hunting if I turn up wearing gaiters rather than long boots?

To me, the biggest threat to hunting is not enough new blood to carry it on, and so long as people turn up with immaculately turned out horses and people, show jacket or not they are there supporting huntings future and should be welcomed regardless.
 
QR

OK, my two penn'orth on this is as follows...

Going into the realms of fantasy, fast forward two years, to when all things being equal, I should have a horse. I'd genuinely like to try hunting. But I don't and won't have much in the way of cash... what these threads seem to say is that unless I can afford to go and get new and correct coat, boots, hat etc, I shouldn't bother turning up because I'll have people looking down their noses at me making me feel totally unwelcome and uncomfortable.

I wouldn't dream of showing up in my purple jods, but I'm not someone who would go off and buy a new jacket to try something out either, so I'll be in something cheap and secondhand, I can tell you now, with my normal boots all polished up, and me and the horse as sparkly clean as I can get us. Is that not good enough? Should I just stay at home?

I think it's extremely rude to be so unwelcoming, personally.
 
In my opinion Hopalong what you intend would absolutly be good enough. Maybe I'm just lucky but I have never encountered or seen any snobbery and I'm sure that you be made very welcome, well you would around here anyway.
 
to all the above posters (excluding MrW) FWIW

I've read this post and all the previous ones.... I think what the majority of people are trying to say is exactly what you have all been saying

Come and see - come and hunt, come and enjoy yourself! Wear warm, comfortable, waterproof clothing - in as much as is possible with the British weather - if that is a showjump jacket and hat, with gaiters and short boots, then that's fine. Look as smart as you can with dark clothing, dark numnahs etc with a clean horse with clean tack.

If you enjoy it, come again - if you enjoy it enough to keep coming, then you might feel that "correct" hunting kit is a worthwhile investment but NOT just because it is correct - but because it is warm, comfortable and (mostly) waterproof. It won't make you a better rider or a better person, but it might make your day better by not being frozen or soaked :)
 
TBH, I think in my experience of the hunt I go with, they need the money and would never say anything to anyone whatever they turned up in.

I think that's why we all seem to come across as snobby and unwelcoming.. but that's not really the point.

Can only speak for myself - but I would never look down on anyone who actually looked like they'd made an effort, you'd think that everyone would.. but they really don't!!

I remember one boxing day - two girls turned up on muddy/hairy/un-plaited ponies and one of them didn't have her jacket buttoned up.. because it was too small. They both looked at state and IMO they someone should have said something to them. But then why should the sec/master or who ever have to say something? Why can't people just know that they should make an effort when they are about to trash around on a load of farmers land?

I really don't think that anyone would look down on anyone because they aren't wearing traditional hunting gear. But people might be looked down on if they turn up looking completely scruffy!
 
I'm NEW- I'm 19 years old, my parents have been hunting for many many years and I have been hunting most of mine.
I know what is correct, I wear what is correct, and I believe to come out hunting you need to consider turn out.
I hunt all season, so for me it makes sense to invest hundreds on proper kit.
However, I do appriciate that people who come out a few times a season and whose major is not hunting, may not want to spend such a large amount on a proper kit, and I believe as long as they look smart, thats completely OK.
I don't like ready tied stocks because they don't look nice, and they don't do their job. Think of me what you may for that comment, stocks are designed to keep your neck secure and to wrap around your horse's foot if the worst would happen, so if it's a ready tied it can do neither, so is rendered useless, and in that case just wear a shirt and tie.
There will always be a margin wander from what is "correct" but I do think if you are coming out, basic jacket and stock/ shirt and tie should be warn, ribbons should be stitched up and people should have a general understanding of what hunting is about, manners and all.
 
Rosiie, when honestly was the last time you bandaged your horse with your stock?!! I honestly think it's better to have someone hunt in shirt and tie with pullover and Barbour 3 times a season aboard immaculate, fit clipped and plaited horse, get involved and feel welcome, than not bother because they have the wrong kit. What, honestly would you do if your hunt had 15 odd people out weekly wearing show jackets? Huff and puff about incorrect turnout or welcome with open arms and involve them? It seems many on this forum would huff and puff...whereas surely it's better to welcome the extra income and support?

Not a dig at you by the way...!!! And you don't have to be old to be old school :) xx
 
All I can say is, if you're thinking about coming hunting and are looking on here to decide whether or not to, please don't consider Mr Woof typical of the type of person you'd meet out hunting.

In all they're a friendly lot, who aren't snobs and will not frown on you for not wearing the proper kit. I can't remember who it was but the person who started hunting in basic kit and has gone on to be a keen hunt supporter and scrape together 2nd hand buys of the correct kit over the years is the PERFECT hunt supporter. Those that wear almost correct stuff but put the hours in to help raise funds or drum up support do SO much more for the hunt than those that have perfect turnout but are nowhere to be seen when the hunt needs volunteers.

We all have to start somewhere, and common sense dictates that that won't be with perfect turnout - unless you're loaded - think of the All the Gear, No Idea caricature.

Grrr, rant over
 
Rosiie, when honestly was the last time you bandaged your horse with your stock?!! I honestly think it's better to have someone hunt in shirt and tie with pullover and Barbour 3 times a season aboard immaculate, fit clipped and plaited horse, get involved and feel welcome, than not bother because they have the wrong kit. What, honestly would you do if your hunt had 15 odd people out weekly wearing show jackets? Huff and puff about incorrect turnout or welcome with open arms and involve them? It seems many on this forum would huff and puff...whereas surely it's better to welcome the extra income and support?

Not a dig at you by the way...!!! And you don't have to be old to be old school :) xx
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I did point out in my previous post that IMO I think it is better to wear a shirt and tie than a ready tied stock. Luckily I have never bandaged my horse but did, two seasons ago, give my own stock up to a little grey pony who got lose and badly cut on wire. As I said previously I am only 19 and no doubt have many lessons in life to learn but from a very early age was taught to turn out to a high standard, and I think nothing better than to see a nicely turned out field. Not to say I have turned my nose up at anyone who isn't, EVERYONE on the hunting field appriciates the EFFORT put in, and there is a distinct difference between trying your hardest and just being lazy.
Personally I love to see that people have attempted to plait (no matter how shoddy, it shows the effort, and practice makes perfect). As I have said a million times there is nothing wrong with show jackets on the hunting fields, the hunting jackets are designed to be warmer but it is the person who wears it who decides on that score.
I'm sure most people on the hunting field would agree it is the effort which is a massive factor, people who have made an effort to look smart will stand out, I just don't care for bright colours because I don't think they have a place on the hunting field...
 
Rosie, you have a brilliant attitude and insight towards hunting-you have grown up with it as i have and the points you make are so very valid.do not be put off by the johnny know alls from this so called"new school" stick to what you know and have been taught and enjoy!!
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I agree with a lot of what Rosiie has said - and a a newbie to hunting I do hope I enjoy it enough and maybe next year I will be investing in some proper kit and will be able to plait a little better (hot cross bun plaits are all I am achieving at present!)

And no B, the pot above was aimed at OP, not you :)

It seems like there are a vocal few, who seem intent on making hunting look like an elitist middle class sport that cares more about turnout than enjoyment.

Believe me I would love to be able to kit myself out in the best, and I agree its a worthwhile investment and something I do aspire to, but for now its a side thought, and I'm sure my hunt is grateful for my support, whatever my attire.
 
Rosiie, when honestly was the last time you bandaged your horse with your stock?!!

Actually, my stock was used as a temporary sling when I broke my collar bone & on another occassion a horse I owned but was not riding was bandaged with two stocks when he cut his legs by slipping on a metal bridge (but that's another story). :(
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Being a middle-aged old bat, living on pensions, I
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*whistles*

Someone could afford to retire early.
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Yes, very simply because I lived on a VERY thin shoe-string when I was younger, knowing that I would need some money to enjoy myself when I retired.
Believe me, my pensions do not amount to a great deal - but just enough to continue my hunting.
Most of my everyday clothes (and replacement hunting kit) some from Charity Shops and ebay.
I bought a friend a beautiful Mustard, Doeskin Waistcoat from my local branch of Tenovus recently. Brand New, with Tags. £70-odd quids' worth of waistcoat - for £5.
Please do not bitch if you really have no idea of the circumstances.
 
Sorry for being rude in the other post Mr Woof.. I'm a bit of dick head when I've had wine!

Thing with hunting stuff is does seem to last a long time so once you've got it then you are sorted for a good few years.

Apology totally accepted - and my tincture of choice is G&T!

I am still wearing one of my late father's Stocks, which is heading towards 60 years of age.
I boil it in Bicarbonate of Soda to get it pristine white.
Good quality Hunting Kit will last for many, many years.
What I am wearing now will very definitely see me out and then be passed on to my beloved God-daughter.
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Someone has already said it but as long as occasional hunters are clean and tidy thats fine but if you invest in anything from 5 days up you should wear proper clothes! If you can afford a days hunting at £50 upwards you can afford a second hand jacket.
 
Rosiie, when honestly was the last time you bandaged your horse with your stock?!!

Actually, my stock was used as a temporary sling when I broke my collar bone & on another occassion a horse I owned but was not riding was bandaged with two stocks when he cut his legs by slipping on a metal bridge (but that's another story). :(
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EXACTLY.
The proper kit will rescue equines and humans alike.
Anyone who has not had an accident can "grin" - but just wait until it happens to YOU. Then, you might just appreciate someone wearing the correct kit.
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personally i tend to buy good quality and good condition second hand stuff i cant afford 100's of £ on new boots ect but I always buy the best condition i can afford and always have it clean and myself and horse well presented. At the end of the day no one else knows whether what im wearing is new or second hand aslong as it looks smart. i always wear a real stock though. as rosie said it provides protection for your neck in the event of a fall and as i found out last season proves a very valuable bandage. a horse got stuck in wire and the wire pierced through into the tendon sheath thankfully due to having a stock we managed to stem the bleeding and get the horse sorted.
 
to all the above posters (excluding MrW) FWIW

I've read this post and all the previous ones.... I think what the majority of people are trying to say is exactly what you have all been saying

Come and see - come and hunt, come and enjoy yourself! Wear warm, comfortable, waterproof clothing - in as much as is possible with the British weather - if that is a showjump jacket and hat, with gaiters and short boots, then that's fine. Look as smart as you can with dark clothing, dark numnahs etc with a clean horse with clean tack.

If you enjoy it, come again - if you enjoy it enough to keep coming, then you might feel that "correct" hunting kit is a worthwhile investment but NOT just because it is correct - but because it is warm, comfortable and (mostly) waterproof. It won't make you a better rider or a better person, but it might make your day better by not being frozen or soaked :)
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perfectly said that is what I was trying to say in the other posts :grin:
 
All I can say is, if you're thinking about coming hunting and are looking on here to decide whether or not to, please don't consider Mr Woof typical of the type of person you'd meet out hunting.

Sorry to burst your balloon but I have been wearing 2nd hand hunting kit for very, very many years.
I still wear a 60-year old stock which belonged to my much beloved late father.
I also buy 2nd hand kit for all my God-Children.
Simply so that they can be properly turned out.
2nd hand kit does not cost a fortune via ebay, the internet, charity shops et al.
However, manners cost absolutely nothing.
Is there any other reason you can suggest why I am "not typical" please, considering that I have been hunting since 1956.
I am also known as "the creche" as I always look after any children out hunting??
I do look forward to hearing from you. Best regards.
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