Post-Ban Attire

[Dogstar]

Just curious really whether it is only the Bicester that wears ratcatcher all season now since the ban, or whether there are any other packs which also do this? My friend and I were commenting on how we forget, and go visiting in ratcatcher when everyone else is all plaited up! Also, the Bicester always used to so 'Spring Hunting' which was in Autumn hunting attire, do other packs not do this?

 

[FairyLights]

The United Pack followers tend to plait up and the riders are dressed in black jackets white shirts and stocks.

 

[rosie fronfelen]

same as before the ban, red coats etc.

 

[Sanolly]

Old Surrey still in black and plaited.

 

[giveachance]

Wynnstay wear tweed all season, as featured in this weeks h&h

 

[JenHunt]

Bilsdale and Hurworth are still as before the ban!

 

[Dogstar]

Ooh that's interesting Generally I think it works well as ratcatcher is less 'in your face' than the formal dress. And as I am lazy I like not plaiting up! We are allowed to wear black/navy on really cold, foul days though!

 

[combat_claire]

We've not changed our dress codes with the Fitzwilliam. We aren't ashamed of what we do plus having staff and masters in red coats makes them more identifiable to followers than if we all switched to ratcatcher.

I did read somewhere that it was considered correct to return to ratcatcher dress after the Cheltenham Festival in March, but so far nobody has been able to explain the significance of that particular date.

 

[Darkly_Dreaming_Dex]

We've not changed our dress codes with the Fitzwilliam. We aren't ashamed of what we do plus having staff and masters in red coats makes them more identifiable to followers than if we all switched to ratcatcher.

I did read somewhere that it was considered correct to return to ratcatcher dress after the Cheltenham Festival in March, but so far nobody has been able to explain the significance of that particular date.

Its the same with us, mustard for hunt staff, red for MFH,Secretaries and men with the hunt button,Ladies in black or navy but ratcatcher is ok too

Most of us do switch back to ratcather after the festival- mainly because it is usually too warm for a 32oz wool coat

 

[Dogstar]

Thanks for the further comments. We certainly don't dress down because we are ashamed of what we do; I think it was felt for PR purposes that ratcatcher is preferable. (Red coats and top hats obviously have certain connotations/maybe look arrogant).

 

[Maesfen]

Interestingly, our lot have noticed a far nicer attitude from motorists and the general public since the tweed has been used.

 

[oakash]

Just an aside on the mention about switching to ratcatcher at the 'Cheltenham racing festival'. Exmoor switch on 1 April, actually nothing to do with Cheltenham. Just happens that Cheltenham happens around that time, and as already mentioned, cooler clothing becomes required around that time. (Hopefully!)

 

[Addicted to Hunting]

Full hunting dress as described by D_D_D and when we vistited the Bicester I wore tweed but still plaited as I just think full season it looks smarter to land owners etc to be plaited, even if wearing tweed, and is also then diff to Autum Hunting attire, also wore my White rather than coloured stock! And as regards to wearind rathcatcher later on in the season I would only do so wen it has been confirmeb by the masters etc to do so within your pack, alltho there was one day at end off last season when I wore tweed as had propblms and an hours delay takin lorry to MOT before using a diff lorry to take horse to meet, so as I knew no time to plait I wore tweed and was unplaited to arrive on time, I did also explain whytho!

 

[Judgemental]

We've not changed our dress codes with the Fitzwilliam. We aren't ashamed of what we do plus having staff and masters in red coats makes them more identifiable to followers than if we all switched to ratcatcher.

I did read somewhere that it was considered correct to return to ratcatcher dress after the Cheltenham Festival in March, but so far nobody has been able to explain the significance of that particular date.

I have been absent from the forum for a while, largely because there was little to say.

However this issue needs a few objective words.

I saw the fact the Wynstay are wearing Ratcatcher all season in yesterday's Horse and Hound.

How absurd I thought!

It was unclear whether this was an edict issued by the masters, a collective view of the committee to make the field look more ‘comfortable’ in the eyes of the public, or a protest about the ban.

Whatever the reason, I am unimpressed.

May such as the Fitzwilliam and others like them, continue the traditions and not be cowed by the 'chattering' masses.

We all might as well give up on any form of dress code and go out in exercise blousons and chaps. Better still ‘High Vis’ florescent Police Officer style jackets.

Lets say one had a mounted field of two hundred all in high viz zip up jackets, that would be an interesting sight. Probably they would all be mistaken for mounted police. LOL!

Think about it. They are extremely warm, waterproof and masses of pockets. Now that would be a protest.

Available from any good builders merchant for about £30.00 with whatever protest slogan one might choose printed across the back or front.

Thrown in the washing machine they are as good as new.

Why stop there, go for the florescent leggings as well!

High viz jackets always have a calming effect on motorists.

 

[Judgemental]

I have been absent from the forum for a while, largely because there was little to say.

However this issue needs a few objective words.

I saw the fact the Wynstay are wearing Ratcatcher all season in yesterday's Horse and Hound.

How absurd I thought!

It was unclear whether this was an edict issued by the masters, a collective view of the committee to make the field look more ‘comfortable’ in the eyes of the public, or a protest about the ban.

Whatever the reason, I am unimpressed.

May such as the Fitzwilliam and others like them, continue the traditions and not be cowed by the 'chattering' masses.

We all might as well give up on any form of dress code and go out in exercise blousons and chaps. Better still ‘High Vis’ florescent Police Officer style jackets.

Lets say one had a mounted field of two hundred all in high viz zip up jackets, that would be an interesting sight. Probably they would all be mistaken for mounted police. LOL!

Think about it. They are extremely warm, waterproof and masses of pockets. Now that would be a protest.

Available from any good builders merchant for about £30.00 with whatever protest slogan one might choose printed across the back or front.

Thrown in the washing machine they are as good as new.

Why stop there, go for the florescent leggings as well!

High viz jackets always have a calming effect on motorists.

The majority of these jackets have a very handy little zipped pocket in the centre, ideal for one's mobile phone or the horn.

I always have mine on vibrate and for those interested, the centre of one's chest is the most sensitive place to pick up the vibratuion when it rings. Of course there is a mass of Velcro on pockets etc and a handy hood rolled into the collar.

So if dress code is being thrown to the wind and the Wynstay are setting the example, who are we to argue. I will be very comfortable in the High Viz jackets and welcome the new innovation. After all Pink or Red coats were only introduced in the 18th Century so that one could be seen. So why not bright yellow.

Good high viz jackets have a quilted lining that breaths.

So no more brushing mud off a difficult twill, no hanging up a heavy wet coat to dry, no great expense, no lost hunt buttons. A warm, waterproof & windproof jacket that is wholly practical for the rider in any situation.

Above all it can be seen clearly on roads, one identifies with the Police, Council and Construction Workers for example.

 

[Maesfen]

We're so worried you're unimpressed J.

 

[Judgemental]

We're so worried you're unimpressed J.

I will take that sarcasm at face value.

Concerning the Wynstay and the piece in Horse and Hound, I quote; "Since the ban, the hunt has worn the Williams-Wynn family estate tweed, rather than red, but explained Mr Tyacke: "We don't like it when people say we go out in ratcatchers. We don't. (Each to his own opinion) They're hunting coats, made in tweed. (Bet they cost a pretty penny or two?) And so they are, very smart with their brass crossed-fox buttons. But what I asked, about the fact that you can't see who's who without red coats?" "Well, that's perfect", said Richard Tyacke with a grin.

Perhaps this is an issue that is seen as satisfactory at the Wynstay but to the wider world, it is seen differently.

Still if everybody wants to look the same, as I say, pop down to the nearest Builder's Merchant and get all the field, staff and masters into High Vis Florescent Yellow Zip up jackets, for thirty quid. Then everybody will look the same as mounted and unmounted police officers, council workers, car park attendants, any Tom, Dick or Harry with a clip board and/or any official one may care to name. That should cause total anonymity and should keep most motorists happy and completely confuse all the scum - sabs.

If one is going to have a protest of that nature, make a job of it. But then protesting by the hunting community has not exactly been robust concerning the ban or indeed the least bit fruitful.

 

[EAST KENT]

Oh come on JM ..you missed out my favourite description .."the great unwashed", agree with you today,everyone has for the most part rolled over and given best like a craven spaniel re the ban. Pathetic
Wearing mufti indeed so as not to offend ..nashing teeth ..off to hunt some rats.......

 

[rosie fronfelen]

I will take that sarcasm at face value.

Concerning the Wynstay and the piece in Horse and Hound, I quote; "Since the ban, the hunt has worn the Williams-Wynn family estate tweed, rather than red, but explained Mr Tyacke: "We don't like it when people say we go out in ratcatchers. We don't. (Each to his own opinion) They're hunting coats, made in tweed. (Bet they cost a pretty penny or two?) And so they are, very smart with their brass crossed-fox buttons. But what I asked, about the fact that you can't see who's who without red coats?" "Well, that's perfect", said Richard Tyacke with a grin.

Perhaps this is an issue that is seen as satisfactory at the Wynstay but to the wider world, it is seen differently.

Still if everybody wants to look the same, as I say, pop down to the nearest Builder's Merchant and get all the field, staff and masters into High Vis Florescent Yellow Zip up jackets, for thirty quid. Then everybody will look the same as mounted and unmounted police officers, council workers, car park attendants, any Tom, Dick or Harry with a clip board and/or any official one may care to name. That should cause total anonymity and should keep most motorists happy and completely confuse all the scum - sabs.

If one is going to have a protest of that nature, make a job of it. But then protesting by the hunting community has not exactly been robust concerning the ban or indeed the least bit fruitful.

I do agree with you JM, we haven't even considered dumbing down the attire,why should we?

 

[Judgemental]

I do agree with you JM, we haven't even considered dumbing down the attire,why should we?

I have been pondering the whole issue and wondering if perhaps we have not alighted, somewhat by accident on a means of peacefully protesting about the ban.

That is the High Viz Flourecent Jacket as the prescribed hunting dress code for all mounted followers in every hunt.

From my personal experience when mounted and a group of people wearing them, have a very positive effect on motorists.

May be the Wynnstay have a point everybody needs to look the same. The same as the rest of the population. Believe me, it would worry the LACS and politicians.

Seemingly nothing else works, so wearing the same prescribed kit as the police and other 'officials' might just do the trick.

Frankly I am sick and tired of the ineffectual position of the great, good and not so good, who rock up at puppy shows etc in their expensive suitings, telling us all, don't worry we are working on it - the ban.

They don't stand a cats chance in hell of doing anything in Parliament.

So what about it folks the High Viz Jackets. If that is the received wisdom that the image is important to change to get the ban overturned.

NOTHING ELSE HAS WORKED!

 

[MissySmythe]

Hahahaha! No one in Hi-Viz gets within a mile of my horse - freaky stations ensue! Perhaps if they were to be adopted people might think we were on community service?
And despite my appreciation of hunting tradition, previously expressed on this forum, am going out next week in ratcatcher and field boots as can't get my hunting boots on due to swollen ankle!

 

[JenHunt]

the other thing about wearing, as JM suggest, the £30 hi-vis jacket is that it would be easier for the huntsmn to see where the field are lurking, especially in the foggier conditions, or in dense undergrowth!

would also be easier for emergency services to find an injured person....

'tis all making sense!

 

[Judgemental]

the other thing about wearing, as JM suggest, the £30 hi-vis jacket is that it would be easier for the huntsmn to see where the field are lurking, especially in the foggier conditions, or in dense undergrowth!

would also be easier for emergency services to find an injured person....

'tis all making sense!

wonder what would happen if one appeared with the Beaufort in a Florecent Jacket

 

[Dogstar]

Well we have had people out mounted with us before in full polo kit, bomber jackets and a wedding suit, so I am sure we could cope with a bit of hi viz
Seriously though, although I wasn't initially keen on going ratcatcher, it doesn't bother me now, I dont see it as cow-towing to anyone; it makes us harder to spot by antis, it is still smart and traditional and it doesn't have the 'in your face' arrogance of a top hat and tails which does kinda say 'I'm a toff out killing for fun, now ***** off out of my way you prole!' which is of course a totally inaccurate interpretation. But if hunting is going to survive and prosper under the ban and after it, then maybe we have to change slightly and in my view we are SO lucky still to be hunting without too many problems, something like this is a minor issue. Oh and I didn't pay £100s for my tweed coat, its an ancient old hacking jacket that I have had for over 20 years and got second hand.

 

[Maesfen]

Perhaps this is an issue that is seen as satisfactory at the Wynstay but to the wider world, it is seen differently.

Ask the Hunt Servants who are first in the firing line from the rules of the ban, (not the general field who won't be the ones held to account) whether they prefer to merge into the background or stick out like a sore thumb much as we all love the relatively new tradition of scarlet. We owe it to them to make life as easy as possible for them and the tweed does that, same as it happens, for the Beaufort and Heythrop Hunt Staff with their traditional green.

 

[rosie fronfelen]

We must be odd then, as watching the field returning this afternoon, all in black or red, it wont catch on here in a hurry-

 

[JenHunt]

We must be odd then, as watching the field returning this afternoon, all in black or red, it wont catch on here in a hurry-

same here Rosie, we were all in Black and Red here this morning. Just a couple of kids in ratcatcher.

 

[tootsietoo]

I have always said that if, for eg, the Wynnstay had called themselves South Cheshire Rural Pest Control Ltd and worn hi-viz, then far fewer people would have jumped on the anti-hunting bandwagon!

What the hell does the colour of people's coats matter anyway? There are bigger things to worry about.

The Wynnstay coats look really smart, and much less "in your face" when galloping down the middle of the A534........ And if it saves the hunt staff from hassle, then it is totally the right thing to do.

Were the Bicester and the Wynnstay changes to dress related to the ban? Or did they do it before the ban?

 

[Dogstar]

The Bicester always wore full hunting dress from the opening meet until March (Spring hunting). However, we changed to ratcatcher straight after the ban following a trip (up North somewhere!) where another pack had found that the tweed coats caused less 'aggro', including with drivers. It also meant that we were 'all in it together' so the hunt servants did not stand out for accusations etc.

 

[RunToEarth]

We are all in black (or navy) and scarlet for the season, although I thought the Wynstay in H&H this week all looked wonderfully turned out in ratcatchers, a few local packs also prefer this. We had an ambicopter case a couple of weeks ago- and it is in times of real emergency someone wishes they were sporting some hi viz, certainly would make their jobs a lot easier, scarlett isn't so bad, but a field of tweed, black or navy isn't going to be easy to spot from a height.
I love traditional dress, and I love to see smart fields, but sometimes it makes you wonder.