Question about jackets after Opening Meet

[chestnut cob]

So this year I am hopefully (if naughty horse ever settles back in to it...was a total pain on Saturday on hound exercise) going to manage to get out more than twice after Opening Meet, and am planning to buy a 6 day ticket.

Because I usually only ever go once or twice, I usually go in my tweed but as I'm planning to be out more, I feel I should be correct and be in black.

Am I ok in a normal black jacket you would wear for SJ or dressage, or am I going to have to spend £££s on a "proper" hunting jacket? I know for a fact I won't be upgrading to full subscription as I can't afford it and don't have the time to be out that often, and I wouldn't wear it for dressage (would stick with tweed), so it will purely be for those 6 outings, hence me not really wanting to spend £££s.

Thanks

 

[Starbucks]

I don't think it really matters that much as long as you look smart.

If you did buy a proper jacket though at least you would be nice and warm!! I wear mine if I do any SJ or Dressage in the winter too - it's great! Maybe you could pick one up second hand?

 

[camilla4]

A regular jacket will be fine - the Hunt coats are a slightly different cut but the main difference is in the weight as they are designed to be warm and thornproof!

Edited to say that I would recommend getting a wool one rather than synthetic or mix!

 

[spacefaer]

Most competition jackets aren't very warm (normally designed to keep you cool in the summer!) so lots and lots of thermals and woolly tights if you want to wear yours

ebay often has 2nd hand black and navy hunt coats if that helps!

 

[star]

i just use a normal synthetic comp jacket. i use a long sleeved t-shirt, a thermal layer (the type bike riders wear), body protector and jacket and am always plenty warm enough as the thermal layer is windproof.

 

[chestnut cob]

Thanks all

I will keep an eye on Ebay to see if anything comes up as I must admit I'd rather have a wool one than synthetic.

Next question...do I *really* want to get up at 3.45am on saturday morning for a 6am autumn hunting meet?! :crazy:

 

[JenHunt]

Just wear what ever black jacket you have - at least until you a)know you're going to be hunting a full season and b) can save up pennies to buy a proper hunting coat

 

[spacefaer]

Next question...do I *really* want to get up at 3.45am on saturday morning for a 6am autumn hunting meet?! :crazy:

I think it helps to think of it as just before four ... getting in from a good party sort of time!!

 

[chestnut cob]

LOL! Right, I will try to think of it like that instead...

 

[combat_claire]

If you aren't going out enough to warrant investing in a proper hunt coat then just wear your ratcatcher (tweed with a shirt & tie or coloured stock) you'll be a hell of a lot warmer and nobody can say you are incorrectly dressed.

 

[chestnut cob]

Thanks Clare.

I plan to do a 6 day ticket/package, so will be out 6 times after OM. I figured this was often enough to warrant going out in black, but if I'm ok with tweed then will stick to it

 

[combat_claire]

Trust me when we get into November & December, you won't want to be riding about in a skimpy show jacket ;-)

Always worth keeping an eye out on the second hand websites like Field & Country, Tackagain, Ebay etc to see if you can pick up a bargain. But until then stick in ratcatcher.

 

[k9h]

If you aren't going out enough to warrant investing in a proper hunt coat then just wear your ratcatcher (tweed with a shirt & tie or coloured stock) you'll be a hell of a lot warmer and nobody can say you are incorrectly dressed.

This is what I was going to say! lol

For 6 days hunting I wouldn't waste your money on another jacket. Stick to your tweed. You are never incorrect in tweed! Yes it would be nice to have a woll black or blue coat but IMHO for 6 days I would save the coat money & have another days hunting!!

 

[combat_claire]

If you aren't going out enough to warrant investing in a proper hunt coat then just wear your ratcatcher (tweed with a shirt & tie or coloured stock) you'll be a hell of a lot warmer and nobody can say you are incorrectly dressed.

This is what I was going to say! lol

Great minds, darling!

 

[k9h]

Great minds, darling!

Too true!!