dappleapple
Member
I have just been given a gorgeous grey beagler and as I plan to hunt next year, wondered if it would be appropriate dress for the field or if I am best sticking to Navy? Thank you
Suitability of grey beagler for hunting
- Thread starter dappleapple
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combat_claire
Well-Known Member
Sartorial correctness aside I'd personally say you were barmy to consider hunting in anything other than an approved hat - whether that be a smart velvet cap with chin strap or a jockey skull with appropriate coloured cover.
If you really must wear something without a chinstrap at least get a proper fitted hunt cap from Patey or Locks. The warning sewn inside a beagler that states it is suitable for foot beagling only is there for a reason.
If you really must wear something without a chinstrap at least get a proper fitted hunt cap from Patey or Locks. The warning sewn inside a beagler that states it is suitable for foot beagling only is there for a reason.
fastfilly
Well-Known Member
hear, hear about the fitting. Lethal otherwise. (from a Patey wearer 
)
)t_c123
Member
Whilst I agree the fitting advice is exceedingly valid and should definately have been made there is no need to get on one's high horse to such an extent that you don't answer the actual question asked.
So, is a grey beagler/hunt cap TECHNICALLY correct? Not really.
But is it acceptable? Perfectly.
Your hunt cap should match the colour of your coat (black or navy coats only obviously). However when the routine use of top hats went out the gentlemen members - who traditionally would (and still technically can) wear a red coat with three brass hunt buttons were encouraged to wear grey hunt caps to distinguish more clearly between themselves and Masters/Hunt Staff.
Today you'll often see people wearing a grey hunt cap with ratcatcher, Major-General Arthur Denaro being an obvious example. On the basis of the cost of refurbishing or replacing a Patey often people let them fade considerably, the black ones tend to go brown and the navy ones grey so to be honest you probably wouldn't look out of place no matter what coat you would wear.
Hope this helps.
So, is a grey beagler/hunt cap TECHNICALLY correct? Not really.
But is it acceptable? Perfectly.
Your hunt cap should match the colour of your coat (black or navy coats only obviously). However when the routine use of top hats went out the gentlemen members - who traditionally would (and still technically can) wear a red coat with three brass hunt buttons were encouraged to wear grey hunt caps to distinguish more clearly between themselves and Masters/Hunt Staff.
Today you'll often see people wearing a grey hunt cap with ratcatcher, Major-General Arthur Denaro being an obvious example. On the basis of the cost of refurbishing or replacing a Patey often people let them fade considerably, the black ones tend to go brown and the navy ones grey so to be honest you probably wouldn't look out of place no matter what coat you would wear.
Hope this helps.
t_c123
Member
In addition to my earlier post I just found this which illustrates the comparative sticking power of a Patey over a Beagler very neatly:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGPVmtV-GmE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGPVmtV-GmE
Stark Dismay
Well-Known Member
While t_c123's video shows that if you look around you can find evidence that a hat can fall off and another hat doesn't! A lady with one of our local hunts had a custom fitted Patey fall off her head when her horse slipped. So the whole proceedings were held up for the air ambulance to take her to hospital to see if she had head injuries (she was out cold.)
My thoughts on the whole hat matter are this - do you have someone who would be prepared to look after you if you brain damaged yourself? Have you actually asked this 'someone' if they are prepared to pay the price for your vanity? If the answer is still yes, then go ahead and wear your beagler. I wouldn't wear a beagler for anything more than showing a horse in hand. I certainly wouldn't point my horse at a hedge I can't see the landing side of whilst wearing one.
Sorry, but hats is one of my soap box subjects.
My thoughts on the whole hat matter are this - do you have someone who would be prepared to look after you if you brain damaged yourself? Have you actually asked this 'someone' if they are prepared to pay the price for your vanity? If the answer is still yes, then go ahead and wear your beagler. I wouldn't wear a beagler for anything more than showing a horse in hand. I certainly wouldn't point my horse at a hedge I can't see the landing side of whilst wearing one.
Sorry, but hats is one of my soap box subjects.
combat_claire
Well-Known Member
Totally agree Stark Dismay. Well said
Sherston
Well-Known Member
In terms of the suitability - agreed more appropriate with a scarlet coat, but arguably acceptable with a black coat although will look better if it is dark grey.
In respect of the debate on safety or otherwise I would not preach to anyone what is safe, or not, other than what ever hat it is, it should be correctly fitted to the wearer. Just because it has a strap, or not, does not mean it is totally safe.
Happy new hunting year all.
Sherston
In respect of the debate on safety or otherwise I would not preach to anyone what is safe, or not, other than what ever hat it is, it should be correctly fitted to the wearer. Just because it has a strap, or not, does not mean it is totally safe.
Happy new hunting year all.
Sherston