My daughter is going fox hunting for the first time tomorrow. She normally wears a brown velvet helmet when showing her ponies at horse shows. Would it be ok for her to wear it foxhunting? Her bow is sewn up on the back, so not the way a member of the hunt would wear it.
It’s always best to check with the Hon Sec. or the Master as to what they consider appropriate. With that said, most hunts are very relaxed about attire for juniors, and with our hunt it would be allowed. We are aways excited to get new young faces involved in the sport.
‘Ratcatcher’ attire is always considered proper for juniors, and indeed, as stated, juniors, especially newbies, are smiled upon if they are clean, mannerly and well mounted. Absolute correctness of attire is of little importance.
That said, I believe a brown helmet is never correct with formal attire (black or navy coat). It is for ratcatcher (the hunting catchall term for informal, tweeds) days only. Like brown boots or field boots.
Still, if the helmet fits well (harness, I hope!) she is most welcome with it at any hunt I’ve ever been associated with. Most most most welcome.
As HR said, ratcatcher is always okay for juniors. That would include a brown helmet.
Plan B, regardless of age, if that if it’s a formal day and you wish to wear your brown helmet, and someone wishes to make an issue, you just smile and say oh, it’s really black, just got sunbleached from years of sitting on the dashboard of the truck.
Thank you so much for the replies. They are very much appreciated.
Unfortunately it poured rain all night and morning and we had to cancel, so she didn’t get to go hunting. She was heartbroken. They will hopefully be making their hunting debut in a few weeks.
Sunday we are going to do a hunter pace to make up for having to cancel. I’m sure it’s not quite as much fun as actually Fox Hunting, but the weather is supposed to be beautiful on Sunday, so we should have a wonderful time.
Here’s a little picture of my daughter and her pony.
http://www.gallopprints.net/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=260306
She is adorable
I’m sure she would be welcome at any hunt.
Lovely photo of your daughter and her pony - she looks like she will be a wonderful foxhunter and with that form over fences, she should do some hunter trials and hunt nights!
Best Hunting!
