Getting outfitted for hunting.

[Mukluk]

Velvet helmet on the way.

On a budget but don’t want to buy cheap stuff that won’t last.

I need a black or navy hunt coat- I’m thinking one with stretch would be most comfortable. Any recommendations?

The only tall boots I have are field boots, so I guess I need dress boots. I think a zipper would be nice. Any recommendations?

The only fitted pad I have tends to slip a lot- so I think I need to try something else? What do you folks like in the way of a pad?

I also need a hunt bridle- seems like most folks recommend the Bobby’s brand.

I am not sure what else I would need. Happy to hear from folks regarding other items I might need/want.

[GrayMare]

I would start slow and accumulate things gradually. My favorite non-slip pad is the Ecogold non-slip hunter pad (Smartpak carries it), it’s not cheap but it’s very durable, washes great, and stays in place great.

If you really want to get new boots, I recommend the Ariat tall insulated ones. Personally, I find the insulated field boots fit better than the insulated dress ones for some reason, so I wear those.

I don’t have anything against the Bobby’s bridles, but my favorite bridles are the KL Select Foxwell bridle (VTO sells it) and I recently picked up an Aramas hunt bridle that is made of lovely leather. But you can wait on this, because again, sometimes you can pick something up on sale, and a flat hunt bridle is not essential.

Hunt coats are tricky. If you can delay, often something will crop up that is your size to be had at a bargain. Otherwise, don’t skimp, because hunt jackets last forever, and you don’t want to be stuck with something uncomfortable or unflattering for the rest of your life. Re: stretch, none of my hunt coats have any stretch. They are wool, and they are tailored to allow for layers underneath and also for movement of the arms, even if you are a gal with the shoulders and arms of someone who stacks too much hay (like me) you should be fine. Definitely don’t buy something that feels restrictive! My fave jackets are from Horse Country in VA, but Shires makes a really warm and nice hunt coat also.

FWIW, I’ve been back into hunting for 3-4 years after a many year lapse and I still usually hunt in a black Samshield (not velvet)–which is the helmet that fits me the best. I’m in the market for the “right” velvet helmet, but I refuse to sacrifice fit/comfort.

I’d put a high priority on getting the right wool socks that fit just right inside your boots, and also on getting the right long underwear/ warm winter breeches. You don’t say where you are located, but if it’s cold, having the right layering system is critical. Also, warm gloves and silk glove liners = essential.

[whichchick]

Also, don’t overlook the used market. Not sure where you are, but if you’re remotely near the mid-Atlantic region of the US, Middleburg VA has a used-hunt-stuff store that might be worth a pilgrimage. Website (for directions, hours): http://www.middleburgtack.com/ I am not affiliated with them, just another person looking to get kitted up on the cheap.

[GrayMare]

I’ll second the recommendation for Middleburg Tack. They do not post photos on their website, but if you are interested in something, they will send you photos and give you very helpful information over the phone. They know their inventory well.

[Foxglove]

Not sure where you are, but we hunt in Michigan in all kinds of cold, wet, snowy weather. Members have extremely heavy coats for the really cold days, and lighter ones for the not-so-cold days, and a few of us have tropical weight for “I can’t believe it’s this hot in October” days.

Members acquire quite a few coats and are more than willing to pass on coats that have shrunk in the closet over the summer. Same with vests. Ask around your club and let people know what you need.

As to boots --I’d wait and see what others are wearing. To the last, our members wear Mountain Horse Winter Riding Boots after the Blessing of the Hounds when we all wear our formal boots for the last time --because in 0 degree weather, leather won’t keep your feet warm.

In my opinion (as one who rides first flight through heavily wooded hunt country), field boots are not safe as the lacing strings can catch on trees (especially pine) and heavy brush, dragging you off your horse. Field boots are called “field” boots for the reason that they are used to ride in an open field --not in wooded country. That 's the same reason young riders are warned against peacock stirrups --and before you think I’m overly cautious, I’ve seen it happen, and I myself had my breeches torn from knee to hip by a sharp branch -just glad they tore instead of snagged or I’d have been off my horse! And yes, I did use my stock-tie to retain my modesty by wrapping it around my thigh and pinning it --and no, it wasn’t one of “those” shaped or faux stock ties --I use a “4-Fold” stock tie that really is useful as a bandage or in my case, preventing a flash of leg on the hunt field.

If your club is like ours, the most important aspect of the hunt is that you have a fun, safe ride. If you are most comfortable and feel safest in field boots, then I’d say wear them; if you prefer a light, stretchy coat, wear it. Same with helmets --what makes you feel safest and most comfortable. And at times I have worn (confession) a RED down vest under my hunt coat because it was warmer than my canary vest, although I did try to stuff the collar under my coat. And sometimes I wear a scarf over my face because if I don’t my nose will freeze.

We have two members who dress to the 9s, but ride in Western saddles (they hilltop) and a few in first and second flight who use endurance saddles (Tuckers, I think).

Enjoy the hunt!

[xeroxchick]

I went from total custom boots to zip Ariats (no boot pulls nor boot Jack needed, comfortable to break in) but Ariat quit making a plain black zip dress boot. Their new ones are too funky. I did find a pair on a western catalog site! Please, Ariat, quit concentrating on tacky clothing and make us plain zip black and cordovan dress boots!

[Willesdon]

Being in the UK and so an expert on rain, personally I dislike zippered boots because the water gets in too quickly. The zip also can also break at an inconvenient moment.

[Belmont]

I guess my question right now would be, what kind of stuff do you have already?

You’re field boots are fine, unless you really want dress boots (or your hunt is incredibly, incredibly formal). I hunted for YEARS in a $40 fancy stitch from Chicks or something like that. I kept it clean and oiled. Not everyone hunts with a wide, flat nose band or in the same bridle. We had many different bridles, brands, and bits out there.

As for a coat, it depends on your weather and comfort. In Nevada, it got freaking cooolllddd. I had a wool Melton when I was a jr that I loved. After I started paying for more stuff myself (on a strict budget), I began using my Navy hunt coat instead of buying a new coat. My masters were fine with Navy. On the coldest days, a lot of tradition went out, and I hunted in a black club coat with a down vest and scarf/face mask over it.

For pads, you really have your choice. We used anything from sheepskin shaped pads to non-slip pads to cheap shaped pads. We had a lot of climbing country, so we stopped all of our slipping around with breast plates rather than non-slip pads.

As for other things you will want, a sandwich case and flask are pretty important (IMO). The sandwich case held snacks and more. The flask held the good stuff. If you hunt somewhere cold, I would also suggest insulated gloves, ear warms, and hot hands. I have also hunted in goggles before because it was snowing so hard.

Remember, as long as you fall within your hunts guidelines (and they should have some), it comes down to what is comfortable, properly fitted, and within your budget to buy. You don’t have to go buy a bunch of new stuff because you are hunting. A lot of your old stuff will probably work just fine.

[Mukluk]

Thanks everyone! I am in California and the closest hunt is Tejon Ranch. They are at 4000 feet so snow is a possibility but probably wouldn’t be to frequent- but we just don’t get the cold that most other places get. I also live at 4000 feet so where the hunt is located likely has a similar climate to home. I definitely want the flask part of the get up!!!

[SouthernYankee]

It takes years to acquire all of the equipment. Add to the timeline if you change horses… I’m still getting into hunting, this will be my third season. And I have a new horse that is much larger than my older semi-retired mare so I’ve had to buy doubles of quite a few things.

Make a list of things that you need and watch the Facebook sale pages or eBay for them. I’ve bought quite a few pair of used Tailored Sportsmans off Facebook for around $50/pair. They aren’t in perfect shape but I’m not going to spend $$ on breeches that will get covered in mud, blood, and get drug through briars. I’ve also gotten quite a few tweed/cubbing jackets in the same way. My hunt is very informal and we have the flexibility to wear whatever informal jacket we want, that gets pretty expensive pretty quick since i can wear colored shirts, fun stock ties, and any combination of vest/jacket depending on the weather.

I’d love a saddle flask but have been unable to find one that is affordable. I did get D’s added to my saddle and have purchased a sandwich case so I can pack a flask in there if needed.

My next big purchase will be a radio. I used to whip-in on my mare and will eventually do it again once my new horse gets some miles on him (never hunted very green 4yo). I’ve been borrowing one for the past few seasons and I’ll tell you it made all the difference in keeping up with the hounds or getting thrown out and loosing the pack.

[fallingwithstyle]

My hunt bridle I ordered from Bartville Harness in PA–it’s Amish made, lovely quality, and I believe more wallet friendly.

For dress boots, if you’re looking for something that will last, I recommend getting dress boots without the zipper, a tip that was recommended to me by friends who have been hunting for longer than I’ve been around when I expressed that I thought a zipper might be nice.

Finally, though you didn’t bring it up, make sure your flask top is attached so you don’t lose the little sucker.

[ecileh]

You might want to consider a breastplate, too–depending on the terrain.

Our territory has some very steep hills, so we all use them to help prevent the saddle from slipping backwards. Mine is three point, but people also use five points in my hunt. I also whip in, so the breastplate is a handy place to hang things like the GPS collar and a coupler. Mine has a standing attachment, which I use for my mare, but not the gelding I have been whipping off of.

I really like the Horse Country double grip line of saddle pads and don’t find them to be all that more expensive than other good pads.
(http://www.horsecountrycarrot.com/index.cfm?action=store&sub=product&prod=447&cat=135) One thing to consider with saddle pads is making sure they have girth loops (and use them!) so the pad does not wad or slip after hours hunting. My huntsman swears that the only billet loops to hunt in are the kind that do not have velcro–she insists it will not stand up to long hunts, though I have not had that experience yet.

I am 150% pro zipper on boots. I will never own another pair without them and it’s been my experience that the only time zippers fail is when the boot does not fit properly to begin with. Mileage and opinions, of course, vary.

I will say this, though. Two weeks ago, I sprained my ankle before getting on for Opening Day. I would not have been able to get my boot on if not for the zipper and am pretty sure it would have had to been cut off me six hours later if not for the same.

[Mukluk]

[QUOTE=fallingwithstyle;885867)
Finally, though you didn’t bring it up, make sure your flask top is attached so you don’t lose the little sucker.[/QUOTE]

A very good point!!!

I am greatly appreciating all of the information that everyone is so generously sharing. The bridle I have is a smartpak Harwich- so it really doesn’t look like a hunt bridle. I will plan to contact the hunt and see if I can just visit (without horse) to get a sense of what kinds of gear folks have. And to make friends with the hounds (I hope).

[Mukluk]

Well I can tell you that although quite nice, I won’t be purchasing this lovely item!!!

http://www.horsecountrycarrot.com/index.cfm?action=store&sub=product&prod=783&cat=151

[gypsymare]

Don’t worry about being perfect your first season or two… Or even ever. I remember agonizing over the details when I started and even more so when I moved to a more big name club but no one bats an eye at the guy soaring over jumps in a racing saddle with the calf protectors that look like ace bandages and a square saddle pad when he’s riding a horse to die for. Be clean, be courteous and wear what you have. Your field boots will be fine. I see at least a dozen people wearing them every hunt and no one will care about your fancy stitching. You will, once you have to spend forever scrubbing the dried mud off of it, but that’s besides the point. During cubbing season or during the week the rest of the year you can wear tweeds or other modestly colored coats.

I tried for a few years to use the real sheepskin pads and when they weren’t stinky they were crispy and falling apart from too many washings. My current favorite is the medallion superquilt pad. I like the Velcro straps that secures it around the entire saddle flap and that I can get it in a size large enough for my 18" saddle to not be hanging off the back.

Bartville has great prices and beautiful leatherwork. They also have inexpensive sandwich cases. I carry a normal hip flask instead.

[fallingwithstyle]

If you’re on Facebook, there’s a group-Foxhunters on Facebook (aptly named)-where sale items, photos, questions, and discussion on all things fox hunting can be found. Come join us!

[SouthernYankee]

[QUOTE=Mukluk;8858821]
Well I can tell you that although quite nice, I won’t be purchasing this lovely item!!!

http://www.horsecountrycarrot.com/index.cfm?action=store&sub=product&prod=783&cat=151[/QUOTE]

http://foxhuntingshop.com/shop/all/TEC00094-tory-leather-english-saddle-bag-havana#.V-WgozV_SLQ

This is what I bought, very heavy leather. It works fine although it doesn’t include the flask or sandwich case. It is large enough to hold a couple of flask’s, some snacks, a leatherman, etc…

[SLW]

[QUOTE=Mukluk;8858821]
Well I can tell you that although quite nice, I won’t be purchasing this lovely item!!!

http://www.horsecountrycarrot.com/index.cfm?action=store&sub=product&prod=783&cat=151[/QUOTE]

It has been 10 years since I bought my sandwich case from Bartville but I can assure you I think I paid like $50-$60 for it. I leave it on year round and it’s still as good as new.

[Kodiak]

As far as coats, button-down shirts, polos, and even neckties (if you decide to go that route during cub hunting season), hit the secondhand stores. Goodwill, eBay, etc.

As has been pointed out, clothing will encounter blood, mud, and briars. And you need lots of options: formal and informal, plus wide temperature/humidity swings. Get what you need to get by (cheaply!) and spend the next years/decades upgrading.

For example, if you do expect to ride in the cold, pick up a used melton. It’s a few hundred dollars, but a good melton can just about stop bullets and will keep you warm and dry in miserable weather. Your other coats just need to be 3 button with a back vent style. My favorite tweed hacking jacket was a $20 men’s lightweight wool suit jacket from eBay that I had altered.

To add to the previous comment about Middleburg Tack, they will ship to you with a credit card on file and they do handle a lot of meltons and other basic items. To ensure good fit, measure a coat that fits you well and compare measurements with them over the phone or email rather than just relying on the label size.

Hunting is like anything else: you’ll develop a good feel over time for what you actually want to have in your kit. So, do the minimum now, and then gradually buy quality pieces as you figure out what you want and need.

[Belmont]

Here is a photo album from the last joint meet at Tejon (last year) with RRH.

https://fieldhaven.smugmug.com/RedRockHounds-1/Red-Rock-Hounds-2016/Tejon-Hunt-Week-Jan-2016/

You can see that not everyone has a flat hunt bridle, yours will do just fine. You can also see that some people weren’t “properly equipped” for their first time, and that is also totally fine. You will learn! Don’t go buy stuff you don’t need unless you want to. Flat, hunt bridles are gorgeous, but you can absolutely hunt without on. Especially your first season! Also, I have hunted with Tejon in my field boots… Perfectly acceptable as a visitor or member without colors.