Ok guys, How do I look?? (Hunting turnout and such..)

[Xctrygirl]

@Tantivy1;2999943

Looking through the slides, Rider #159 is a star.

He is worth taking a long look at.

Nice, nice pair. A blue ribbon foxhunter.

Emily, who are they?!

OK I was worried because I literally have gone out 3 times and I swear the thing I am asking over and over is “Who is that?” With a field 150 members deep its gonna be a while before I know even half of the folks out there. Let alone their affiliations and proficiency. Although the first instructions I received the first 2 hunts were the crucial “Do not follow” lists!!! And that definitely is a LONG one!

The gentleman in question is Stevie Hicks (?) I believe. The first name I know is correct, but the last name I am close but not sure about.

I recall him because on my second hunt a horse decided to jump out of his pasture and come along hunting and Stevie was the one who was seen dismounted, leading the still blanketed and VERY prancey pony back to his home while the hunt stopped and came back.
(An overall impressive moment)

I want to thank everyone for all their comments thus far. I have not taken any of the criticisms as anything but proficient fox hunters guiding me, with the best of intentions, to the best path through their beloved sport. I thank you as I truly love hunting and feel very fortunate to be again riding along with the field of a great hunt.

KateDB is correct, it was she who guided the rank lot of us out hunting while in high school with Elkridge Harford. But she is incorrect in thinking that I did remember all the colors and turnout rules. 15 years ago is a long time, and as a human I do forget things!!! But then I know she does too, so its all good.

SEPowell, your comments were very refreshing and I agree a great outlook that I can say without question most riders in all disciplines sometimes get caught up and forget about enjoying their rides. Thanks for reminding me that the fun is as important as the fashion.

And you guys were right, I did find a potentially appropriate coat on an auction site. I am tracking it now, and will hopefully be able to remove the colors from its collar and make all of it black!!!

Tantivity, thanks for your comments. I very much enjoyed reading all the thoughts you had and its easy to recognize a devoted hunter who loves their sport. Congrats.

Overall I will strive to “notch it up” a bit. Especially if my horse makes his debut during cubbing this fall. On him I can control the turnout entirely. And maybe then I can get a good pic that will wow you guys!!!

Thanks again,

Your humble hopeful hunter

~Emily

[AmericaRunsOnDunkin]

You look fine, it is the little tyke two pics away from your 1st pic that I am worried about.

[Beverley]

@SidesaddleRider;2999584

Then come out east… I HIGHLY doubt any of the hunts right around me would condone western tack, even if just “trying it out”. Such as that should be done on the summer hunt trail rides, when anything goes, NOT during hunt season itself.

Oooh, well, I mostly hunted ‘out east’ from 1971-95, when I lived in Virginia. Since there are far fewer western riders in those parts, it’s true that it is likely the issue has not come up. But, it is also true that many of the hunts in your neighborhood didn’t have anything other than first flight on a regular basis until fairly recently. However, I would venture to say that many of the Masters I can think of in your neighborhood would, these days, okay a trial in a western saddle. Men riding sidesaddle is technically verboten, too, but way back in the day, Daniel Sands, late Middleburg MFH, did hunt at least part of one season sidesaddle while a broken leg was mending. So, every rule has its exceptions, and the diehard foxhunters I know, including in Virginia, would rather have an enthusiastic participant in a western saddle than an impeccably-turned-out-but-gets-in-the-way-and-yaks-all-day-and-interferes-with-sport variety. It’s all relative!

[Beverley]

@Xctrygirl;2998211

1Now here’s the next question, and its serious…

Once I change all of these things, those in this hunt are all still doing things their way. Square pads, “Skunk helmets” (Loved that btw) and other things that are not deemed “proper.” So the question is, Who is not proper? Me the groom that conformed to the standards mentioned here, or the members that seem to be re-writing what is “proper” for their hunt???

Overall I have been shocked over and over at the ‘casualness’ and lack of ‘field order’ that I have seen. But then a field of over 150 people, and no hilltoppers leader just blew me away.

I shouldn’t be surprised to hear that these folks are not showing properness, but I guess I am. This is a widely touted hunt that I had expected a much different experience from.

Well, the number one rule is, the Master is the final arbiter of what goes on attire and tack. If a master declares that everybody shall ride in maroon polyester coats, then that’s the correct attire for that hunt. If what you are seeing is a case of ‘Master doesn’t care’ and so people get casual, well, c’est la vie.

When I go hunting, I do make an effort to turn out correctly, not necessarily knowing how hidebound the hunt I’m visiting is regarding ‘tradition.’ I’m not necessarily dressing for the folks I’ll be hunting with, I’m dressing for the landowners. Without their permission, there would be no hunting, and looking decent is the least I can do when I’m going to be putting a few divots in Farmer Brown’s field.

Now, in your case, if you are riding as a groom, sure, you have some slack. But looking at it from another angle, if you are looking to build on a professional career, paying attention to these little details makes you look better as a professional. Don’t worry about the people who might be so crass as to ‘tsk tsk’ in the hunting field- they are idiots, because commenting on someone’s attire ‘out there’ is more incorrect than wearing the wrong coat or helmet. The people whose opinions matter aren’t going to say anything to you, unless you commit a major faux pas, like having a horse kick a hound, or jumping a coop and landing on a hound, for example. But they might just hire you, or recommend you, in the future.

[JSwan]

If anyone would like to read this - I have attached the MFHA’s pdf on attire. For the OP - you might like to have this handy as a reference. It might settle any questions in your mind about number of buttons or boot tops.

If you are in the market for a plain Melton, Saddlery Liquidators is having a huge sale. I got a Melton there (medium weight but I’ve never ever been cold wearing it) for 100$. Brand new. They have a lot of foxhunting stuff there now. I got a very nice Shire shirt for 20$. They did not have the selection of stock ties that I’d like to see - but for coats, vests, helmets and boots - it is very much worth the trip. They also sell my favorite sheepskin saddle pad.

Doesn’t look like we’re hunting today. Bad weather coming.

Beverly -well said. (When I go hunting, I do make an effort to turn out correctly, not necessarily knowing how hidebound the hunt I’m visiting is regarding ‘tradition.’ I’m not necessarily dressing for the folks I’ll be hunting with, I’m dressing for the landowners. Without their permission, there would be no hunting, and looking decent is the least I can do when I’m going to be putting a few divots in Farmer Brown’s field.)

Attire.pdf (102 KB)

[LookinSouth]

@Beverley;3000800

When I go hunting, I do make an effort to turn out correctly, not necessarily knowing how hidebound the hunt I’m visiting is regarding ‘tradition.’ I’m not necessarily dressing for the folks I’ll be hunting with, I’m dressing for the landowners. Without their permission, there would be no hunting, and looking decent is the least I can do when I’m going to be putting a few divots in Farmer Brown’s field.

Now, in your case, if you are riding as a groom, sure, you have some slack. But looking at it from another angle, if you are looking to build on a professional career, paying attention to these little details makes you look better as a professional. Don’t worry about the people who might be so crass as to ‘tsk tsk’ in the hunting field- they are idiots, because commenting on someone’s attire ‘out there’ is more incorrect than wearing the wrong coat or helmet. The people whose opinions matter aren’t going to say anything to you, unless you commit a major faux pas, like having a horse kick a hound, or jumping a coop and landing on a hound, for example. But they might just hire you, or recommend you, in the future.

Well said. Great points!

[LookinSouth]

@SidesaddleRider;2999584

Then come out east… I HIGHLY doubt any of the hunts right around me would condone western tack, even if just “trying it out”. Such as that should be done on the summer hunt trail rides, when anything goes, NOT during hunt season itself.

This is pretty much what I have gathered from hunting in the NE as well. Western saddles are NOT allowed. Of course landowners would probably be an exception I’m sure.

[Painted_Wings]

I got some good laughs out of that

I read through the pdf file.

Some curious things

Honorary staff (Huntsman/whips) can have a sandwich case and flask. Professional cannot. So if you are getting paid you can’t snack on the job.

“Lightweight breechs of silk or light synthetic knits are not correct” Geez, try finding breeches that aren’t lightweight synthetic knit.

Interesting that it says gloves may be brown or black, I always thought black was incorrect.

[Tantivy1]

[QUOTE=Painted Wings;3001224]
I read through the pdf file.

Some curious things

Honorary staff (Huntsman/whips) can have a sandwich case and flask. Professional cannot. So if you are getting paid you can’t snack on the job.

“Lightweight breechs of silk or light synthetic knits are not correct” Geez, try finding breeches that aren’t lightweight synthetic knit.

Interesting that it says gloves may be brown or black, I always thought black was incorrect.[/QUOTE]

Good catches…I think I have said before that stuff needs to be revised and updated (maybe Sidesaddlerider is working on it).

Never have seen any staff with sandwich cases either, did not know why until now.

Silk breeches? Eyow!

[JSwan]

I figured the “silk/knit” reference meant racing silks or similar material.

Never seen staff with case or flask - professional or otherwise. I have seen people offer staff a sip or snack, though. Since they’re “working”, I guess the thought is that they’re working, not playing, and don’t need those geegaws?

Dunno. Our tailgates fatten them up anyway…

I wonder if the black gloves is some sort of concession. I have some nice proper brown gloves for high holy days, but my regular riding gloves are some really tough brown gloves I got at the feedstore - those things have lasted for years. Brown isn’t hard to find - though brown field boots can be difficult to find. By brown I mean military tan. The hunt I belong to is pretty formal, but for guests and folks starting out a lot of leeway is given. It can take time to find or save up for certain items.

I posted that pdf more to address the frock/patent leather/button thing - which I think is pretty spot on. (though I’m assuming by “member”, the author means a subscriber that has received colors)

I would hope that staff do not drink or have alcohol on their person while hunting; especially if any of them carry a firearm. In my state - the game warden would arrest them. While we all have hunting licenses, the huntsman and staff are actually the only persons hunting or have control over the hunting dogs. Drinking and hunting don’t mix.

[Painted_Wings]

I think it’s funny the difference between honorary and professional with the sandwich cases. We have some four hour or more hunts and I know in the olden days that would have been considered a short hunt. It seems like professional staff should be allowed to carry a sandwich if they want. Of course they have so much other stuff hanging off their saddle they might not have room for one. Couples, wire cutters, horn, etc.

I certainly understand the flask thing. Wouldn’t want to drink on the job. I’ve never seen our huntsman drink anything stronger than O’douls on or off the job.

Professional huntsman are supposed to have couples but honorary don’t? But an honorary whipper-in should have couples.

I’m sure this all came about for a reason. It would be interesting to know the history behind it.

[Beverley]

Haven’t checked the file yet, maybe later today!

But, in my experience as an honorary whipper-in, there was never any differentiation between honorary and professional as to ‘what’ one carried. As a whipper-in, paid or not, one carries what is needed. That never includes a sandwich case or flask, that would be silly. In my case, I had a pistol and couples and a wire cutter adorning my saddle. Nowadays many whippers-in also need a place to hang a radio.

The only appointments difference I can think of is that a professional is entitled to use a white whip. If as a whipper-in you want to carry a sandwich, you put it in your pocket. Much softer to land on than say, the pistol! If you get thirsty you rely on the good will of the flask-toters in the field.

[Ravencrest_Camp]

Bless your hearts

I thought I would weight in with my 2 cents, for what it is worth. And I hope that this post is taken in the spirit that it is intended.

I love the traditions of hunting and certainly appreciate a horse and rider turned out in a clean workmanlike manner.

For all of you self-proclaimed “tradition nazis”, I sincerely hope that you ladies are riding side saddle.

I am not sure where y’all are from, but around here hunting is not exactly a thriving sport. I would hate to turn off a potential new member because we were too fussy or adhered too strictly to tradition. We really should do everythig we can to make new people feel welcome. I am not sure if it’s the way I am reading it, but the tone of some of the posts certainly does not feel welcoming.

Traditions evolve, progress marches on. Happy hunting.

[jetjocky]

[QUOTE=J Swan;2998527]
I was out hunting Saturday and we had the pleasure of visiting with the landowner at the tailgate, and members of his family to see us off and welcome us back. Nice people. I thanked him for letting us hunt on his farm and he said one of the things he loves to see is how lovely we all look - how poetic and old fashioned. It’s a pleasure to watch us and the hounds.

It’s not the first time I’ve heard that from a landowner. While attire isn’t the focus of foxhunting - we are out on someone else’s land, and I’d no sooner look slovenly for hunting than I would showing up on their doorstep for dinner.[/QUOTE]

Amen.

[Tantivy1]

[Revencrest wrote: thought I would weight in with my 2 cents. I hope that this post is taken in the spirit that it is intended. I am not sure where y’all are from, but around here hunting is not exactly a thriving sport. I would hate to turn off a potential new member because we were too fussy or adhered too strictly to tradition. We really should do everythig we can to make new people feel welcome. I am not sure if it’s the way I am reading it, but the tone of some of the posts certainly does not feel welcoming.]

I definitely think you need to go back and re-read.

Please see posts # 19 & 21 earlier in this thread.

I’m reading a distinctly different tone here than you are!

[Painted_Wings]

The original poster was asking for criticism. If you ask for it you have to be willing to take it. I think she has done admirably well and has stayed with the thread.

Since she obviously (from looking at her webstie) wants to work toward being an equine professional, she is to be admired for wanting to present the best impression she can.

We have professionals in our hunt field. Some come out beautifully turned out on beautifully turned out horses. Others show up on unkempt horses with long manes and looking genrally shaggy. If I were inclined to choose one for professional services I would be more inclined toward the one that presents the most professional appearance in the hunt field. She is smart for wanting to improve the correctness of her turnout. It is good for business.

She is to be admired for standing up and saying “let me have it” and then not running for the hills or going to ground.

On this board if someone posts a photo I have never seen them jumped on for the wrong attire, etc unless a critique is specifically requested by the original poster.

By the way, Xcountry Girl. After looking at your website, your position is quite good, much better than is reflected in the hunting photos you posted. I wish my position were that good. I’m sure it must have to do with learning the horse and the situation.

Post some more photos at the end of the season after you’ve had a chance to implement some of the good advise given here. We always love to see hunting photos.

[JSwan]

Evidently you have not understood one single thing that has been written. When I first started out - the people I came across (yes, tradition nazis in your worldview) were among the nicest and helpful. Being properly outfitted for hunting does not have to break the bank.

You’d not show up for a dressage test in chaps and blue jeans, nor would you compete at a horse trial in western tack. Every sport has its rules and guidelines on tack and attire. Hunting is no different - except that since each hunt is also a private club, the Master has the final say.

Sorry the sport isn’t thriving where you are. The MFHA has a booklet that can help your Master start a foxhunting clinic to attract new members. It’s not the attire that is the problem - it’s the fact that fewer and fewer people know how to really ride xc anymore. Help them leave the ring - and they’ll embrace the sport. As far as cost - it costs me a heck of a lot less to foxhunt than it did to event. Attire included.

For the OP - I took a look at the rest of those pictures - I revise my previous statement on your position. It’s obvious the moments captured in those photos are not a true depiction of your position. I also admit that I am insanely jealous of your thin thighs.

Beverly - interesting that you mention wirecutters. Some hunts frown on members carrying them. Maybe they have had problems, or worry about, members cutting fences to take a shortcut? Dunno. I carry them - but I checked with the Master first just to verify. I was certain she’d object - but nope - she was glad someone in the field was going to carry them. I’ve actually used them too - as well as the baling twine in my sandwich case, and the Leatherman type tool I keep in there. That’s one thing I have noticed - the number of folks that don’t carry knives or other emergency equipment. I guess we all assume someone else in the field was a Boy or Girl Scout?

@Ravencrest_Camp;3001728

I thought I would weight in with my 2 cents, for what it is worth. And I hope that this post is taken in the spirit that it is intended.

I love the traditions of hunting and certainly appreciate a horse and rider turned out in a clean workmanlike manner.

For all of you self-proclaimed “tradition nazis”, I sincerely hope that you ladies are riding side saddle.

I am not sure where y’all are from, but around here hunting is not exactly a thriving sport. I would hate to turn off a potential new member because we were too fussy or adhered too strictly to tradition. We really should do everythig we can to make new people feel welcome. I am not sure if it’s the way I am reading it, but the tone of some of the posts certainly does not feel welcoming.

Traditions evolve, progress marches on. Happy hunting.

[LookinSouth]

@J Swan;3001990

It’s not the attire that is the problem - it’s the fact that fewer and fewer people know how to really ride xc anymore. Help them leave the ring - and they’ll embrace the sport. As far as cost - it costs me a heck of a lot less to foxhunt than it did to event. Attire included.

Amen to that! I’ve found foxhunting to be very affordable and the attire that I have for eventing works fine. It is far more expensive to get everything needed for eventing. The only thing I needed to buy to hunt was a stock tie which I needed for dressage regardless. In addition, I have friends that hunt who are H/J’s and they hunt in navy hunt coats with white shirts/stock ties (only needed to purchase the stock tie) Again, equipment they already have. You can buy a used hunt coat very cheaply and my hunt even said a dark blazer would be fine for cubbing or beginner guests/members. I believe you can usually find a dark traditional type blazer at nearly any salvation army/thrift store.

[Ravencrest_Camp]

[QUOTE=LookinSouth;3002017]
In addition, I have friends that hunt who are H/J’s and they hunt in a navy hunt coats [/QUOTE]

A navy coat?? THE HORROR THE HORROR. Please note tongue firmly planted in cheek.

JSwan, “tradition nazi” was not my world view, I was quoting SidesaddleRider, "All right, I’m an admitted turn-out nazi, "

I am definately of the view that you should stand out for your equestrian abilities, not your garish attire in the field. However, if someone comes out to hunt and they are clean, neat and tidy, perhaps we should forgive them if their gloves are the wrong colour. So long as they are neon.

What I was trying to say, again somewhat tongue in cheek, to those that point to tradition as the basis of everything. Tradition evolves, what was once traditional may no longer be so.

[JSwan]

@Ravencrest_Camp;3002359

What I was trying to say, again somewhat tongue in cheek, to those that point to tradition as the basis of everything. Tradition evolves, what was once traditional may no longer be so.

As long as it doesn’t evolve into the craziness in the hunter and dressage rings - I’m ok with that. No shadbellies on 10 year olds!!! I’m putting my foot down, dagnabbit!