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

[Tantivy1]

@Ravencrest

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

. 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.

Tradition evolves, what was once traditional may no longer be so.

#1 - if you were well versed on what is proper, then you would know that a navy jacket is PERFECTLY PROPER any day of the week, anywhere (placement of tongue noted )

Navy is as equally proper as black. I see it every Saturday at many different hunts, some of which request their staff to wear navy rather than black.

#2 I beg you, and I think this has been said countless times before, I know of no one that would get upset at some newbie showing up with black gloves or some equally (horrific!) honest mistake.

In over thirty years of hunting, I do not know of a single incident where someone was berated for wearing the wrong colour of glove etc.

Have is ever happened to you or your friends? I am very curious.

#3 Yes, tradition evolves, which I why I mentioned earlier that it would be nice if the MFHA guidelines JSwan posted could be revised and updated.

But I do not think many changes needs to be made, just some minor fine tuning.

What do you propose and why, as some changes in traditional wear please?

[TwoArabs]

I always liked the traditional formal garb of foxhunters. Some I did not understand (like nopads of fillis irons). I’m shocked about the no alcholoh rule. After an opening hunt I asked the MFH how one impeccably turned out woman (she had brilliant red hair and rode a equally brilliant chestnut) was able to keep up with the very aggressive first field while sidesaddle. .His comment to me was that she had drank so much port that she wouldn’t feel it if she fell off.

I have never fox hunted seriously, but participated in hunter paces, and did attend many dressage schooling shows and was shocked at the causual appearance of many riders. My horse was wakways cleaned and braided and although not a shadbelly level. always dressed to show.

[Tantivy1]

You know, I am reminded of a comment a mutual friend said about a foxhunting buddy of ours after his death.

He said, and I quote:

“That man liked nothing better than to get dressed up, get on his horse, and go celebrate life <out foxhunting>.”

Why someone would NOT want to look their best possible, within reason, I cannot fanthom.

[Xctrygirl]

@J Swan;3001990

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.

Thin Thighs??? :eek: Ok I should ask right away how thick are the lenses you’re clearly looking through? And are they rose tinted? And if so, where can i get a pair!!!

My thighs are as much a blight to me as every other woman I know. (Meaning no one likes their own thighs) I have long been thinking I should get off my butt and get an Ab/Thigh master combo deal and use it!!

Here is a ‘truer’ pic of my legs and backside… as shot by my pro photographer boyfriend, Charles Mann.

http://www.cmannphoto.com/2007_Lad_FHS/pages/07FHS0168.htm

And in normal clothes:
http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/OrderPage.aspx?pi=0EBK006D3I0021&po=21

And for the position guru’s, here are a couple nice shots from events:

http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/OrderPage.aspx?pi=0EBK005J140003&po=3

http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/OrderPage.aspx?pi=0EBK006D360018&po=18

~Emily

[SidesaddleRider]

@TwoArabs;3002533

After an opening hunt I asked the MFH how one impeccably turned out woman (she had brilliant red hair and rode a equally brilliant chestnut) was able to keep up with the very aggressive first field while sidesaddle. His comment to me was that she had drank so much port that she wouldn’t feel it if she fell off.

Hey! Give sidesaddle a try before you think it’s hard to keep up with first field…you actually have more “stick” than astride. I’ve been out with Piedmont for a good 4+ hours several times, and they certainly fit the definition of an “aggressive” first field, and only a sip of port was to be had.

[SidesaddleRider]

@J Swan;3002448

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!

Oh, good lord, but I hate seeing that… especially when they’re riding a small pony and wearing paddock boots, garters, and HUGE pastel-colored bows on their braids! :eek:

[Romany]

Charles Mann???!!!

Lucky, lucky - during the Athens Olympics, my every day started with a coffee and gazing at Charles Mann’s EXTRAORDINARY photos - I still remember some of those images, they were so spectacular - he caught some wonderful moments in time!

You must really luurve him, though, to let him post that tasteful shot of your bahookie for the world to enjoy.:lol:

[JSwan]

That’s it. I hate you. It’s official. :lol: I do like your position in the eventing shots. I got into the habit of jumping ahead and ducking - and I tell you what - it hurts when you come off the shoulder. I no longer bounce - I just lay there then try and climb out of the crater I made when I landed. :no:

A good indication you need a thigh master is when, after falling, Greenpeace shows up and tries to push you back in the ocean. You are in no danger of being pushed back in the ocean.

I, on the other hand…

@Xctrygirl;3003524

Here is a ‘truer’ pic of my legs and backside… as shot by my pro photographer boyfriend, Charles Mann.

http://www.cmannphoto.com/2007_Lad_FHS/pages/07FHS0168.htm

And in normal clothes:
http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/OrderPage.aspx?pi=0EBK006D3I0021&po=21

And for the position guru’s, here are a couple nice shots from events:

http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/OrderPage.aspx?pi=0EBK005J140003&po=3

http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/OrderPage.aspx?pi=0EBK006D360018&po=18

~Emily

[myguyom]

Not to pirate the thread, but would this atire be fine…

…to guest cap at a local hunt? I’m somewhat of a timid rider, but I have access to a mount that is phenomenal and really looks after her riders. She is bold and careful, but always tuned in to her rider’s state of mind. I want to guest cap with our local hunt as a hilltopper…would my very traditional and reserved show ring atire be fine? Thank-you from a genuine virgin of the sport!!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y22/raz123/BurfordFair.jpg

[JSwan]

Sure! Just wear gloves - I can’t tell if you’re wearing a stock tie or not but you should wear a stock tie (even a fake one) - though I’m sure you would not be asked to leave if you wore a choker. Heck - most folks keep spare stuff in their trailer and could probably loan you one.

You look just lovely.

If it helps - here’s a picture of me - though I have no idea what I was trying to do in that picture - I think I was looking or listening for hounds. The hunt I’m with is pretty formal - and I have never been dinged. Actually - folks can pick apart this turnout if they want, since someone suggested it might be nice for folks to post photos. I do know the choice of a standing martingale will be maligned - but I’ve heard that before so I don’t care.

[Xctrygirl]

JSwan you’re killing me… LOL

The Greenpeace thing totally got me!! And in my eyes your thighs look the same as mine. Seriously.

OK on YOUR turnout hmm what can I pick on…

We use standings as well. No harm there…

Oh but one thing I (at work) would be asked to change… on our horses I have been “instructed” to put the girth with the Professional’s Choice logo on the offside, so that the logo stays out of view under or near the flap of the saddle. I actually now agree with this thought. But I don’t fault people who don’t do it that way.

Overall I am jealous of your very crisp (Yea I said ‘crisp’ :eek: ) turnout. You two look grand.

Now forgive me but what hunt do you go out with. I either never knew or just don’t remember.

Romany Oh yes Charlie can get all sorts of shots of me and put them up for the world to see under the guise of ‘business promotion’!! There are some truly “lovely” (sarcasm) shots of me in his book. I was the
what not to shoot" model!!! And there I am immortalized for life. Sigh

Oh and one more set of pics for you lot to laugh at:

Remember my horse I mentioned… well I bought him and kept him in race training… but switched him from flat to steeplechasing. Well at the time I was based at Belmont Park, NY. “Lad” came along and was kept fit up there by me, in the dead of winter. Well Charlie came up one weekend and brought his cameras. So of course I asked him to get some nice gallop shots.

Wellllllllllllllll Lad is a total ham. And must have felt me get excited at having pics of us. So… well… he ummm… showed off his ‘turn of foot’

I only show these pics to those who truly get me and can appreciate some humility.

http://www.cmannphoto.com/Photoshop%20pages/Lad/index.htm

Just keep clicking. It only gets better.

I have pic # 5aqd0634.jpg in a frame. I love that look between us like "Oh you little, but hell I love you. And him like “Yea sorry mom but I couldn’t resist!”

~Emily

[SteeleRdr]

There is a picture of me out opening day a few years ago, and it’s not ideal turnout, but gives you a good idea. Feel free to pick out anything. The other two people in the picture that you can kind of see are the REAL examples of proper.

From my picture, my irons aren’t proper, my girth should have been 3-fold, and breastplate shouldn’t have had buckles (when you have a barn full of monsters it’s hard to find one to fit a petite App. QH mare). I don’t like the color my breeches look in the picture, but in real life they aren’t that grey looking.

I’ll see if I’m brave enough to put up one from last year…or if I can find one…in shad and top hat.

[JSwan]

@Xctrygirl;3003772

Oh but one thing I (at work) would be asked to change… on our horses I have been “instructed” to put the girth with the Professional’s Choice logo on the offside, so that the logo stays out of view under or near the flap of the saddle. I actually now agree with this thought. But I don’t fault people who don’t do it that way.

That’s a good catch - and a good suggestion. I had been having real problems with saddle fit and and slipping - so I tried that girth out to see if the neoprene would help. (the photo is several years old)

Turns out it didn’t - so I went back to a leather girth. Saddle fit problems have since been resolved. But - I am going to remember your suggestion because I still use those girths on my other horses. (One of whom I am afraid is going to be too heavy to be a good field hunter. We’ll see. :no:)

I don’t seem to have such a problem with the Free Horse (I was told he’s an Appendix but I swear he’s a TB). His body doesn’t change a heck of a lot. Now - the horse in that photo is a draft cross. And though I never let him get really out of shape - good God - legging him up for hunting requires several different girths and a saddle change. Really. Makes me crazy. His body completely remodels.

I am 20lbs lighter than I was in that picture - but I’m still over 40 and Italian. We start looking pretty scary when we get old.

I’m jealous that you’re galloping TB’s. Thin thighs and you have access to a track. I have a growing list of reasons not to invite you to my birthday party!

[lizathenag]

WHile I think it is fine and fun to pick apart the turnout of consenting adults (I question the white stirrup pads but I digress). I think it is very important not to come of as total turnout snobs. We need the next generation of kids to hunt and not be turned off if they show up with incorrect turnout.

I got to hunt with Genesseo as a child and the Wadsworth kids often showed up on ponies with red western bridles. . .and finished the hunts.

[JSwan]

I don’t know of any hunt that discourages anyone interested in the sport; especially kids. I’m also pretty sure that several times, several people posting on this thread have written that guests and newcomers are not only welcome, but the rules of turnout are greatly relaxed for those people. I’ve found that attitude to be very refreshing - compared to other horse sports in which I’ve participated.

[SteeleRdr]

I agree with JSwan.

When I started out hunting as a teen (about 9 years ago), I started riding with a steeplechase trainer. So of course I didn’t ride out in “proper” tack, and I was a teenager with non-horsey parents, so I footed the bill for most of my riding clothes. Plus, I was with a very relaxed hunt in MD. However, I did my best to outfit myself. As I grew older, and enjoyed the sport, I came to love the tradition and history. It’s taken me 9 years to collect all of my attire, and there are still a few things I still need to acquire. I’d also like to get back to the roots and learn sidesaddle/hunt sidesaddle. I love the sport and I think part of the sport is the attire; you CAN ride AND look good!

When people find out I hunt, one of the things they ask about are the “red coats,” so it’s nice to be able to portray such a refined picture for those who don’t know about the sport. Those people really appreciate it.

I know the hunts I’ve hunted with are NOT in anyway strict on turnout for kids, as long as it is safe, and generally adhering to traditional turnout (boots, breeches, saddle, bridle, jacket, helmet).

My sister who is a college student, and hunted a handful of times, appreciates all the nuances of hunting, and when I take her out, she tries her best because she wants to fit in and respects the traditions. (And I know VKent is attempting to build her collection as well, on a college budget)

I currently ride for a barn that adheres to the traditions and is very “old timey” with how we do things with the horses, and I love that.

JMHO.

[Ashby]

@SteeleRdr;3004009

I agree with JSwan.

I know the hunts I’ve hunted with are NOT in anyway strict on turnout for kids, as long as it is safe, and generally adhering to traditional turnout (boots, breeches, saddle, bridle, jacket, helmet).

My sister who is a college student, and hunted a handful of times, appreciates all the nuances of hunting, and when I take her out, she tries her best because she wants to fit in and respects the traditions. (And I know VKent is attempting to build her collection as well, on a college budget)

I currently ride for a barn that adheres to the traditions and is very “old timey” with how we do things with the horses, and I love that.

JMHO.

One of the things I love about hunting people is their warm, embracing manner toward people who want to take up the sport. When I was a teen and was hunting people gifted me with appropriate tack and clothes. I find the same thing nowadays. If you’re an adult they do expect you to pull yourself together at some point, but if you’re young you’ll be deluged with kindness.

SteeleRider, VKent is doing just fine with her hunting kit because her EXTREMELY GENEROUS–nay, SAINTLY–mommy has given her a very handsome tweed hacking jacket, a vest, gloves, hunting tie, long underwear, stock pin x 3, etc. Before next formal season starts she will have a new melton. So no worries there.

[Ravencrest_Camp]

[QUOTE=Tantivy1;3002479]

But I do not think many changes needs to be made, just some minor fine tuning.

What do you propose and why, as some changes in traditional wear please?[/QUOTE]

I don’t think we should make wholesale changes attire. Some minor fine tuning is fine.

I am probably as much of a stickler for turnout as anyone here, it just seemd to me, perhaps wrongly, that some of the comments were nitpicking. Does it really matter how many buttons are on a coat?

I was only trying to say what lizathenag stated much more eloquently.

“I think it is very important not to come of as total turnout snobs. We need the next generation of kids to hunt and not be turned off if they show up with incorrect turnout.”

Now I wish that it was still hunting season here, but I promise in the fall to post a picture, so that you may all critique me. :lol:

[SteeleRdr]

Ashby- Oh I know she is doing just fine.

I was just trying to illustrate that we don’t expect the younger crowd to have everything from the get go. Though I do have to say my mom definitely helped me out on many occassions (got me my navy frock, navy hunt cap, black hunt cap, tattersall vest, melton, etc).

[Risk-Averse_Rider]

OK, to make you ALL feel better about your turnout, I present the “mea maxima culpa” photo of Mr. Blondie and yours truly at the end of Opening Hunt this year. This could be one of those “What’s Wrong With This Picture?” quizzes for up-and-coming hunting fashionistas :lol:

(Although I just learned that my black gloves were a no-no - never knew that before, although I should have, because I’ve certainly seen rivenoak’s non-black gloves often enough and should have asked.)

OK, shall we start at the bottom and work up?

Boots on Mr. Blondie. And black, no less, so they really stand out against his light-colored legs. Although as I have explained before, I don’t take my ponies out among the cactus without leg protection. Too easy to puncture a tendon. And just yesterday, rivenoak and I were trotting the boys on the road, with nary a cholla in sight, and Prozac Pony still managed to pick up a cholla pod on his right hind heel. He immediately went into his best Barbaro imitation. Muy scary. Fortunately, I always carry a multi-tool with me when I ride, so rivenoak was able to remove it relatively easily.

(In my defense, I will point out that at least he doesn’t have gold glitter bell boots on.)

Fuzzy girth - I’m sure that’s going to be frowned upon. But it’s got elastic on both ends and it’s comfy. And he’s Mr. Sensitive.

Hunter green (with gold trim) square quilted pad - WITH POCKETS. And I see that the front keeper has slipped out from underneath. Sigh.

End of stirrup leather way too long (I can hear GM now).

You can’t see it from this side, but there are no D-rings for a sandwich case on this saddle. PP’s Courbette saddle has them, but not this one (HDR). I was bummed.

I think my turnout*, with the exception of the gloves, is okay until we get to the skunk helmet. I actually have a real stock tie, tied and pinned. (As opposed to the fake pre-tied one I snap on for dressage.) Although my hair is not in a net, it is tucked up inside my helmet. Someone will probably object to the sunglasses, but that someone can come live in Arizona for a while. Then we’ll talk.

*Remember that we’re a beagling pack, so green coats & white breeches are appropriate.

Breastcollar is probably okay - Nunn Finer, flat, with brass fittings. Running martingale is probably not.

And then there’s the bridle. It actually started out as a nice flat bridle - and then I put the Myler Combi-bit on it. As you can see, the nosepiece was slipping down too far, so rather than over-tightening the curb, I took Myler’s advice and suspended it from the browband. With baling twine. But it’s formal BLACK baling twine, at least. So to get the complete White Trash Hunting image, you must picture Mr. Blondie not only with sheepskin on his nose, but with black baling twine running between the sheepskin and his browband. (But now I’ve decided that the Combi-bit is becoming too much bit for him, so I’m going to try a 3-ring with 2 reins, and mainly ride him on the snaffle.)