Shopping Suggestions for Middleburg, first time male hunter

[LetItBe]

Last year I went hunting with the Tennessee Valley Hunt on their opening weekend and this year my husband would like to hilltop vs riding in the wagon so we’re going to hit Middleburg Tack Exchange to see if they have anything that fits him. I figure being that we have no clue on sizes going to a store that outfits a lot of males would be the best plan. While I know what size paddock boots he wears, I wouldn’t begin to know what tall boots, etc.

Does anyone have any other suggestions? We’re planning on the first weekend of August if there’s anything fun going on like the hound show.

LetItBe

[Hinderella]

Boots must be tried on, so Middleburg tack exchange is a good place to start. TriTown is not far from there if you choose to go with something new, and I know there are other tack stores in the area. I’m sure people who are local to Virgina will be more helpful there.
From time to time suitable coats show up on eBay, but of course one can’t try them on. Middleburg probably is the best place for one stop shopping at a reasonable price.

[see_u_at_x]

If going to Middleburg, I do think that your best bet for the male foxhunter might be Middleburg Tack Exchange (definitely go here for the boots) or Saddlery Liquidators (two locations - one in Middleburg and a much bigger warehouse type of store in Haymarket). The Tack Exchange usually has a great selection of consignment items, but if you’re wanting new, Warrenton isn’t that far away, so you should also hit up the Mecca of all things foxhunting, Horse Country. Tri-County Feeds is in Marshall, and they also have new foxhunting gear, though their selection isn’t as extensive as Horse Country.

Other stores to visit are The Tack Box in Middleburg and possibly The Galloping Grape in Warrenton. Keep in mind that with the exception of Saddlery Liquidators, I don’t think any of these stores are open on Sundays, so I would recommend visiting them on a Friday and Saturday. Also, the Saddlery Liquidators in Haymarket doesn’t have air conditioning (they use huge fans in the summer to circulate air), so it can get a bit warm in there especially when trying on clothes.

Hope that helps and best of luck!

[LetItBe]

Thanks Hinderella I’ll look up TriTown. There’s not much in the way of male riding clothes around here except for polo so just really looking to have a variety, would prefer used but will do new if we have to. I’m hoping whatever we buy will be used more then once!

I also plan on dropping off a few hunt coats of mine at Middleburg as they were deemed too warmed for the local consignment store, what happened to wool being the good coats:)

LetItBe

[ISR]

While nothing beats the experience that is Middleburg (and the surrounding area!) for shopping, SmartPak has free returns on sized items. For those not in an area where tack stores are on their doorsteps, this can be a good option. And though they don’t have used items, they do have a fair selection of standard apparel and footwear for men.

[Kodiak]

Middleburg (and surrounding areas) is a fun trip, but don’t get discouraged if he isn’t fully outfitted by the time you’re done. My husband isn’t a terribly odd size, and we ended up only finding him a Melton. Everything else, except the helmet, ended up being online shopping. A local tack shop was able to fit and order tall boots that were very nice for the price. I’ll dig them out and post the brand.

Don’t overlook the Facebook groups for hunting clothing. A ‘want’ ad there might prove fruitful.

[ellevt]

Middleburg Tack Exchange has lots of Men’s items, and also Dover is only about 20 minutes away in Chantilly

[LetItBe]

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone, I’ll be happy if we come back with boots and breeches and hopefully a coat.

see u at x, I wonder if that’s the Saddlery Liquidators who used to come down to Wellington for circuit a long time ago? I used to love shopping in their tent, especially the $5 bit buckets. I’ll definitely map out all the tack stores and hopefully a little sight seeing too for over a long weekend.

LetItBe

[tangledweb]

Seems like you’ve had good advice. You can definitely do Middleburg, Warrenton and Haymarket in a Saturday if you start early enough but you might need to save the sightseeing for Sunday.

Horse Country is probably the only place guaranteed to have a full size range of men’s gear in stock. Everywhere else is more erratic but will have some. Of course doing it all at HC would make it a $3000+ outfit so driving around is probably worthwhile as well as scenic.

You could also try Horse Country’s outlet store. It seems to have erratic opening days and might have nothing for you. Meltons in last year’s black don’t tend to get discounted, but you might find a men’s tweed or boots or helmets in some sizes.

[yellowbritches]

I had to remind a few people in the last few days…start at the Tack Exchange. People always feel really silly when they go there AFTER other stops, and find the same or very similar (or nicer!) things they’ve already bought for a lot less money! :winkgrin:

[tootles]

You don’T really need to go to hunt specific store except for a coat. Everything else is pretty standard stuff. Mountain horse boots are good and inexpensive. Patrol breeches from tuff rider. A turtleneck from a new here. Helmet from the place with best price.

A stock tie is also hunt c specific.

[tangledweb]

[QUOTE=tootles;7619435]
You don’T really need to go to hunt specific store except for a coat. Everything else is pretty standard stuff.[/QUOTE]

Sure, but have you looked at the men’s section in your local tack store? It’s probably 3 pairs of nylon breeches in white, and 3 other pairs in random sizes and colors. If you don’t mind mail order without trying stuff on, it might earn 4 whole pages in Dover’s catalogue.

You are recommending Mountain Horse boots. Do they even make mens dress boots?

[equisusan]

Middleburg tack exchange and then onto Horse Country in Warrenton would be my suggestion

[Mayaty02]

I think the other poster meant TriCounty (not TriTown). Seems like they have a big men’s section, definitely worth a stop. They are in Marshall, just down Zulla Road (Zulla is just west of Middleburg, on the left as you drive west on 50). Follow Zulla for a few miles, then at the flashing light I think it is, turn right and it’s on the right.

[KateDB]

Definitely start at Middleburg Tack Exchange. One of our COTH own works there…plus she has access to contacting other male foxhunters if there are any specific questions which she might not be able to answer!

[Hinderella]

Oops, thanks Mayaty02! I did indeed mean TriCounty! Sometimes the fingers have a mind of their own when typing.

[LetItBe]

I’ve got a big loop of shops to go to. Working on finding a B&B and neat places to eat now.

LetItBe

[Mia412]

We always eat at the Red Fox Inn in Middleburg!

[yellowbritches]

Hunter’s Head in Upperville.

[SidesaddleRider]

Food:
The French Hound (Middleburg)
Hunter’s Head (Upperville)
Blackthorne Inn (Upperville)
The Red Fox caters to tourists, the locals mostly only eat breakfast there.