Anyone know where to get a Mens Hunting Top Hat? The only place I’ve come across that has them is Horse Country - surely there’s got to be other places?
For those not in the know (which was me up until very recently!), the crown heights are as follows:
Dressage 4"
Ladies 5"
Gents 6 1/4"
A gentleman foxhunter…My hero!
How wonderful that you are in the field as an example to encourage more men to join us!
I am sorry that the old habit wasn’t open when you were here. They do have some interesting things.
Try middleburg Tack Exchange in Middleburg, Va. They usually carry lots of hunt clothes. My sons frequently get things there. I know they had top hats after Christmas as one son was trying them on.
There is also a tailor in the Blue Ridge Hunt territory who will likely have them. I think in Berryville. You could ask the MFH.
Please remember that there is no head protection with a top hat. The gentlemen here wear them for photos and then switch to safety hunt caps. We do try to encourage riders to use them as we want them to keep riding with us.
There are some very bad falls in the Virginia hunt country due to ground hog holes, sink holes that appear under your horse, and other nasty surprises. Deer are a major threat. I broke my back after gettting hit by one while I was galloping. :eek:
Hehe thanks - don’t think I’d elevate myself anywhere near hero status though! 
I actually did visit the Middleburg Tack Exchange just prior but was not given then idea about the Top Hat until after the visit there and at that point time was too short to return to go check it. I guess I should just phone or Email - just need to find an old hat that my fiance stole from me which would tell me my hat size first!
No need to worry about riding in it though - fortunately I do value my noggin. It would only be worn during those times not mounted - the blessing etc.
You can sometimes find some made by Christy’s on Ebay. Keep in mind the UK sizing is different than American…
Yeah, I got my Top Hat used from Middleberg Tack Exchange. I considered getting a new one from Horse Country for $600, but I would have cried real man tears when it inevitably fell in the mud at some point. Plus, it didn’t have much heft to it, and the brim seemed a little flimsy to mount a hat cord to.
I spent $200 on a used hat, in great exterior condition, but extensive water stains in the lining, which leads me to think it had a long and colorful career in the hunt field. I would love to know something about who wore it, and what their foxhunting life was like. More extensive than mine, for sure, and knowing that would probably make me green with envy. At least the hat lives on in the hunt field…
Dices:
Do you ever get to Cincinnati? try:
Batsakes Hat Shop
1 West 6th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202-2301
(513) 721-9345ý
I found one there that I wore for the centennial competition. much cheaper than horse country
After doing quite a bit of research, it seems Christys’ is the top producer of top hats in the UK and I have a strong feeling that the Horsecountry is indeed one of those.
Buying a hat in the UK and shipping it over is still significantly cheaper (when buying new) http://www.hornetshats.com/
Middleburg Tack Exchange did slip my mind though and no doubt worth a check to see what used stock they do have.
Mudroom - I have passed through Cincinnati on I71 but never stopped. Thanks for the tip though - I’ve got some time before hunt season starts up again and hopefully I’ll be back through the area again and make time to visit.
Victorian Websites?
Have you checked the sites for victorian gear?
Here are my son’s suggestions:
Gentleman’s Emporium (http://www.gentlemansemporium.com/gentlemans.php) has some excellent stuff, including three or four felt top hats, in a variety of colors. They also have, among other things, pith helmets for cub hunting.
Blonde Swan Hat Boutique (http://blondeswan.com/4.1/scripts/default.asp)
Most of their hats are on the…ornate side, but they do have the classic top hats available.
If you want a real vintage top hats, antique stores are always good, but it’s pretty much a crap shoot if you can find one that fits. Ebay may also work.
Note: you will probably need a box or a stand for it as well.
If you are interested in German long sword fencing and other gallantry, please let us know when you head back to Va.
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