I will be hunting as a guest with Middleburg on a Thursday in November and Loudoun Fairfax on a Friday in November. Both days are after the Opening Meet. Could someone please tell me which jacket is appropriate? I’ve heard everything from Ratcatcher (tweed jacket) since it’s midweek, to 3 button Melton Hunt Coat since it is Season and formal attire is worn. Thank you so much.
ODH hunts Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Somewhat randomly, attire is ‘formal’ on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and ratcatcher on Thursdays.
Formal attire is always correct, but the only way to know is to ask – other hunts I know are always ratcatcher on weekdays, formal on weekends, etc.
Gotta ask.
Thank you so much. How do I ask? Is it inappropriate to email one of the Masters? Or the Hunt Secretary?
It’s completely appropriate to email, or better yet call. Each hunt seems to have its own rules in that regard.
As HR noted, formal attire is always correct. Obscurely, ratcatcher is always technically correct as well, as a concession to landowners who desire to hunt, but ratcatcher attire on a formal day would be best seen in the back of the field (unless you are in fact a landowner). But- calling the particular hunt to check is always the way to go, it shows you care.
At Middleburg, we always wear formal from opening meet on regardless of the day of the week.
^^ As above, we (Middleburg) are always formal after Opening Meet.
