Going out with your local pack and wondering what to wear out hunting? If you haven’t been hunting before, one thing you don’t want to be worrying about is looking the part. Follow our tips and you’ll be smart, comfortable and look like you’ve been going for years.
The main thing to bear in mind before you go hunting is that it can be a fairly long day, so for maximum enjoyment you need to be warm and comfortable.
It is far more important to be clean, tidy and safe than to buy any additional clothing that you may not wear again.
There are some specifics when it comes to hunting turnout – for you and your horse – but the general rule of thumb is to dress along similar lines to if you were going to a competition (minus any bling) and take pride in how smart you look. It’s highly unlikely you’ll be turned away if you get it wrong – especially if you look like you’ve really made an effort. If there’s anything you’re still unsure about after reading this guide, contact your hunt’s secretary and they’ll be more than happy to help.
What to wear for autumn hunting
If you’re going before your pack’s opening meet (usually around late October/early November), you should follow the dress code for autumn hunting. This dress code is also suitable for autumn hound exercise, which is a great introduction to hunting.
For you:
- tweed jacket (also known as ratcatcher)
- shirt with appropriate collar (depending on whether you have a stock or tie)
- coloured stock or tie (like this one)
- pale breeches
- short boots and gaiters/half-chaps or long boots – make sure they’re clean
- dark riding gloves (brown looks best with tweed, but really any colour will be fine)
- riding hat – with a dark hat silk if you have a jockey skull
- hairnet (like this one)
For your horse:
- plain saddle-shaped numnah in black or brown
- clean correctly fitted tack
- unplaited – but tidy – mane
- coloured ribbon in tail if necessary (red = liable to kick, green = young horse, white = for sale)
What to wear out hunting
In the season proper (opening meet onwards), there are a few changes to the dress code.
For you:
- black or navy wool hunting coat, but if you’re unlikely to go regularly a plain, dark show jacket will be fine (just add an extra base layer under your shirt)
- shirt with stock collar
- light-coloured stock (like this one)
- pale breeches – waterproof breeches are a bonus, and dark are acceptable if that’s all you have
- short boots and gaiters/half-chaps or long boots – make sure they’re clean
- riding gloves – again, waterproof a bonus
- riding hat – with a dark hat silk if you have a jockey skull
- hairnet (like this one)
For your horse:
- plain saddle-shaped numnah in black or brown
- clean correctly fitted tack
- coloured ribbon in tail if necessary (red = liable to kick, green = young horse, white = for sale)
Can you wear a body protector out hunting?
Yes, you may wear a body protector, and if you would like to wear an air jacket, do so. They are both becoming more commonplace on the hunting field. You should also wear a suitable riding helmet (with a dark navy/black silk if you have a jockey skull).
Do I need to plait for hunting?
Plaiting is not expected for autumn hunting, or for native breeds. It is traditional to plait from the opening meet and during the main hunting season. However, it is never compulsory to do so.
You may also be interested in…
15 of the best competition breeches to wear in the saddle this season
11 stylish pairs of men’s competition breeches to suit all budgets
Hedge hopping: 9 ways to get to the other side in one piece
12 ways trail hunting can help your horse
12 things you absolutely must know before heading to a hunt ball
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