What to wear out hunting

Please note this is only intended as a guide - not a fixed set of rules.  Anything safe, neat and tidy is welcome. Don't let it put you off coming hunting if you haven't got exactly the correct kit.

Hunting clothing can be put into two categories; what we wear before the opening meet, known as "ratcatcher" and what we wear from that date onwards. We are not strict and if you want to check anything ask

However the followers of the Puckeridge Hunt have recently been wearing ratcatcher up till the opening meet and afterwards have tried to remain smarter although dress is not a barrier to coming hunting and it is acceptable to wear ratcatcher all season.

What is Ratcatcher?

Ratcatcher is the correct wear for most meets with the Puckeridge Hunt in the 09/10 season.  A tweed coat is the basis of this with breeches or jodhpurs. You can either wear a shirt and neck tie or a stock secured with a plain pin. In case of rain or bad weather it is acceptable to wear a barbour or any other suitable dark coloured waterproof coat. Horses do not need to be plaited.

Full hunting kit can be worn from the opening meet onwards, and especially on Boxing Day and at the Opening Meet.

If you cannot get hold of the correct clothing, don't worry too much but try and be as smart and tidy as you can while keeping warm as a mark of respect to the farmer. If you can't wear full hunting clothes then go for ratcatcher.

The correct headwear for most mounted followers is a hard hat but we recommend the use of a safety helmet.  Silks should be in a dark colour such as black or navy. 

Boots should be clean and polished.  Spurs are correct though not compulsory.

A hunting whip can be carried. They are extremely useful for opening gates and holding them open; as well as dangling in front of your horse to guide hounds around them.

Ladies should wear hairnets or plait their hair into a pony tail.  Gentlemen are expected to have hair short enough not to need to.

Children should wear tweed coats with jodhpurs or breeches.  Clean, polished jodhpur boots or riding boots can be worn but riding boots offer more protection against knocks and thorns.  Back protectors may be worn inside or outside the jacket.

A lot of the children these days wear half chaps (either brown with brown johdpur boots, or black with black) and this is seen as perfectly acceptable.

Things to remember

• Be warm and dry
• Be clean and smart
• You are going into the countryside as a guest of farmers, over who's land you are riding, not the show ring
• Enjoy yourself