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Foxchasing
Appointments
Organized foxchasing customs are deep-rooted,
having survived for over 200 years. The privilege of wearing
formal foxchasing attire has an important significance, and
must be earned. As customs have become so firmly established
over such a long period of time, they have come to be held
in high regard and should be strictly followed. While no rules
applicable to all recognized clubs have been laid down by
The Masters of Foxhounds Association, there are certain standards
that are almost universally accepted. The following appointments
are those accepted by the Howard County-Iron Bridge Hounds.
Ratcatcher:
Field Members Cubbing
Ratcatcher is required for the field while cubbing.
Coat - A "hacking" jacket of muted
pattern and of a weight to suit the temperature.
Neckwear - Necktie or colored stock for men and women preferred,
although turtleneck or ladies' riding blouse with neckband
or "choker" is acceptable. White stocks should not
be worn with hacking jackets.
Breeches - Rust or beige.
Boots - Traditionally brown, but plain-topped
black are acceptable. Jodhpurs and paddock boots are also
acceptable. Rubber boots, when properly polished, are quite
acceptable. All boots, however, require thoughtful maintenance;
a rider with clean, glistening boots most often also has clean
tack, a well-schooled horse and is a good neighbor in the
field.
Waistcoat (vest) - Tattersall. Optional in
hot weather.
Headgear -- Caps with ribbons firmly fixed
up, bowler or caliente with black cover. Brown is also an
acceptable cap color for cubbing or Ratcatcher only.
Gloves - Natural colored leather are preferred.
Optional in hot weather. White string are proper on rainy
days.
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Formal:
Field Members Regular Season
From Opening Meet, formal dress is required on Saturdays,
holidays and for joint meets. On weekdays, formal attire is
optional for the field. The staff is formal on weekdays and
weekends.
Coat - Black for men; black or dark blue
for women. Bone buttons, except for Mastership.
Waistcoat (vest) - Canary or tattersall.
Breeches - Beige, buff or canary are acceptable
with a black or dark blue coat. White breeches are worn with
a pink coat.
Boots - Plain-topped black. Brown-topped
black boots are reserved for pink coats. Black boots with
black patent leather tops are reserved for ladies wearing
colors.
Neckwear - White stock,
neatly and properly tied
Headgear -- Cap ribbons for members of the
field must be securely fastened up. Rider safety is important,
and therefore, velvet-covered caps with chinstraps or a harness
are encouraged. The straps must always be snugly fastened
while mounted. Badly torn or damaged caps should be replaced
or repaired. Black or blue velvet covers only on caps.
Gloves - Natural colored leather are preferred.
White string are proper on rainy days.
Rainwear - It is acceptable to wear an equestrian
raincoat in inclement weather. The raincoat must be a dark
color.
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Gentlemen's
Evening Dress
Coat -- Scarlet, canary yellow facings.
Collar -- A canary yellow collar in addition
to canary yellow facings may only be worn by: Masters; former
Masters; Members of the honorary staff; former Members of
the honorary staff.
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Artificial
Aids
Hunt whip - Carrying a hunt whip is chiefly
useful for closing gates. All riders are encouraged to carry
one. Hunt whips should never be stuck in the top of your boot
or saddle flap.
Spurs - All riders are encouraged to wear
spurs as an aid in managing their horses. Spur straps should
match the boot color. Spurs should be removed before attending
breakfasts after the meet.
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Juniors
Ratcatcher is the preferred turnout for juniors (riders up
to 21 years old). However black or dark blue is acceptable.
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Visiting/Joint
Meets
Tradition has it that members of one club do not wear colors/buttons
of their club when visiting another. When joint packs are
foxchasing, HC-IBH colors are permitted.
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Horse
Turnout
Brightly colored tack, bandages, boots, saddle pads and other
accessories are not permitted. Please try to maintain tradition
in selection of your tack and turnout while allowing for safety
to you, your mount and others, i.e., use natural colors. Every
effort should be made by members to present horses that are
scrupulously clean and groomed. Manes should be pulled. Braiding
manes and tails, though appreciated for special events such
as Opening Meet and Thanksgiving, is not required.
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