The following describes correct turnout for hunting with the Green Spring Valley Hounds.
Tack
- Multicolored and patent leather brow bands are not permitted. Brow bands should be the same color as the rest of the bridle.
- Saddle pads should be as inconspicuous as possible.
- Rubber covered or braided reins are acceptable.
Rider
During the regular hunting season, beginning with Opening Meet, formal dress is required on Saturdays, holidays, and joint meets. During the week, ratcatcher is permitted. Ratcatcher is worn cub hunting between Labor Day and Opening Meet. Prior to Opening Meet, dress may be informal.
Ratcatcher is required for the field while cub hunting on Saturdays and is preferred on weekdays. Ratcatcher is the preferred turnout for juniors during both cub hunting and the regular season
Formal Turnout
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Ratcatcher
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Coat
- Black or charcoal grey for men; black or dark blue for women.
- Black hunt buttons may be worn by members specifically granted that privilege by the Joint-Masters.
- Green collars and brass buttons may be worn only by former Masters.
- Members are permitted to wear pink coats on Opening Meet, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years.
Waistcoat
Breeches
- Beige, canary or very light grey.
- Never white (unless with a pink coat) and rust only in inclement weather.
Neckwear
- White stocks should be neatly tied and pinned down to the shirt.
Boots
- Plain-topped black.
- Boot gaters are always correct, though not required. If worn, they should be black (or white with white breeches/pink coat.)
- Brown-topped black boots are reserved for staff, Masters, ex-Masters, Hunt Secretaries and ex-Hunt Secretaries.
Gloves
- White string or light colored leather are preferred
Whip
- Carrying a hunt whip is chiefly useful for closing gates.
- All riders are encouraged to carry either a crop or a whip and to wear spurs as aids in managing their horses.
- Whips and crops should never be stuck in the tops of boots.
Hat
- ASTM-SEI approved helmets with chin straps are strongly encouraged.
- Black, grey and navy are acceptable.
- ASTM-SEI approved helemts are required for juniors.
Masters, ex-Masters, Hunt Secretary and Staff
- Pink with green collar and brass Green Spring Valley Hounds buttons.
- Black boots with brown tops.
- White breeches and gloves.
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Coat
- A hacking jacket of muted pattern and of a weight to suit the temperature
Breeches
Boots
- Traditionally brown, but plain-topped black are acceptable.
- Jodhpurs and paddock boots are also acceptable.
Hat
- ASTM-SEI approved helemts with chin straps are strongly encouraged.
- Black, grey and navy blue are acceptable.
- ASTM-SEI approved helemts are required for all juniors.
Shirt and neckwear
- Necktie or colored stock for men and women is preferred, though for ladies a riding blouse with choker is acceptable.
- White stocks should not be worn with hacking jackets.
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Informal
- Informal dress may be worn when cub hunting before Labor Day; however the following minimum standards must be met:
- Protective headgear must be worn. Chin straps are strongly encouraged.
- Boots and breeches or jodhpurs and paddock boots or leather chaps and paddock boots.
- Subdued colored clothing.
General Notes
Visiting
- Tradition has it that members of one hunt do not wear colors/buttons of their hunt when visiting another. However, most foxhunters today do not have separate coats for visiting.
- When visiting, please ask permission of the other hunt's Master to wear your colors/buttons.
Rainwear
- It is acceptable to wear a rain coat and a helmet cover.
- The raincoat must be a dark color.
Boots
- Rubber boots, when properly polished, are acceptable.
- Spur straps should match the boot color.
