General Comments
Like most sports and activities, foxhunting has certain traditions and conventions in the area of attire. Attire recommendations are not meant to exclude individuals from the hunt field but exist to maintain a uniform traditional and safe appearance for the hunt field. Full members and long time members of the hunt are more expected to be in proper attire than the new hunter or guest.
Hunt caps should fit well regardless of whether they have a harness or not. Ribbons on the backs of hunt caps should always be sewn up, unless one is either professional hunt staff or a Master. A black velvet ASTM certified helmet with a fastened chin strap is always appropriate attire for hunting. A hard hunt cap or helmet is required for all riders while mounted and participating in all GH events-no exceptions. Rated helmets are required for Juniors.
If a hunt whip cannot be safely carried, a rider should at least carry a crop, but it should never be carried in one's boot.
Ratcatcher
Informal dress, known as ratcatcher is usually worn during cubhunting prior to opening meet. Members of the field wear a tweed coat or hacking jacket; natural colored (never white) breeches; shirt and colored tie or ratcatcher shirt with collar and stock pin; tattersall vest; brown leather gloves or string gloves; brown or black field boots; and brown or black hunt cap.
Formal Hunt Dress
Formal dress consists of a black frock coat or Melton coat with plain black buttons; natural colored breeches; a white shirt with a white stock tie and a horizontal gold pin; a canary or tatterall vest; brown or black leather gloves or string gloves; black dress boots; and a black hunt cap. With a black frock coat, a gentleman will wear white breeches and boots with brown tops, this is appropriate whether or not the gentleman has the privilege of wearing colors.
Colors
The privilege of wearing colors can only be granted by the masters. This is done in recognition of a member's demonstrated responsibility and ability in the hunting field as well as for the support of the hunt outside of the hunt field. Colors are worn on a formal day when hunting with one's own hounds (including joint meets) wherever they may be. Wearing colors is never assumed when hunting with another pack. Visitors should wear black or seek permission from the host Master to wear their colors.
Ladies
The hunt uniform for GH ladies entitled to wear colors consists of a black coat with a silver-grey collar with old gold piping; black buttons with the GH insignia; and black patent-leather topped boots.
Gentlemen
The hunt uniform for GH gentlemen entitled to wear colors consists of a scarlet coat with a silver-grey collar with old gold piping; three brass buttons with the GH insignia; white breeches; and brown topped black dress boots. Masters may wear a four button coat and the huntsman is entitled to wear a five buttoned coat.
