Staff College Draghounds
Dress code
As a pack whose history is steeped in the tradition of the British Army, and whose hounds are kennelled at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, we take pride in ensuring that our turnout is correct.
If it’s your first time riding with us, then we do expect you to be smartly turned out, but you do not need all of the correct kit. If you enjoy riding with us and want to come out more regularly, then we anticipate that you will make sure you are correctly attired.
If you have any questions on turnout, please contact our Draghound Secretaries Sophie & Luke who will be able to advise you.
What should I wear for pre-season hound exercise?
Ratcatcher is worn for hound exercises that run in the Summer until the Opening Meet in October. It is also worn for any Bye Days at the end of the season after the Closing Meet in March.
-
Either a bowler, a black or navy hard hat with the ribbons sewn up or a skull cap with black or navy silk
-
Tweed jacket with shirt and tie or dark coloured stock and stock pin
-
Gloves; black, brown or tan (NOT white)
-
Buff, brown, khaki or fawn breeches/jodhpurs (NOT white)
-
Plain brown boots (black is acceptable if you don't have brown)
-
Spurs (optional)
-
Brown crop
-
Hairnet (ladies)
-
No head cams or GoPros (see below)
-
Horses: clean horses with oiled feet but no need to plait. Tidy pulled manes and tails, shiny tack and the absence of stable stains. Tack should be plain black or brown, with a black or brown saddlecloth to match. No 'bling' or bright colours so dig out a plain browband and stirrups.
Some examples of correct ratcatcher dress:
What should I wear on draghunting days?
Formal draghunting dress is first worn at the Opening Meet and continues throughout the season.
-
Black or navy hard hat with the ribbons sewn up or a skull cap with black or navy silk
-
Black or navy draghunt coat
-
Light coloured shirt with white stock and a stock pin
-
Gloves; black, brown or white
-
Buff or fawn breeches/jodhpurs
-
Plain black boots (topped boots may only be worn by gentlemen who have been awarded their Draghunt Button).
-
Spurs (optional)
-
Brown crop
-
Hairnet (ladies)
-
No head cams or GoPros (see below)
-
Children should wear a tweed jacket with dark coloured stock and stock pin or shirt and tie
-
Horses: All horses MUST be plaited (or hogged). Tack should be plain black or brown, with a black or brown saddlecloth to match. No 'bling' or bright colours so dig out a plain browband and stirrups.
Military personnel and visitors from other packs may ride in their own pack livery or uniform.
Some examples of correctly turned out horses and riders:
Other turnout FAQs:
Can I wear a head cam or GoPro?
We politely ask that you do not wear head cams or GoPros as they are not correct draghunting attire. We have a professional photographer at all Meets and also any foot followers are welcome to film you from the ground, so you will always have a record of your day.
Can I wear my body protector / air jacket?
Yes. Please make sure it is black or navy, clean and well fitting. It can be worn either inside or over the top of your jacket.
Should my horse wear a ribbon in its tail?
If you know your horse routinely kicks others then you must not bring it draghunting. If your horse is normally alright, but might be liable to kick, it should wear a red ribbon at the top of its tail. If it is a young horse and you are not sure of its temperament it should wear a green ribbon. If your horse wears a red ribbon it MUST be kept at the BACK of the field. If the person in front of you is going through a gateway and has one arm behind their back you should be aware that their horse may kick if you crowd them. If your horse kicks badly you will be asked to leave the field. This is not a punishment but a protective measure for everyone else.
