DRESS CODE

Please ensure that both you and your horse are turned out neatly and correctly.


There are several good reasons for the Hunting dress code.

  • To honour the hunt and its tradition
  • As a sign of respect to the landowner or host who allows us to hunt on their property - a privilege which should not be taken lightly
  • For your safety. The Cape Hunt and Polo Club insists everyone, when mounted, wears a good hard hat to protect their head and boots with a good heel to stop their feet from going through their stirrups. Anyone without these will not be permitted to hunt


    • Dress requirements for YOU


    Essential:

  • A black or dark coloured jacket with a white stock and a plain stock pin
  • Black boots

    • or

  • A tweed jacket (rat-catcher) with a collar and tie or a cream or coloured stock (not white) and a plain stock pin
  • Black or brown boots

    • and

  • A velvet covered, hard riding hat or a skull helmet with a silk/velvet cover; either black or suitable dark colour to match jacket and have a secure chin strap (not elastic)
  • White, cream or beige breeches for adults
  • White, cream or beige jodhpurs for children, worn with jodhpur boots
  • A hair net for ladies and girls if your hair touches your collar. Men to tie back long hair

    • Correct (but not essential):

  • White gloves
  • Hunting whip
  • Blunted hunting spurs (max 1.5cm long)

    • Optional:

  • Body protectors; preferably worn under the jacket, or a dark coloured one may be worn over the jacket for children


    • Honorary:

    May ONLY be worn when awarded to members of the Cape Hunt

  • 'Buttons' - black jackets with a red collar and Cape Hunt brass buttons
  • 'Colours' - red jackets with Cape Hunt brass buttons, and mahogany topped black boots
  • Hunt Masters - red jacket with a black collar and Cape Hunt brass buttons and mahogany topped black boots
  • White gloves and spurs are essential


    • Hunt Servants:

  • A white covered riding hat denotes a hunt servant i.e. either the 'Huntsman', a 'Whipper-In' or a 'Field Master'.
    • Doing The Drag:

  • A tweed or casual jacket with a tie, cravat or stock


    • Bye Day only:

  • A tweed (rat-catcher) black or navy jacket - red jackets may not be worn

  • Cream or beige breeches or jodhpurs - not white


    • After the Hunt:

  • Remove your jacket and spurs


    • Turning out your HORSE


    Essential:

  • Clean, well-groomed horse

  • Clean, neat, well maintained black or brown tack - no coloured bridles, brow bands, reins, brushing or overreach boots

  • Plaited mane (traditionally 9 or 11 plaits) is correct, however, a very short, well-pulled mane, which lies flat on the neck is acceptable for field (non-buttoned) riders

  • Saddle-cut numnah (not square); preferably white, or else dark coloured

  • Suitable bit to control your horse during the hunt

  • Red ribbon on your horses tails if it may try to kick - and keep to back of field


    • Optional:

  • Plaited Tail

  • Green ribbon on your horses tail if it is your first hunt


    •





    Return to Menu