Britannia

At this point I must quote as I should tell you about the proper attire. Of course you won't read anything about "long johns" (warm underwear for those of you too young to know of the former :), but believe me they are a necessity!!"When the formal season opens the staff wears its livery often red coats with white breeches and black boots with tan leather tops. Members who follow as the Field wear black coats, buff (tan or canary yellow)breeches and black boots. The heavy boots and breeches protect riders from branches and brambles. Heavy melton coats are almost waterproof. The stock tie,fastened with a plain gold safety pin, can serve as a bandage for man, hound or horse in case of an accident."

I have a small problem with hunt coats being referred to as "red" or "scarlet,"
as I have always been led to believe that the correct terminology is "pink."
After much net- searching on the subject,here is the following conclusion:
The term "pink" comes from a tale of a tailor by the name of "Pink" or "Pinque"
who supposedly designed the original. Reality about the name is vague
but it will always remain a "pink" coat to me.
To learn more about the mystery go to : Research
Please note: we have lost the original research site and what you will find today is just temporary.

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Shared by a good friend:
" Men even talked about dress. Sober homespun coats were well enough, but scarlet coats could liven the landscape. Riders fallen behind would have bright targets to guide them. a clever tailor by the name of Pink tried his hand at cutting and seaming bolts of scarlet cloth, and he did so well in fitting frams both spare and stout that his coats became proper attire and were called 'Pinks' in his honor."
(Found that from Margrette Hennery's book Album of horses. She has quite a bit more on the history of Fox hunting. If you haven't read it I can scan the pages for you).

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After everyone has had their fill of a good hot breakfast we're off....
the snow crunching under the car tires as it strains to pull the trailer behind it.
We arrive at the farm amidst a flurry of activities - horses, hounds and riders
milling around all anxious in their own way to begin the day.

From the Augusta Chronicle 11/09/1996 Whiskey Road Fox Hounds Blessing of the Hounds Edgefield, S.C.

Completing the traditional "good morning" to the MFH (Master of Foxhounds), and the staff it was time to turn my attention to "Missy" in order to keep her (and myself !) under control .I was too young at the time to "enjoy" the benefits of the stirrup cup but I do vividly remember the Blessing of the Hounds and the pride that seemed to swell as I remember why I was so privileged to attend.
The sights and sounds of the day were almost overpowering ... the hounds milling around the Huntsman and Whippers-In, muted voices of the hunt members as they strove to manoever their mounts into position and the crunching of saddle leather as we all made a last check of the girth.

At last we were off.... hacking down a nearby lane that bordered now dormant fields. Some of the first things I learned were: stay at the rear of the field and NEVER pass the Master or Huntsman !! ("Missy" as an ex racehorse was prone to make the decision, at times, that it was best if she was out in front of everyone and it took all my strength against HER willpower to keep her in check.) In the actual hunt field we did a LOT of circling ! Another rule is to wait your turn at the fence. If "traffic" is heavy there's always a way around the fence. Either way you need to watch out for that stray hound or two. Courtesy plays a big part in the hunt.... if someone takes a spill in front or very close to you it's only common etiquette to stop, dismount and help that person.There were two times when this actually applied to me and one of them was when my Dad took a spill. Frightened out of my wits I hurried to the site only to find Mynah happily munching on grass and Dad unceremoniously dumped in a mudpuddle. Not sure whether I laughed out of sheer relief or the sight of Dad with wet breeches.

This page updated: March 5, 2007

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