Whether you’re new to drag hunting or looking for a new hunt, here’s what to know about etiquette and guidelines for hunting with Aiken Hounds.
All riders and guests are expected to:
Aiken Hounds observes time-honored fox hunting etiquette. This keeps the field and animals safe and maintains the dignity of the hunt. We expect all riders to wear clean, proper attire and ensure horses are fit, mannerly, and well-schooled for group riding.
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact our hunt secretary at secretary@theaikenhounds.com.
Worn during cubhunting season and informal meets.
| Attire | All Members | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Coat | Tweed or wool hacking jacket in muted color | |
| Gloves | Black or brown leather or string gloves | White gloves are not correct |
| Breeches | Buff, tan, gray, or rust | |
| Hat | ASTM-approved; plain black, brown, gray, or blue velvet helmet with chin strap; ribbon up | |
| Shirt | Ratcatcher or other light-colored shirt; plain or patterned muted color stock tie or man's necktie; neckbands appropriate for ladies | White stock ties are not correct |
| Boots | Brown or black dress boots or brown field boots; three buckle brown field boots, Newmarket boots, and rubber boots are also acceptable | Boots with tops, brown or patent leather, are not appropriate |
| Spurs | Regular hunting spurs with no rowels | |
| Crop | Regulation hunting whip | Thong or lash may be removed during cubhunting |
For formal evening occasions when the invitation reads “Scarlet, if convenient.”
| Attire | All Members |
|---|---|
| Coat | Men's tail coat of red material; must have green facings, a chamois collar, and brass Aiken Hounds buttons |
| Waistcoat | White pique or similar |
| Shirt | White pleated or plain front with wing collar |
| Studs and Links | Foxhead or plain |
| Trousers | Black formal trousers with satin ribbon on leg |
| Shoes | Patent formal |
Worn by ladies during the formal hunting season to adhere to strict traditional standards of elegance and safety.
| Attire | Members with Colors | Members without Colors | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coat | Frock or hunting coat of black or dark blue with black hunt buttons and a chamois collar | Frock or hunting coat of black or dark blue with plain black buttons | A frock coat should have three buttons in front and two on back; hunting coats have three buttons on front; both should have two buttons on each sleeve |
| Gloves | Leather in brown, dark, or lighter shades such as wash, tan, or buff | Leather in brown, dark, or lighter shades such as wash, tan, or buff | |
| Breeches | Buff, tan, or canary cord or synthetic stretch twill | Buff, tan, or canary cord or synthetic stretch twill | |
| Hat | ASTM-approved; black or dark blue velvet with chin strap | ASTM-approved; black or dark blue velvet with chin strap | AH does not approve of bowlers or top hats in the field |
| Neckwear | Plain white stock neatly tied and fastened with a plain, horizontal stock pin | Plain white stock neatly tied and fastened with a plain, horizontal stock pin | Ends should be pinned down to remain tidy |
| Vest | Canary or tattersall | Canary or tattersall | |
| Boots | Black hunting (dress) boots (without laces); patent tops are appropriate (especially with a frock coat) | Black hunting (dress) boots (without laces) | With patent tops, tabs are sewn on but not down |
| Spurs | Regular hunting spurs with moderately short neck and no rowels | Regular hunting spurs with moderately short neck and no rowels | Spurs should be set high on each boot, just below the ankle, with spur arms parallel to the ground; buckle on top of the boot with the free end of the spur strap on the outside of the boot |
| Crop | Light hunting whip with lash, smaller shaft than a gentlemen's whip | ||
| Hair | Should be neatly confined; hair nets are advisable and correct | Should be neatly confined; hair nets are advisable and correct |
Traditional field dress worn by men during the formal hunting season to reflect a century of sporting heritage.
| Attire | Members with Colors | Members without Colors | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coat | Pinque coat with brass hunt buttons and a chamois collar | Frock or hunting coat of black or dark blue with plain black buttons | A frock coat should have three buttons in front and two on back; hunting coats have three buttons on front; both should have two buttons on each sleeve |
| Gloves | Leather in brown or lighter shades such as wash, tan, or buff | Leather in brown, dark, or lighter shades such as wash, tan, or buff | |
| Breeches | White cord or synthetic stretch twill | Buff or tan cord or synthetic stretch twill | |
| Hat | ASTM-approved; black velvet with chin strap | ASTM-approved; black velvet with chin strap | AH does not approve of bowlers or top hats in the field |
| Neckwear | Plain white stock neatly tied and fastened with a plain, horizontal stock pin | Plain white stock neatly tied and fastened with a plain, horizontal stock pin | Ends should be pinned down to remain tidy |
| Vest | Canary or tattersall | Canary or tattersall | |
| Boots | Black hunting (dress) boots (without laces); patent tops are appropriate (especially with a frock coat) | Black hunting (dress) boots (without laces) | With patent tops, tabs are sewn on but not down |
| Spurs | Regular hunting spurs with moderately short neck and no rowels | Regular hunting spurs with moderately short neck and no rowels | Spurs should be set high on each boot, just below the ankle, with spur arms parallel to the ground; buckle on top of the boot with the free end of the spur strap on the outside of the boot |
| Crop | Light hunting whip with lash, smaller shaft than a gentlemen's whip | ||
| Hair | Should be neatly confined; hair nets are advisable and correct | Should be neatly confined; hair nets are advisable and correct |
The Masters may authorize these modifications in the event of extreme heat or unseasonable weather.
| Attire | All Members |
|---|---|
| Shirts and Ties | Tan or khaki long-sleeve collared shirt with men’s green or gold rep tie |
| Polo Shirts | Any polo shirt except green |
