What to Wear
The Shakerag Hounds ride out every Saturday in formal attire and every Tuesday in informal (‘ratcatcher’) dress, with some exceptions during the season. Within our hunt, certain experienced members have been awarded their colors—a traditional honor that allows them to wear the hunt’s official coat and collar. Whether you are a member with colors, without colors, or joining us in informal or junior attire, we welcome everyone to take part. The following guidelines outline what to wear for each occasion.
GENTLEMEN WITH COLORS
Coats: Scarlet single breasted frock coat (black formal hunting coat or double breasted formal hunting coats are allowed) with not less than three nor more than four brass Shakerag Hunt buttons in front, two behind, and two or three small brass Shakerag Hunt buttons on the cuff. The collar of the coat should be faced with Dove Grey and outlined with Byzantine Gold piping. A white stock tie should be worn.
Breeches: Should be white, but rust is acceptable, of heavy cord or any other heavy material.
Headgear: Black velvet ASTM approved helmets with harness strongly advised. But other headgear must be appropriate for hunting tradition and safety.
Boots: Regulation hunting boots of black calf with brown tops. Boot garters, if worn, must match the color of the breeches.
Vests: Canary color with small brass Shakerag buttons.
Whips: Carried by permission of the Masters.
LADIES WITH COLORS
The attire is similar to that of gentlemen with the following exceptions:
Coats: Black single breasted frock coat, with buttons of black bone with simple initials “S.H.”. Three buttons on the front, two behind and two or three on each cuff.
Vests: Canary vests with small brass Shakerag buttons.
Breeches: Buff, canary, gray or rust.
Boots: Regulation hunting boots of black calf with Patent Leather tops.
Whips: Carried by permission of the Masters.
GENTLEMEN AND LADIES WITHOUT COLORS (Formal)
Coats: Plain black hunt coat with plain black buttons. No facing on collar.
Breeches: Of heavy material in buff, canary, gray or rust.
Boots: Plain black calf without tops.
Headgear: Black velvet ASTM approved helmets with harness.
Vests: Canary with plain brass buttons.
Whips: Carried by permission of the Masters.
JUNIORS
Same as Gentleman and Ladies without colors, but breeches and paddock boots may be worn.
INFORMAL ATTIRE/RATCATCHER
GENTLEMEN AND LADIES
On certain days informal or ratcatcher attire is permissible. Only the staff may wear formal attire on such days. Informal attire consists of black or brown topless boots, a regulation hacking jacket, turtleneck or riding shirt with stock or choker, or regular shirt and tie, regulation dark hunting cap, and buff, canary, gray or rust breeches.
JUNIORS
Same as Gentleman and Ladies without colors, but breeches and paddock boots may be worn.
