One of the most recognized traditions of Foxhunting is the attire. The custom of the the scarlet or black coat, light colored pants, tall black boots and black hats is deep-rooted, having survived for over 200 years now. While much of the hunt attire is still in large part very traditional, it has all evolved from practicality and not just fashion. The heavy melton coats are almost waterproof. The tight fitting britches reduce the chance of getting caught up in branches and the tall boots protect the riders' legs from scrapes. The stock tie, traditionally fastened with a plain gold safety pin, was designed to double as a bandage for rider, horse or hound in case of an emergency.

The scarlet hunt coats are called "Pinks." No one really knows absolutely why. Some say they are named for the tailor who first designed them, Mr. Pink or possibly Mr. Pinque. Others say the term "pink" referred to the faded color of a scarlet jacket after it had been worn for several seasons. Whatever the reason for the name, the most likely reason for using that bright scarlet color, was to ensure the riders were not mistaken for prey and shot as they chased their quarry through the woods. Traditionally, only the Hunt Staff may wear the scarlet coat, or pinks, unless a rider has earned the right to do so and the MFH has given them permission.

Every hunt has two seasons. First is cub hunting, when young hounds are introduced into the pack, and directly following is the formal season. The cubbing season allows for less formal attire called "ratcatcher". Ratcatcher normally refers to a dark sport coat or hacking jacket and a shirt and tie or turtle neck shirt. During the formal season, the Field, or the riders following the hounds, traditionally wear black jackets, with buff or tan riding britches, black boots and white shirts. While the Masters, Huntsman and those Staff who have earned their Hunt Colors wear the pink coats. Some North American Hunts allow gentlemen in the Field to also wear pinks, and a few of the more liberal Hunts will allow ladies to wear them on occasion, but mostly this honor is reserved to those who have been awarded their Hunt Colors. Very formal attire calls for cut away jackets (scarlet for gentlemen and black for ladies) and black top hats, but the most accepted form of head gear is the traditional rounded, black velvet, safety helmet.

Hunt Colors

One of the greatest honors a Hunt can bestow on a Hunting Member is to award them the privilege of wearing the Hunt Club’s individual colors. This entitles them to wear a special collar and buttons on their hunt coat, gentlemen and Staff can wear a pink coat, as well as different boot tops, brown for anyone wearing a pink coat and black patent leather for ladies. Awarding of individual Hunt Colors is completely a Master’s prerogative. Master’s often follow a set of guidelines in determining a candidate for colors. Prerequisites may include hunting regularly to permit a proper evaluation of the individual’s qualifications, participating in Hunt events and assisting with the affairs of the Hunt. Any member awarded colors should, in the opinion of the Master, be a person knowledgeable of Foxhunting etiquette, and a proficient rider, who when hunting with any Hunt, would not be an embarrassment to their club. The Marlborough Hunt Club also awards colors to it’s Social Membership who have done great service to the club.

Marlborough’s Accepted Hunt Attire

Marlborough’s colors are a Dubonnet collar with white piping. Formal hunting attire for ladies and gentlemen is a black hunt coat, canary or tattersall waistcoat, light-tan-colored (not white) or canary breeches, and black dress boots. Ladies are also allowed to wear a dark blue jacket and velvet hunt cap.

During cubbing season, and mid-week hunts, the preferred attire is “Ratcatcher” defined as a riding or “hacking” jacket of muted pattern and weight suitable to the temperature; tattersall waistcoat (optional in hot weather); beige, buff or rust breeches; brown or plain topped black boots, or jodhpurs and paddock boots; shirts, blouses or turtleneck with necktie, colored stock or choker; gloves and spurs are optional, however, natural colored leather gloves are preferred and white string are proper on rainy days. White stocks should not be worn with hacking jackets.

Ratcatcher attire is acceptable for Juniors at any hunt. Protective headgear is required at all times. Acceptable headgear includes ASTM approved helmets, black or dark blue hunt caps with ribbons fastened up, caliente with black cover, black bowlers. Snugly fastened chinstraps and hat cords on bowlers are preferred. Brown is also an acceptable hunt cap color for cubbing or Ratcatcher only.

MHC Attire with Colors

For Members to whom the Masters have awarded the privilege of colors, attire for formal hunts is modified to include:

For gentlemen, a scarlet hunt coat or cut away with Dubonnet collar & white piping and brass buttons bearing the MHC insignia; white breeches; brown topped black boots. Top hats are optional.

For ladies, a black or dark blue hunt coat or cut away with Dubonnet collar & white piping and black bone buttons bearing the MHC insignia; light-colored (but not white) breeches; black boots with black patent-leather-tops.

Note: When visiting another Hunt, tradition calls for Members to wear colors only if the host Hunt invites MHC to wear it’s colors.