Hunting Essentials
A day's hunting asks a lot of horse, rider and tack, so sturdy, traditional kit makes sense. This page gathers hunter-style bridles, hunt-weight breastplates, hunting shirts, stocks and stock pins, plus useful extras such as stud hole cleaners. Brands include Shires, Mackey, Windsor, Collegiate, LeMieux, Dublin and Cameo Equine, with prices from around £6.
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What should I wear hunting?
Dress codes vary between hunts and through the season, so always check with the hunt secretary first. Many hunts ride in "ratcatcher" (a tweed jacket with a coloured shirt and tie or stock) early in the season, and more formal dress later on. Useful pieces include the Shires Hunting Shirt in ladies' (from £26.10) and gents' (from £15.14) styles and the Dublin Hunting Stock (from £8.99). A riding hat to current safety standards is essential, and many riders also wear a body protector.
What tack do I need for hunting?
Hunter bridles are plain, strong and practical, such as the Cameo Equine Hunt Bridle (from £49.95) and Mackey Classic Hunt Bridle with Rubber Grip Reins (from £63.50). A hunt-weight breastplate, for example the Shires Aviemore Hunt Weight Breastplate (from £29.70), helps stop the saddle slipping back on hills and over ditches. Check all tack, stitching and buckles before every outing.
What else is worth packing?
A stud hole cleaner such as the Mackey Stud Hole Cleaner (from £11.50) if your horse wears studs, a hoof pick, a basic first aid kit and a cooler or rug for the journey home all earn their place in the lorry.
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Hunting kit: frequently asked questions
What is a hunter bridle?
A hunter bridle is a plain, traditionally styled leather bridle with sturdy straps, often with a cavesson or flat noseband. It is designed to be practical and hard-wearing for long days out.
Why do horses wear a breastplate when hunting?
A breastplate attaches to the saddle and helps stop it slipping backwards when going up hills or jumping. A hunt-weight breastplate is built strongly for that job.
What is a hunting stock?
A stock is a traditional neckpiece worn instead of a tie, secured with a plain stock pin worn horizontally. Check your hunt's dress code for when stocks are worn.
How much does hunting kit cost?
At Just Horse Riders, stocks start from around £9, hunting shirts from around £15, hunter bridles from around £28 and hunt-weight breastplates from around £30. Prices on the collection are live and may change.
Hunting kit advice from the Just Horse Riders team. Last reviewed 2026-10-09. Always follow your hunt's own dress code and safety guidance.