Reprinted from the Bosley-Brangier Hand Tailored Apparel web site
See also http://www.bosleyapparel.com/news.asp?con_id=75 for tips on maintaining one's riding attire to the Bosley standard!
4/21/2008
The Stock Tie
In the hunt field and show ring, one of the most distinctive and signature elements is the neckwear known as the Stock Tie. Always white, it is worn with formal attire when foxhunting or with a Swallowtail and/or a Shadbelly in show rings or dressage competitions. It completes the appearance of the well-turned out rider, whatever the discipline, and lends the assurance that you are ready for whatever challenges you face on horseback.
Stock Ties come in several forms, some of which are already shaped to be fitted to your costume. The traditional one for fox hunting is a four fold stock tie. When competing in the show ring or dressage, the same style carried over from foxhunting. Today the stock tie is worn in the hunter show ring when the rider is wearing a Swallowtail or a frock coat in a Classic, or an appointment class at one of the Hunt Nights. In dressage the stock tie is worn in most classes of the competition. Some of the lower levels accept a lady wearing a white show shirt with a choker.
The four fold stock tie that men and women wear with their formal fox hunting and show coats is traditionally a piece of fine white cotton fabric, which measures two yards long by 10 inches wide. (Ladies may wear a tie that is 8 inches wide.)
To create the folds, you simply iron the fabric, and once the wrinkles are removed from the entire piece of fabric (photo full fabric), fold it in half lengthwise pressing a crease along the fold (photo folded in ½). Then, with the fabric flat, fold each side to the center crease and press creating two additional creases (photo folds to center). Now fold the fabric in half along the original crease and press a final time (photo final fold). These are the four folds making a four fold stock tie. The tie may be folded to a convenient size for storage.
Tying the Stock Tie is easier than some may think. Before you begin, have a stock pin and several small brass safety pins on hand. The pin should not be a kilt pin. A ladies’ stock pin is 2 1/2” (photo stock pin) and a gentleman’s pin is 3” in length. The design of the pin should be simple and of solid or gold fill. The method I will describe of tying is a traditional English style.
Once the fabric is folded, find the center, or mid-point and place it, with the closed, or folded, edge up, at the front of your throat, (photo step 1) over a shirt with a banded or stand-up collar or a turtleneck. After placing the center point of the tie at the middle of your throat, the two “tails” of the tie are wrapped around the back of your neck (photo step 2), crossed over and brought back to the front (photo step 3). Tie a knot pulling the tails taught around your neck (photo step 4).
Taking the top piece of fabric, unfold to its full width. The fabric is slightly bunched close to the knot. Pull the edges by this point creating a small pleat from right to left (photo step 5). Pin each corner to the shirt collar underneath using the small brass safety pins. The collar of your coat will hide the pins.
Place the stock pin though the top layer, the center of the knot and out the other side. Always place the stock pin horizontally to prevent accidents. If it is pinned vertically there is a risk of the pin going into the throat or chin should the rider fall off. Pin the top piece of fabric in several places to preventing the ends from coming out of your jacket. (photo step 6)
In addition to its elegant appearance, the four fold serves other practical functions, which makes it preferable to the pre-shaped varieties. Because the fabric is white, it can be used as a bandage, should you need it for yourself, another rider, or even your horse, in the event of an accident. It is safe to put on any type of wound without worry of an adverse reaction from a dye when used as a bandage. The length allows the fabric to be used as a sling for a broken arm or a separated shoulder, or used as a figure 8 bandage for a broken collar bone. Cotton is important because it is absorbent and tears easily when needed.
The stock pin can be used as a bandage pin.
Another use can be as a replacement for a broken rein. One end is run through the bit and fastened with the pin to keep it in place. The rider holds the other end as a rein.
A shaped tie can be tied in a similar fashion, taking into account it will not open the same way. Here is another method for tying a shaped tie.
Some ties have a small button hole on the front inside as on the choker of a rat- catcher. If yours does not, place the center of the narrow piece at the center of your throat. Pull the ends to the back of your neck, if your stock has an opening in the neck piece put the opposing end through, crossing and returning to the front. Pull taught and make a simple knot.
Fold each of the pieces to create small “rabbit ears”, one to the right, one to the left, each just off center overlapping half of each side. Make their height the same as the neckpiece. Place the stock pin in the center of the knot. Use small brass safety pins to attach the ends to your shirt preventing them from riding up and out the front of your coat.
While the traditional four-fold stock tie offers some practical advantages over the pre-shaped varieties, both represent the crowning touch to your formal riding attire.
(Reprinted from the Bosley Brangier web site)4-fold-Bosleystocktie.pdf
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