Jerry Miller, MFH“Is it proper or permissible to wear plain, conservative sunglasses while foxhunting?” asks Vicki Reeves from South Creek Foxhounds (FL).
We put this query to two of our American experts, both of whom I consider to be conservative and traditional. In my view, their opinions cover the subject and its ramifications quite well. As always, the views of our readers, expressed in the Comments section, are invited. In the end, as with many such questions, the Master of your own hunt will have the final word for turnout in your field.
Jerry Miller, MFH
I see no reason why an ordinary member of the field should not wear sunglasses, provided they are functional and necessary, for instance for medical reasons, and also unobtrusive and not just a fashion accessory. However, under no circumstances should a huntsman wear them, as it is important for him to be able to make eye contact with hounds. And on the same basis, I would say that Field Masters should not wear them, either, as they often need to make eye contact with members of the field!
As for why I think the questioner was right to ask her question, we do get most of our customs, including dress, from England, where, even among the less formal packs, wearing sunglasses would be regarded as unusual and probably dangerous on account of the loss of clarity of vision that wearing sunglasses induces. That said, the English seldom have to deal with the sunlight we experience in the States. So maybe it is just that because we don’t see it done there we think it isn’t the “done thing” here, either.
James L. Young, ex-MFH
James L. Young, ex-MFH
I think sunglasses are an abomination. They make the field look like a bunch of Hollywood starlets. Of course, I always was a turn-out fascist.
I went to a subscriber one day and requested that he ask his groom not to wear sunglasses in the field. He told me he would do that as soon as I asked Mrs. Onassis not to wear her sunglasses out hunting!
I went to Mrs. Onassis and she told me that she wore them on the advice of her doctor and offered to ask him to write a prescription for her. I told her that would be very helpful to me.
So, in cases where sunglasses are medically required and accompanied by a note from the doctor, they have to be acceptable. Otherwise, not!
FHL
Thanks for a hot topic, Vicki! Here you have it from two Masters who have always maintained high levels of standards for their respective hunts. How does your MFH feel about sunglasses?
Posted August 6, 2011