Out of all the equestrian sports, field hunting looks the most terrifying to me. Up until last week, I thought the whole point was to get half lit on sherry and cavort across the countryside on generally un-careful horses.
Where DID that fox go?
Then I started researching a story on the modern influences of field hunting for Premium magazine. Turns out, field hunting is a historically important tradition as far as show hunters are concerned. They basically invented the sport.
And many of the conventions that come with it. Most notably, the costume.
Only it wasn’t just a dapper outfit. In the field hunting days of old riding apparel was a status symbol that spoke volumes about your skill level. Every feature held significance, from the color of the coat to the number of buttons you wore.
Ironically, it was field hunting that inadvertently lured ME to a place where they eschew outfits altogether.
Let’s rewind a decade or so…
In my youth I worked for a top show barn, the owners of which were avid field hunters. Every summer, they would foster two hound puppies for the Hunt Club. We were supposed to take the puppies on hacks to acclimatize them to horses and the fields of their imminent future.
Shadbelly style is straight from the hunt field. Ryan Roy's is from Hayward.
It sounds easy enough. Only hounds are not particularly smart. They are easily distracted by their astute sense of smell and will run off barking at the slightest provocation. Maybe it’s inbreeding. Or canine ADHD. I don’t know. I do know that on our first hack the puppies promptly ran away. TO AN OUTDOOR NUDIST CLUB.
Of course, I didn’t know that at the time. I was distressed about losing the newly acquired puppies—I wasn’t even sure when we lost sight of them. It’s dark in the woods. I was just really, really relieved when the phone rang and a friendly sounding man said he had found the dogs:
“I believe we have something that belongs to you.”
“Thank god! Where are you, I’ll come pick them up.”
“They’re here at Glen Echo… (pregnant pause). Do you know where that is?”
“Sure, Glen Echo. On my way.”
“You’ve heard of it before, right? Glen Echo…”
“Yeah, okay. Glen Echo. I’ll be there shortly.”
“Do you…”
“GLENNN. ECCCHOOO. Got it. Thanks.”
“Um…”
*Click*
Rachel Schnurr likes her Hayward with full piping.
Within 15 minutes, I was driving down the very long driveway of Glen Echo. There was a decorative wood sign at the entrance and naked children playing in the parking lot. It struck me as a bit weird, but whatever. Kids will be kids. Then I spotted the middle-aged man walking up from the lake with a towel draped casually over his shoulder AND NOTHING ELSE. And the bells went off.
After an incredibly awkward tour of the main building (did you know that they eat naked?), I was taken to the office to meet the manager. A robust bald man. Who was also naked. Did I mention the awkwardness?
I learned a few important things that day:
- I should probably pay better attention to social cues.
- Nudist colonies are not where the beautiful people are.
- Those field hunters were on to something: Clothes are important.
It’s for that last reason that I’m particularly excited about this week’s giveaway. BECAUSE HAYWARD IS GIVING AWAY A HUNT COAT! Which means you’ll look great! AND YOU’LL NEVER HAVE TO GO NAKED AGAIN!
Hayward Sportswear is generously offering one lucky individual a semi-custom hunt coat! (Retail value: $450.) The coats are super lightweight, machine-washable AND fully customizable. You can pick the fabric (navy, black or grey for this contest) and the lining (more than 90 DIFFERENT COLORS). They’ll even throw in piping on the half collar (also in 90 colors!). HOW GREAT IS THAT?!
You could have a coat like this:
Or perhaps one like Hugh Graham is wearing:
Hugh Graham wears Hayward.
Whatever. IT’S COMPLETELY UP TO YOU! But you have to win first.
To enter the giveaway, you have to do something to promote Hayward and their awesome coats. Share this post on Facebook. Announce it on a forum. Tweet a kind word or two about their line. Run naked through the streets yelling “Hayward hunt coats for life.”
JUST DO SOMETHING. Then tell us what you did in the comments section and you’re automatically entered.
Do three seconds more work and “Like” Hayward on Facebook and you can ENTER TWICE! (Just be sure to post it as a separate comment. I’m far too disorganized to keep track of these things.)
I’ll pick a winner using random.org and announce it here next Wednesday.
Good luck!
**This contest is now closed. Congratulations #299, Madeline!**
I just “liked” Hayward Sportswear on Facebook!
Liked and shared on my FB.
Also just reposted on my blog’s FB page — http://www.facebook.com/nowthatsatrot/posts/203563789727738.
Those are gorgeous jackets!
I liked you on Facebook.
I shared you on my facebook page too!!
Great contest! I need one of those jackets
I’ll be posting on FB!!!
I saw these jackets at the Royal and thought – wow! A machine washable jacket!? No more excuses for green slobber on my show coat! And I shared the post and my comment on facebook
This truly is a nice showcoat… and the trim options are really nice. Kelly
There should be a “love” button for Hayward jackets on facebook – but I’ve had to settle for “LIKE”
I just tweeted about Hayward Sportswear! I need one of those jackets, they’re amazing!
I just LIKED on facebook too!
Great contest, beautiful jackets! I shared this link on Barnmice.
i just hit the like button on Facebook as well
Spreading the word!
“liked” them on facebook
Shared on Facebook
“liked” the Facebook page, these are great jackets
Liked on facebook and including in my blog in an upcoming post about hunter ring fashion!
I liked them on their Facebook page !!
AND I shared this article on my Facebook wall.
Beautiful coats, hilarious story, as usual, Carly
Posted on FB & liked their page!
I posted Haywards link on my facebook!
I liked Haywards fb page!!
Liked them on Facebook and shared this page with my 700ish horsey facbook friends!
I liked them on Facebook!
Shared on FaceBook and mentioned on my blog. And talk about awkward…. lol
I just shared this post on Facebook
tweeted my undying love!
‘liked’ on facebook
“Liked” Hayward
Shared this post
Liked on facebook!
I just post on FB. Great jacket and no more dry cleaning bills.
Also just liked on FB.
Shared on Facebook.
I Like Hayward on Facebook!!
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“liked” Hayward on Facebook.
Liked on Facebok!
Shared this contest on Facebook.
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Shared it…twice!! And Liked Hayward on FB! My daughter would LOVE one of these coats…
Shared on Facebook
such a beautiful coat. i just fell in love with all the options
Liked on Facebook
I liked Hayward on FB!! I wrote that in my other post, but want to make sure I get credit!
linked it to my Facebook.
Liked on Facebook!
Posted in Facebook!
I posted a link to this page on my FB wall
… and I joined Hayward Sportswear on FB!
I shared the link for this hilarious article on twitter and told everyone about the Hayward contest!
I also just liked them on Facebook!
I posted the link to this page on my FB wall and liked Hayward Sportswear on FB!!
Just “liked” Hayward on Facebook
Liked on Facebook!
Shared on Facebook!
I liked Hayward Sportswear on Facebook!!!
I posted the link to this page on my Facebook page !!
shared on facebook
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Like on FB!
Shared on FB as well!
I shared on Facebook!!!!!
Aaannndddd- Liked on Facebook
Just ‘liked’ Hayward on FB
Posted this to Facebook. Another AMAZING giveaway from a FANTASTIC site. Thanks for the information and the chance to win such great prizes
I “Liked” Hayward on Facebook
I shared a link about Hayward on my Facebook page.
I just liked on facebook, and BBM broadcasted “HAYWARDHUNT4LIFE” to all my horsey friends!
liked on facebook!
shared their page on facebook!
Liked on Facebook!!
I just ran around the house yelling “Hayward Hunt Coats!” – I also work at a tack store. I’m going to show this site to my boss. And I’ll put it on my facebook
I posted it on facebook! Beautiful coats!
I’ve liked them on facebook!
Hayward Sportswear has been “liked” on facebook!
I shared the link!
And also “liked” the group on facebook!
Shared with friends on fb!
Liked on Facebook
Shared on FB! Beautiful jackets!
I shared this on facebook. I also liked Hayward on fb!
liked on facebook !
e-mailed to barn friends
I liked them on facebook
“Liked” on Facebook
Posted on Facebook wall
“liked” them on facebook
Liked them on FB!
Lovely coats! I’m emailing my horsey friends!
Liked on facebook!
Forwarded to all my contacts. Beautiful coats!
Posted on facebook!
Liked on facebook too!
Shared on FB!
I liked Hayward Sportswear on Facebook!
Posted on Facebook!
Shared on Facebook!
Liked on Facebook too~
I liked their group on Facebook!!
I also shared on facebook!!
I just shared this on my facebook!
I liked the page on facebook!
Shared on Facebook:)
liked their facebook page!
and shared this link to all my facebook friends:)
I shared this link on FB
Shared on FB! Great jackets!
I Posted this on Facebook!!!
shared on facebook!
I liked the Hayward Page
liked on facebook!
liked and shared on facebook. This old Momma who has returned to showing herself, in addition to hauling around her two daughters and their ponies to full time trillium and schooling circuits last year, really and desperately wants to have a Hayward jacket of her own but spends all her money on her daughters instead. Please please please reward a showing- show Mom with her dream coat: Ardie at Blueberry Hill already has my dream coat on file ♥ Thanks!
Liked on Facebook
shared via email
I love Hayward Hunt Coats and I posted on my FB. Next time I’ll run naked through the streets!!!
Liked on facebook!
Sent via e-mail/messages to friends!!
Shared on Facebook
Liked on Facebook
I shared the link
I shared on Facebook !!
I shared the link on fb
Just liked you on facebook aswell !!!
I tweeted how much I love them!
…and i liked them on facebook
I shared the link & liked on fb!
I just ran around naked begging for a Hayward hunt coat and was almost taken out by two lost hounds who thought I was a coyote… Also liked Hayward Sportswear Ltd on FB
love your blog, keep up the good work!!
Posted on FB
Liked Hayward on FB!
Liked Hayward on FB
Shared the contest on FB
Shared their coats on facebook yesterday before I knew they were even giving them away!
Liked Hayward on Facebook!
Told all my barn friends about the beautiful hunt coats and shirts that Hayward makes!
Amazing coats!! Going to like on facebook now!
I just re-posted this to my facebook!
I liked the Hayward facebook page! love these jackets<3
I liked you on Facebook.
I got on my roof and yelled “I love Hayward hunt coats!!!” really I did it. I almost fell off and i live in the middle of nowhere BUT I did it!
Shared on FB an Tweeted!! MUST.WIN.
I love this idea so much I’m on my cell to like Hayward on facebook as I write this on my computer!
Shared on Twitter!!
Posted it on Barnmice blog!
http://www.barnmice.com/profiles/blogs/hayward-coats-check-it-out?xg_source=activity
And like it on facebook
shared on Facebook!
Liked on Facebook!
Liked and shared on Facebook!
Shared with my University of Ottawa Equestrian Team on Facebook!
liked on facebook!
Liked on Facebook
Shared on Facebook
Not sure if I can get a 3rd entry – but also shared on my blog, http://www.felixfjord.blogspot.com
Just sent the announcement/link along to my entire horsey email list!
Just liked Hayward on Facebook!
Emailed link to friends!!
I “Liked” them on Facebook
I Tweeted that I love Hayward
LIKED on Facebook and Posted to my Facebook page
sent it to a jumper friend through email
I liked Hayward on facebook too!
I “liked” you on facebook and shared your site/contest page too!!
I liked Hayward on Facebook!
AND, I posted a link to this page on my business’ Facebook page as well
Shared on FACEBOOK and (already) “like” Hayward Sportswear!! Crossing fingers
I also posted on:
Tack/Supplies/Horses for Sale and Wanted!
Horses Sales and Horse Stuff for Sale
on Facebook!
I liked Hayward Sportswear Ltd. on Facebook
Then I shared the page on my Facebook profile.
I liked them on facebook and told my previous trainer as well as my current lesson students. These are fabulous!
just tweeted about hayward!
also “like” Hayward on facebook
I posted a link on my Facebook about Hayward so all my horsie friends can see it.
I liked hayward on Facebook!!
I liked Hayward on Facebook!
And I shared the link on Facebook!!!!!
liked on Facebook
sorry not sure why this came up 2 times
Liked Hayward on Facebook! Love these!
Posted link on FB. Perfect Xmas gift !!
Liked Hayward on FB!
Shared this with my friends as well!
“LIKED” Hayward Sportswear on FB!!
Shared the contest link on my FB status!!
liked on facebook!
forwarded to all my horsey buds!
Shared!
Wow, great jackets and would love to win one for my daughter. Her pony is always making a mess of her clothes after a day of showing. I have liked you on my facebook page as well!!!!
I “liked” Hayward on Facebook!
I tweeted about Hayward and passed this on to my horsey friends!
Just posted it on Facebook! Absolutely love the stuff the make!!
I shared this post on Facebook!
And I “Liked” Hayward on Facebook!
I shared Hayward’s page on facebook!
emailed it to a friend!
I would love to own and wear a Hayward Hunt Coat!! They look beautiful and functional!!
Just liked Hayward on Facebook.
Just tweeted the link to Hayward on FB and a link to this blog!
I shared the Hayward story!
I just “liked” Hayward Sportswear on Facebook!
Just ‘Liked’ Hayward Hunt Coats on Facebook!
Just shared this incredibly hilarious blog on my FB page. My kind of humor
Now I want one of these coats everyone is raving about lol!
I Liked it on facebook! and told my local tack shop to get some!
I told all my friends and local tack shop owners to get it and i liked it on facebook!!!!
Posted it on my Fb & like..Nice coats! My 11 year old daughter would love one of these coats!
Liked on Facebook!
Posted link on Facebook.
Just ‘Liked’ on Facebook as well.
Shared on FB
I would loooooove a custom Hayward jacket!
also liked on fb
Shared on FB and liked the FB page. Hope to win!
I just told my pony friends!
I Posted the link on FB!
I Liked Hayward Sportswear!
I posted it on my FB status…liked the FB page and shared the link – please don’t make me go naked the world will be a much happier place if I keep my clothes on “all the time”!!!
Shared on facebook, then ran naked down the street to the high school track and ran 2 miles naked around the track screaming “Hayward Rocks!” Hoping i win as am freezing my tush off now.
oh yeah, liked them on fb
just posted it on my FB status & liked your page as well as shared the link.
lovley coats. ill be the envy of the hunt field if i win one.please please please
i really really like hayward sportswear !
I liked it on facebook
the jacket is absolutely gorgeous and I would die for one! it would be great to win it, especially in my financial situation
Shared link on facebook
So….to win a Hayward show jacket I just need to post a reason why I wan to win? Well here’s one: the top button of my lovely GP jacket it going to pop off next season due to umm…”newly acquired excessive breastage”, so I’d LOVE a new quality jacket that fits
I have shared that wonderful story with all the members of my Hunt on Facebook. I really need the coat, please…..they do NOT want me whipping-in naked!
Shared on Facebook, work of mouth with some trainers, and emailed the link to a lady who is a small local show manager
I posted the link on FB and liked their FB page!
“Liked” Hayward on FB!
Also did a write-up on the Hayward line on my blog (www.hardworkandalittleluck.blogspot.com). If running naked around the barn where I work will win me one of those amazing hunt coats, watch out world! I am stripping down! For the sake of our boarders and the young children, however, it might be best if we avoid that scenario. Hopefully the blog mention and FB “Like” will be enough! I am drooling over a chocolate coat with a lovely colored lining…
Liked on FB!
Tweeted about it. Please Santa, I need a hayward hunt coat.
Liked on fb!
Shared the link on facebook!
Shared link and liked on Facebook
Good morning!
I have posted a flyer for Hayward Jackets in our boarding stable. You have beautiful jackets! Everyone in the barn is fawning over them!
Tori Lamb
I have also ‘liked’ your page on Facebook. Can’t wait to receive updates on your wonderful jackets and promotions!
Liked on facebook!
I have a haywards jacket and it is soooo wonderful, light and comfy cool on those hot summer days!
Posted on Facebook!
shared on facebook
beautiful jackets and i do need a new one!
and liked on facebook too!!
I shared the link on my facebook!
I also liked the page on facebook!
“liked” on facebook
posted a link on my facebook
“liked” their page
emailed my friends
liked the facebook page
Liked on facebook!
also posted on my tumblr blog.
“Liked” on Facebook
Posted on twitter
shared it on fbook!
I “shared” on Facebook, and if I am the super lucky winner of one of these fabulous coats I will streak down my road on New Years Eve placing Hayward business cards in neighbors’ mailboxes
I just “LIKED” the FB page as well.
Posted on facebook
“liked” the facebook page
Shared on facebook and via email list.
I really want a hayward coat.
I “liked” Hayward on FB! Your jackets are lovely, and even though I am riding jumper and only have to wear a polo shirt, I would wear THIS jacket just because!!
Gave a shout out to all my fellow equestrian followers on Twitter and Liked on Facebook
Great contest!!
liked on facebook
posted on twitter!
I posted about it on my blog! http://thoroughbredadventure.blogspot.com/2011/12/in-which-i-oil-my-car-seats.html
These coats are absolutely gorgeous!!! Shared on my FB
Fingers crossed!!!!
……………………………………..and liked Hayward on facebook
Like and shared on FB
Shared on Facebook
Gave a shout out on twitter, Liked their page on Facebook and also shared a link on Facebook
Also gave a shoot out on formspring to all the equestrian people on their
I liked and shared on Facebook!
Shared on FB and at the barn!
liked on Facebook
I liked Hayward on Facebook
Shared this blog on Facebook
I posted it on my blog at http://barb-nina.blogspot.com/2011/12/contest-for-wow-hunt-coat-on-get-my-fix.html and Liked it on Facebook! Thank you.
I liked it on Facebook and shared
Liked Hayward on Facebook!
Also sent an email to barn peeps to tell them about a great last minute idea for gifts for Christmas – who doesn’t want a new show coat!
Liked it!
Hugh Graham can’t be wrong!!
Tweeted “Run naked through the snow yelling Hayward hunt coats for life.”
Liked on Facebook too!
Sent an email to the barn girls! Beautiful coats!
I posted about Hayward on my blog! http://meganandscarface.blogspot.com
And I liked them on Facebook!
Liked them on Facebook
And tweeted about them.
Posted on Facebook!
Shared on Facebook!
Beautiful coats and | let my friends know on FB
And I like them, too. Thumbs up on FB
Shared on facebook!
liked on facebook
“liked” on facebook
tweeted about them : http://twitter.com/#!/jonimarinichh
I also “liked” on facebook!
I have posted a link to the contest on my blog (http://mylifeasarider.blogspot.com/) and have “Liked” Hayward on Facebook as well. Thanks so much!
Whoops, I was supposed to do this separately – I have “Liked” Hayward on Facebook. Sorry!
Shared link on facebook. Would make a great christmas present
Tweeted
Shared on facebook
and liked on facebook
I liked Hayward on FB, had to make it official since I already like them in real life, but I reallllly need to win because my current nice show jacket doesn’t fit anymore
the top button of my lovely GP jacket is going to pop off next season due to umm…”newly acquired excessive breastage”, so I’d LOVE a new quality jacket that fits and that looks amazing 
I liked on FB! Fingers crossed!!
I shared the article as well.
Love this story! Tweeted from @fatherdowling
Liked/shared on facebook too!
Liked and shared on facebook !
Shared on facebook!
Liked on facebook as well!
I liked them on Facebook!
I posted the link on facebook and I liked your page