A stock tie, or stock, is a style of neck wear. Originally a form of neck-cloth that was often stiffened and usually close-fitting, formerly worn by men generally, but post-nineteenth century only in use in military uniforms. Another type of stock is worn by certain clergy and consists of black silk or other fabric, that falls over the chest and is secured by a band around the neck.
Equestrians
Equestrianism (from Latin , , , 'horseman', 'horse'), commonly known as horse riding (Commonwealth English) or horseback riding (American English), includes the disciplines of riding, driving, and vaulting. This broad description includes the ...
wear a stock tie around the neck when dressed formally for a
hunt
Hunting is the human practice of seeking, pursuing, capturing, or killing wildlife or feral animals. The most common reasons for humans to hunt are to harvest food (i.e. meat) and useful animal products (fur/ hide, bone/tusks, horn/antler, e ...
or certain competitive events. Most equestrian competition rules require it to be white. It is mandated attire for use in
dressage and the dressage phase of
eventing
Eventing (also known as three day eventing or horse trials) is an equestrian event where a single horse and rider combine and compete against other competitors across the three disciplines of dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. This ...
. Use of the stock tie also is seen in
show jumping and
fox hunting. The stock tie continues to be in fashion for equestrians.
History
The stock tie was worn by gentlemen as everyday apparel in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. It became more of a formal tie in the later nineteenth century. These old stock ties often were black or white. They were made of gauze, fine cotton, or silk. Sometimes the stock tie was starched or otherwise reinforced to be stiff around the neck; with the chin forced up, it was presumed that the wearer would look more important and formal.
Traditionally, the stock tie is used in the
hunt field as a safety measure: in case of injury, the tie may be used as a temporary bandage for a horse's leg or a sling for a rider's arm. It also is useful in keeping rain or wind out of the rider's collar. Stock ties often are worn by riders along with a
shadbelly
A shadbelly (North American English) is a type of riding coat worn in certain equestrian situations by fox hunting members, dressage riders, eventers (in the dressage phase of the higher levels), and occasionally by other hunt seat riders. Sh ...
.
Some stock ties buckled or hooked up the back, and sometimes had bows or ruffles attached to the front.
Today it is worn with a pin (usually plain and gold, although more elaborate pins also are seen). The pin is stuck through the knot or just below the knot and derives its name from the tie, being called a "stock pin".
See also
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Cravat (early)
The cravat () is a neckband, the forerunner of the modern tailored necktie and bow tie, originating from a style worn by members of the 17th century military unit known as the Croats. The modern British "cravat" is called an "ascot" in American ...
*
Cravat (modern)
An ascot tie or ascot is a neckband with wide pointed wings, traditionally made of pale grey patterned silk. This wide tie is usually patterned, folded over, and fastened with a tie pin or tie clip. It is usually reserved for formal wear with ...
*
Stock (military), a leather collar worn by soldiers during the 18th century
References
{{Clothing
Rider apparel
19th-century fashion
Neckties
18th-century fashion
Victorian fashion