Stock tie facts for kids

A woman dressed for riding horses, wearing a stock tie around her neck

A stock tie is a special type of neckwear. It looks a bit like a fancy scarf or a stiff collar. Today, it's mostly worn by people who ride horses, called equestrians. They wear it for formal events like fox hunts or horse competitions. Most horse riding rules say it must be white. It's a required part of the outfit for dressage and the dressage part of eventing competitions. You might also see stock ties in show jumping and fox hunting. This traditional neckwear is still very popular among equestrians.

What Is a Stock Tie?

A stock tie is a piece of fabric worn around the neck. It can be stiff or soft. It is tied in a special knot, often secured with a pin. For equestrians, it's usually white. It adds a formal touch to a rider's outfit.

History of the Stock Tie

The stock tie has a long history. In the 1700s and 1800s, gentlemen wore them every day. They were a common part of men's clothing. Later in the 1800s, they became more formal. These old stock ties were often black or white. They were made from materials like gauze, fine cotton, or silk. Sometimes, they were starched to make them stiff. This made the wearer's chin point up, which was thought to look more important.

Why Equestrians Use Stock Ties

Equestrians use stock ties for several reasons. One important reason is safety. In the past, if a rider or horse got hurt during a fox hunt, the stock tie could be used. It could become a temporary bandage for a horse's leg. It could also be a sling for a rider's arm. Stock ties also help keep rain or wind out of a rider's collar. Riders often wear them with a special long riding coat called a shadbelly.

Stock Ties Today

A modern stock pin

Today, stock ties are still worn by equestrians. They are often held in place with a special pin. This pin is called a "stock pin." It is usually plain and gold. However, you can find many different kinds of stock pins. The pin goes through the knot of the tie or just below it.

See also

• Cravat (early)
• Cravat (modern)
• Stock (military), a leather collar worn by soldiers during the 18th century