Dressage stock ties are worn in equestrian competitions to add an elegant and formal flair to the rider’s appearance, adding a professional edge and traditional feel. Used across side saddle, three-day eventing, and fox hunting disciplines, among others.
Place the stock tie around your neck so that the slit/loop on your right shoulder is facing toward your collar, then cross its longer end over its shorter end to create a standard square knot.
Origins
Hand-sewn for effortless elegance, this dressage stock tie brings refined and fashionable style to any dressage or Derby Day ensemble. Crafted of luxurious fabric decorated with beads securely sewn onto it – no additional pinning necessary! A sturdy hook-and-loop rear closure lets this elegant tie slip on easily while remaining secure during riding sessions.
The stock tie is an iconic neckwear piece that began life as part of formal attire for fox hunt riders and other equestrian competitions. Initially, its dual function was to protect both horse and rider from dirt, wind, and rain, as well as providing safety measures in case of accidents requiring temporary bandaging or slings.
Traditional stock ties were typically composed of gauze or cotton fabric that had been starched to stiffen it, then tied using tapes, buttons, or detachable buckles. Today, many equestrians use pre-tied dressage stock ties that fasten around their neck with Velcro or loop fasteners – this allows quick donning without knowing how to tie a stock tie, providing a uniform look without the risk of it slipping off during an energetic ride!
Dressage stock ties have taken on an array of embellishments in recent years to reflect the ‘bling’ culture that has taken hold within the dressage world. Others are more conservative and add a touch of elegance to an outfit. And for dressage competitors wanting to save even more time in their saddle, there are now luxury pre-tied competition stock ties available, which can be worn straight out of their box and machine-washed to keep looking brand new!
Styles
Stock ties are worn at formal events when equestrians wear traditional attire, such as fox hunting and dressage and hunter classes phases of eventing. They are typically made of silk or cotton blend, white for dressage events. Traditional tie-tying or prettying methods can be utilized, and embellishments may also be added depending on your event needs.
Stock ties were initially employed in the field as safety measures to quickly release in the event of an accident, acting as temporary bandages to treat injured horses’ legs or arms as well as keeping rain and wind off rider collars. Today, they remain popularly seen at equestrian competitions for both their traditional appearance and formal yet stylishness.
A traditional stock tie consists of a long piece of fabric with two slits or loops in front and back that connect and fasten to your shirt button with a pin (typically plain gold or silver) called a “stock pin.” Feed the left end through this slit/loop without twisting before pulling over its right end towards your back neck for a standard stock tie knot below your chin – flatten and tighten as necessary so as to secure its undercollar section securely in its proper position!
Modern riders often struggle with mastering the art of tying traditional dressage stock ties, which has led many current riders to adopt ready-tied versions as a more straightforward solution. A pre-tied link eliminates the need to know how to tie their own, yet still looks very similar when worn; you can even have crystals or other embellishments sewn onto it for that added bit of sophistication!
Materials
A stock tie is an essential component of equestrian apparel, adding formality and tradition to competition outfits. Traditionally comprised of folded fabric secured around the neck with a stock pin, it gives competition attire an air of politeness and formality that stands out.
Tied stock ties are traditionally created using fabric such as cotton muslin or canvas; however, more and more riders are opting for ready-tied stocks attached at the back of their neck with Velcro for ease of use and to provide the look of tied stores without learning how to tie one themselves – often featuring embellishments to add an extra touch of flair!
Self-tying stock in classic colors like charcoal is an ideal choice for dressage. It is both refined and elegant, looking lovely against a white coat and black breeches. Additionally, this style can help eventers avoid the flashier, ready-tied stocks currently popular among them.
To tie a stock, begin with one end on your right shoulder and fold it upwards and over towards the left shoulder. Take the end on the left and cross it over the fold/loop on the right, pulling both ends upward to form one straight knot. Please do the same process with the second end before using a stock pin about an inch away from its knot (known as bunny ears) to prevent flapping around.
Pre-Tied
Pre-tied stock ties provide an efficient alternative for riders who don’t wish to devote the time or energy required to learn how to tie traditional stock ties. With their pre-tied knot already tied and fastener already attached, pre-tied links enable equestrians to fasten them around their neck quickly before continuing preparations for competition or dressage training. They’re instrumental when competing in dressage or hunt seats that require quick preparation before riding.
A traditional stock tie is a large piece of cloth worn around riders’ necks for formal events or equestrian disciplines, including dressage, side saddle riding, three-day eventing, and fox hunting. Stock ties add class and tradition to competitors’ outfits while ensuring show shirt collars remain neatly in place; many equestrians also wear stock ties to prevent dirt or dust from entering their throat and neck from riding their horse on grass or soil surfaces.
To tie a traditional stock tie, begin by threading the right end through a slit/loop on your left side near your neck. Rotate each long piece so they hang at equal length on both shoulders and are well centered before crossing over both tails to tie a standard knot below your chin.
Repeat the same process with the other end of your tie, bringing its left tail over its right tail to create another standard knot below your chin. When finished, tighten and adjust them to suit yourself before pinning them together using your stock tie pin. Alternatively, for an alternative square knot look, reverse these steps but use the original side to bring over two new tails and pin them.
Traditional
Traditionally, stock ties have long been worn as an integral component of formal dressage outfits over white show shirts. Their purpose is both functional and traditional: keeping the collar of their shirt in place while blocking rain or wind from entering their coat brim; acting as field bandages in case of accidents by being used either to sling a horse’s arm or wrap their chest for support – a beneficial feature during fox hunts which often took place over rough terrain.
A stock tie is an indispensable piece of dressage attire for English riders and hunter-derbies competitors alike and can even be seen at hunter-derbies. Shopping at Tack Warehouse makes finding a stock tie to complement your outfit easier, with options featuring stylish details and embellishments as well as ready-tied models with Velcro attachments at the back of the neck to save you pinning time!
Self-tying stocks are easy and intuitive for new riders or experienced ones who want a professional appearance in the ring and allow riders to coordinate their look with team or club colors.
For a self-tie stock, begin by laying it around your neck with equal-length ends hanging left and right. Take one end over your right shoulder; fold/loop the other end across the top of the right side until it fits through the loop created by the right end; finish tying the knot and smooth out wrinkles as necessary.
