How to Tie a Stock Tie &
Necktie for Horse Shows

What is a stock tie? Who uses stock ties? How do you tie a stock tie? Who knows? We know! A stock tie is a formal piece of neck attire that originates from a functional fox-hunting outfit. The long tie could serve as a bandage, sling, or tourniquet in times of emergency, and it was accompanied by a large, strong pin to secure the bandage. Now it is just used for looks and is often offered in pre-tied options. Historically, men wore neckties and women wore stock ties, though these style trends are ever changing and you should wear what you are most comfortable and confident in.

Riders use stock ties in dressage, the show jumping portion of eventing, and hunter derbies. They are traditionally all white, but more colors and patterns are becoming common as a fun way to show off personal style. It is important to note that if you are at a competition and coats are called due to the heat, you must also take off your neckwear.

Now that you know who uses stock ties and when, watch this video or read the rest of our article below to learn how to tie one!

How to Tie & Pin a Stock Tie

We'll start with learning how to tie and pin a stock tie. As you practice, the knots will become easier and you will be able to form your desired shape with less work. Follow these steps alongside our how-to video so you can be ready for the show ring! We recommend practicing tying your stock tie before your show to ensure you can confidently apply it when the time comes. Additionally, using a mirror or front-facing phone camera is a game changer and will help immensely.

Steps for Tying a Stock Tie

1. Gather all of your materials. You need a stock tie, stock pin, and two safety pins for good measure.
2. Next, identify if your shirt and stock tie have a connection point (i.e. a button). If there is a button and buttonhole, you'll want to orient your stock tie buttonhole to line up with the button. Similarly, identify whether your stock tie has a slit or feed-through hole.
3. Now, put the tie around your neck - with the buttonhole in the front if applicable - and feed one tail through the slit in the back. Or, cross the two tails, aiming to keep everything as flat and neat as possible.
4. Establish or identify a long and short tail. It doesn't matter which tail is on which side, as long as one side is notably longer than the other.

   NOTE: The short side should still be long enough that the end of it will be covered by your show coat.

5. With both tails hanging down, take the long tail and cross over and under the short tail (tieing a normal knot), pulling the long tail up toward your chin to tighten. Once at your desired tightness, let the long tail hang down again.
6. Next, bring the long tail to the side and pass under the short tail, then back through the loop that was just created. Try to keep your knot as square (or rectangular) as possible.
7. Puff the tail section closest to the knot and from there, fold the tails inward and down so that the majority of the tails cross each other. Make sure to keep the top of the knot visible.
8. Now use your stock pin to secure everything. You want your pin to be just below your knot so that it is easily visible when you have your show coat on. Go through the first tail, your shirt, and back out through the other tail.
9. Finish by pinning the two ends of the tails to your shirt using the safety pins so that they don't fly out during your ride.

For our visual learners, follow the steps listed above with the images below!

As with the stock tie, the more you practice, the cleaner and easier your knots will become. Watch the how-to video at the top of this article and follow these steps to confidently tie your tie for any event. Additionally, using a mirror or a front-facing phone camera is very helpful for getting the perfect knot!

Steps for Tying a Double Windsor Knot

1. Gather all of your materials. You need a tie and a safety pin.
2. Place the tie around your neck with the thick end hanging down close to your belly button.
3. Keep the thin tail pointing toward the ground and make a simple knot by crossing the thick tail over the thin tail, then up and under (staying along your neck).
4. After you make your knot, bring the thick tail back to where it was when you crossed the thin tail in step three.
5. Pass the thick tail under the thin tail. The backside of the thick tail should be facing outward now.
6. OPTIONAL: If your tie is thicker or has lots of extra material, this step helps to keep everything symmetrical and tidy. Bring the thick tail up toward your chin and then down along your neck to go under the neck portion of the tie. Staying on the same side (left versus right of the knot), finish with the thick end pointing down with its back side facing out.
7. Now bring the thick end over the thin end, making it perpendicular to the thin end with the front side facing out.
8. Next, bring the thick tail under the neck portion, making the thick tail point up toward your chin.
9. Bring the thick tail down through the layer created in step six (when we passed over the thin tail last).
10. Secure and tighten the knot by holding the tails with one hand and gently sliding the knot up your neck with the other hand.
11. To finish, make sure your collar is folded down over the neck portion of the tie and pin the two tails to your shirt so that they don't fly out during your ride.

    Pro-Tip: Look up while doing this part to prevent pulling on your shirt.

For our visual learners, follow the steps listed above with the images below!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a stock tie?

A: A stock tie is a formal piece of English equestrian attire that originates from fox hunting outfits, where it served as an emergency bandage, sling, or tourniquet. They are only used stylistically now.

Q: Do I need to wear a stock tie at competitions?

A: Stock ties are a traditional part of show attire but are not required in dressage or eventing. However, they are required in hunter derbies and ladies' side-saddle competitions. If you are at a competition and coats are called due to heat, you must take your neckwear off as well.

Q: Does my stock tie or necktie need to be white?

A: In hunter disciplines, white is required. In eventing and dressage, colors and patterns are allowed.

Q: Does my stock pin have to be plain?

A: No, your stock pin can be plain but it can also have gems or decoration. Many riders like to add a little flair via their stock pin!

Congratulations on tackling stock ties and neckties! Knowing your knots is a great skill to possess, both in and out of the show ring, and you'll only get better with more practice. For more information, or if you have any questions, you can talk to our helpful staff via phone at 1-800-620-9145 or via email at info@ridingwarehouse.com. Make sure to check out our learning center for more handy how-to's and style guides, so you can look your best in and out of the saddle. Ride on!