By Harriet Lily, Brand Ambassador for Mackenzie & George & owner of A Girl About Country
Maybe it’s a stereotypical thing or maybe there has been a genuine lack of interest from the ladies (or potentially even a mixture of both), but shooting has historically been viewed as an elitist sport for gentleman only. However, times are most certainly changing with the introduction of ladies only shooting clubs which have gained unstoppable momentum over recent years and are leading the ladies only evolution – step aside boys, because the girls have definitely arrived.
Whilst there are a number of different clubs to choose from, all with their own unique features, they all have the same purpose and a common goal – to provide a safe, welcoming and confidence-boosting atmosphere that will encourage women to pursue shooting in whatever form they choose.
These clubs are the ambassadors for women’s shooting and are working hard to challenge the misconception that the sport is for men only. They are equipping ladies with knowledge as well as ability, providing an appreciation of the underlying importance of safety that is so vital when handling any gun, but also giving ladies the opportunity to learn about the bigger picture, how the shooting industry is entwined with conservation of the countryside and how it can benefit our environment.
Responsible for injecting much needed ‘new blood’ into the sport and introducing women from all walks of life to shooting and more importantly to each other, they are ensuring the sport is accessible to any women and with so many different clubs now established and events running all over the country, it also means that there really is no excuse for ladies not to give shooting a try.
From a personal perspective I have to say that without these ladies only shooting clubs, most notably for me the Femmes Fatales and Shotgun & Chelsea Bun Club, I would not have had the confidence to embrace shooting in the way that I have. I am definitely not claiming to be an experienced shot with a wealth of knowledge on the ins and outs of shotguns or clay shooting tactics, but I can honestly say that these ladies’ clubs have encouraged me to take up the sport in a way I never would have dreamed without them.
I am lucky enough to have had shooting experience prior to the introduction of these clubs, having grown up on a farm I have been around shooting most of my life. However, to me shooting was always my brother’s hobby and a regular Saturday morning annoyance when the local estate shoot were in our woodland and I wanted to ride my horses through it!
But after a few visits to the local shooting ground, I was encouraged to attend one of the ladies only events and I have never looked back. Not only has my shooting improved and also my love for the sport, so has my social life. I have been presented with so many opportunities to increase my shooting experience and last year, I attended a ladies’ only game shooting day with friends I had met through the shooting clubs.
Not only are women embracing the sport and excelling in it, proving that shooting is not a boy’s club, they are changing the face of it and injecting some much needed style to the tired misconception that it’s baggy green tweed and shapeless jumpers. Now when I say style, I am not referring to pink tweed or skeet vests – I am referring to classic style that honours the traditional shooting attire but gives it a much needed nip and tuck.
My blog (A Girl About Country) is a country style guide and for me, style means timeless and classic, a subtle nod of elegance or understated luxury that is able to blend into any outfit for any occasion. It also means practicality and quality, which is the most important aspect of any outfit as the countryside is not a place for anything else, but that doesn’t mean you can’t also look great.
Of course, I must stress that shooting is by no means a fashion show and the most important thing is to ensure your clothing is practical, warm and is in no way hindering your safety or ability to shoot but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with your outfit and add a bit of individuality. There is no place for style over substance when shooting, the most important thing to start out with is the practical elements that are paramount to safety, there is absolutely no point wearing a very stylish but very impractical outfit that might actually affect your shooting and even become dangerous.
You need to make sure you are comfortable and confident, there are no rules on the clay ground which is another real plus of the ladies only clubs – it doesn’t matter what you look like as long as you are safe and enjoying yourself. Similarly, for anyone considering or pursuing game shooting, as long as you are following the etiquette of the shoot you can pretty much wear what you like. That said, most women will consider their outfit and want to look good whatever they’re doing and by accessorising and adding little finishing touches it’s possible to shoot in style.
So what better place to look than Mackenzie & George – the luxury country and equestrian inspired accessory company based in rural Shropshire. All of their beautiful accessories are handmade from materials that are chosen with quality, practicality and durability in mind but are designed to be understated luxury, timeless future classics that will never go out of style and are perfect for any outfit. I have chosen my favourites from the Field collection, which I can safely say have been road-tested by myself to the maximum and are perfect for any outfit, but add a touch of class to ensure you can shoot in style.
The Drayton
The Drayton belt has to be my favourite accessory from Mackenzie & George, it’s eye-catching but subtle and perfect for any occasion. Whilst we are talking about ladies’ style, it’s also available for men too and makes for fantastic gift inspiration. A Nubuck lining and a mix of Pheasant and Guinea Fowl feathers, which are protected with a special formulation to secure them, make this belt a cut above the rest.
Aside from the quality of the materials used to create this beautiful belt, the finish of the product and attention to detail epitomises Great British Field Sports. Fashion has to be functional on the shooting field and this belt is the perfect accessory to add a stylish twist to your shooting outfit, without compromising the practicality (the built to last guarantee provides evidence of that!). You can also add an extra layer of luxury to the belt by opting for M&G’s personalisation option in either gold foil or embossing.
Felt Fedora & Pheasant Pin
When shooting, a hat is an important accessory for safety so a perfect excuse to invest in one! My favourite is the wool felt Fedora in brown which, in its neutral tone, is suitable for clay and game shooting alike. The fedoras are available in a range of sizes to fit everyone and are crushable, showerproof and stylish – so ideal for shooting.
They also come fitted with a leather band which is stylish and versatile when worn alone, but brilliant for fitting the M&G feather pins on to. It is traditional to keep or wear a feather from your first shot bird and what better way to emulate this traditional than with a beautifully designed and crafted feather pin. The feather pins are handcrafted in Scotland and are the perfect accessory to personalise any shooting outfit.
They are available in a wide range of designs and sizes, so there’s one to suit every taste. When I don’t want to wear my Fedora, I very often remove the pin and attach it to my jacket or cartridge bag, which looks equally as stylish.
Ladies shooting is becomingly increasingly popular, so what better time to give it a go? For many, it’s the foot-in-the-door that without, they wouldn’t have been exposed to shooting but also and equally importantly, it’s a place for those who have been exposed to shooting in some shape or form (perhaps it’s the husbands who are keen shots) to enjoy shooting in a friendly, ladies-only atmosphere.
Whether you are a seasoned shot, well-versed in the sport and have been for some time, or you don’t have a country background or you have never picked up a shotgun before; all are welcome and all are encouraged to join. It’s a great place to meet new people and get involved in an exhilarating and fun sport. What’s more, with Mackenzie & George offering the very best countryside accessories, you can be the top of the shooting style stakes!