Stock ties, or the equestrian stock tie has its roots in the hunt field. Carried as a safety measure for use as a bandage in case of injury. Tradition holds stock ties, whether for dressage or hunt seat, be white and secured with a stock tie pin. Today you may find pretied stock ties or untied. These fit through a loop in the back of the competitor's show shirt. Whether fancy or plain, stock ties lend a formal air to the competitor's appearance.