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{{short description|Endurance test or stunt}}
] ]


'''Ferret legging''' is an ] test or stunt in which ]s are trapped in pants worn by a participant.<ref>{{Harvnb|Barrett|2006|p=114}}</ref> Also known as put 'em down<ref name=FoxP13 /> and ferret-down-trousers,<ref>{{Harvnb|Banham|1995|p=157}}</ref><ref>{{Harvnb|Elsom|1976|p=154}}</ref> it is a sport that seems to have been popular among coal miners in ], England.<ref name=Kershaw /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\04\09\story_9-4-2010_pg9_6|title=Ferrets now more popular down south|date=9 April 2010|work=]|accessdate=2010-04-30}}</ref> The male-only contestants put live ferrets inside their trousers; the winner is the one who is the last to release the animals. The world record is five hours and thirty minutes. '''Ferret-legging''' was an ] test or ] in which ]s were trapped in trousers worn by a participant. Also known as put 'em down{{sfnp|Fox|1998|p=13}} and ferret-down-trousers,{{sfnp|Elsom|1976|p=154}} it seems to have been popular among coal miners in ], England. Contestants put live ferrets inside their trousers; the winner is the one who is the last to release the animals.


The sport may have originated during the time when only the relatively wealthy in England were allowed to keep animals used for hunting, forcing ]s to hide their illicit ferrets in their trousers. Following a brief resurgence in popularity during the 1970s, ferret legging has been described as a "dying sport",<ref name="Flood"/> although a national ferret legging event has been held in ], every year since 2003. Ferret-legging may have originated during the time when only the relatively wealthy in England were allowed to keep animals used for hunting, forcing ]s to hide their illicit ferrets in their trousers. Following a brief resurgence in popularity during the 1970s, it has been described as a "dying sport",<ref name="Flood"/> although a national ferret-legging event was held in ], US from 2003 to 2009.


==Description and rules== ==Description and rules==
In the sport of ferret legging, competitors tie their trousers at the ankles before placing two ferrets inside and securely fastening their belts to prevent the ferrets from escaping.<ref name=FoxP13 /> Each competitor then stands in front of the judges for as long as he can.<ref name="Flood">{{cite news |title=Countryside day may be annual event |date=4&nbsp;January 2005 |newspaper=Northern Echo |url=http://archive.thisisthenortheast.co.uk/2005/01/04/27436.html |accessdate=2009-08-12}}</ref> Competitors cannot be drunk or drugged, nor can the ferrets be sedated.<ref name="Tame"/> In addition, competitors are not allowed to wear underwear beneath their trousers,<ref name="Young">{{cite news |title=This activity nothing to sneeze at |last=Young |first=Patricia |date=29&nbsp;May 2004 |newspaper=] |page=A2 |accessdate=2009-08-12}}</ref><ref name="Charlotte">{{cite news |title=Ferreting Out The Facts |last=Mackaness |first=Charlotte |date=9&nbsp;December 2006 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |page=18 |accessdate=2009-08-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=China's Olympics snit, etc.|date=18&nbsp;September 1993 |newspaper=]|page=D2|accessdate=2009-08-13}}</ref> which must allow the ferrets free access from one leg to the other,<ref name=Kershaw>{{cite news |last=Kershaw |first=Ronald |title=Mr Mellor sets scene for a Yorkshire test of the ferret-legging custom |newspaper=] |url=http://infotrac.galegroup.com/itw/infomark/209/533/69508013w16/purl=rc1_TTDA_0_CS35620767&dyn=3!xrn_1_0_CS35620767&hst_1?sw_aep=mclib |format=subscription required |date=31&nbsp;December 1980 In the sport of ferret-legging, competitors tie their trousers at the ankles before placing two ferrets inside and securely fastening their belts to prevent the ferrets from escaping.{{sfnp|Fox|1998|p=13}} Each competitor then stands in front of the judges for as long as he can.<ref name="Flood">{{cite news |title=Countryside day may be annual event |date=4 January 2005 |newspaper=Northern Echo |url=http://archive.thisisthenortheast.co.uk/2005/01/04/27436.html |access-date=12 August 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090910033647/http://archive.thisisthenortheast.co.uk/2005/01/04/27436.html |archive-date=10 September 2009 }}</ref> Competitors cannot be drunk or drugged, nor can the ferrets be sedated.<ref name="Tame"/> In addition, competitors are not allowed to wear underwear beneath their trousers,<ref>{{cite news |title=China's Olympics snit, etc. |date=18 September 1993 |newspaper=]|page=D2}}</ref> which must allow the ferrets free access from one leg to the other,<ref name=Kershaw>{{cite news |last=Kershaw |first=Ronald |title=Mr Mellor sets scene for a Yorkshire test of the ferret-legging custom |newspaper=] |url=http://infotrac.galegroup.com/itw/infomark/209/533/69508013w16/purl=rc1_TTDA_0_CS35620767&dyn=3!xrn_1_0_CS35620767&hst_1?sw_aep=mclib |date=31 December 1980 |page=2 |access-date=12 August 2009}} {{subscription required}}</ref> and the ferrets must have a full set of teeth that must not have been filed or otherwise blunted.<ref name="Tame">{{cite news |title=Ferreting out my hero |last=Tame |first=Adrian |date=19 January 2003 |newspaper=Sunday Herald Sun |page=75}}</ref> The winner is the person who lasts the longest.<ref name="Smith">{{cite news |title=Big Guys Toss Anything&nbsp;– Competitions are among the events at Richmond Highland Games & Celtic Festival |last=Smith |first=Tammie |date=23 October 2008 |newspaper=]|page=D-1}}</ref>
|page=2
|accessdate=2009-08-12}}</ref> and the ferrets must have a full set of teeth that must not have been filed or otherwise blunted.<ref name="Tame">{{cite news |title=Ferreting out my hero |last=Tame |first=Adrian |date=19&nbsp;January 2003 |newspaper=Sunday Herald Sun |page=75 |accessdate=2009-08-12}}</ref> The winner is the person who lasts the longest.<ref name="Smith">{{cite news |title=Big Guys Toss Anything - Competitions are among the events at Richmond Highland Games & Celtic Festival |last=Smith |first=Tammie |date=23&nbsp;October 2008 |newspaper=]|page=D-1 |accessdate=2009-08-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Ever met a ferret legger? |date=20&nbsp;October 2002 |work=] |accessdate=2009-08-12}}</ref>


The sport is said to involve very little "native skill",<ref name=Kershaw /> simply an ability to "have your tool bitten and not care".<ref name=KatzP9>{{Harvnb|Katz|2001|p=9}}</ref> The former world champion, Reg Mellor, is credited with instituting the practice of wearing white trousers in ferret legging matches, to better display the blood from the wounds caused by the animals.<ref name=KatzP9 /> Competitors can attempt, from outside their trousers, to dislodge the ferrets, but as the animals can maintain a strong hold for long periods, their removal can be difficult.<ref name=FoxP13>{{Harvnb|Fox|1998|p=13}}</ref> The sport is said to involve very little "native skill",<ref name=Kershaw /> simply an ability to "have your tool bitten and not care".{{sfnp|Katz|2001|p=9}} The former world champion, Reg Mellor, is credited with instituting the practice of wearing white trousers in ferret-legging matches, to better display the blood from the wounds caused by the animals.{{sfnp|Katz|2001|p=9}} Competitors can attempt, from outside their trousers, to dislodge the ferrets, but as the animals can maintain a strong hold for long periods, their removal can be difficult.{{sfnp|Fox|1998|p=13}}


The ferrets are occasionally put inside the contestants' shirts in addition to their trousers.<ref name="Williams">{{cite news |title=Is that a ferret in your pocket, or ... ? |last1=Williams |first1=Michael|last2=McMullen |first2=Cynthia |date=28&nbsp;December 2003 |newspaper=] |page=G-1 |accessdate=2009-08-12}}</ref> An attempt to introduce a female version of the sport—ferret busting, in which female contestants introduced ferrets down their blouses—proved unsuccessful.<ref>{{cite news |last=Wansell |first=Geoffrey |title=Hob and Jill Make a Comeback |newspaper=The Times |date=31&nbsp;March 1983 The ferrets are occasionally put inside the contestants' shirts in addition to their trousers.<ref name="Williams">{{cite news |title=Is that a ferret in your pocket, or ... ? |last1=Williams |first1=Michael|last2=McMullen |first2=Cynthia |date=28 December 2003 |newspaper=] |page=G-1}}</ref> An attempt to introduce a female version of the sport—ferret busting, in which female contestants introduced ferrets down their blouses—proved unsuccessful.<ref>{{cite news |last=Wansell |first=Geoffrey |title=Hob and Jill Make a Comeback |newspaper=The Times |date=31 March 1983
|page=12 |page=12
|url=http://infotrac.galegroup.com/itw/infomark/209/533/69508013w16/purl=rc1_TTDA_0_CS201559167&dyn=3!xrn_2_0_CS201559167&hst_1?sw_aep=mclib |format=subscription required |accessdate=2009-08-12}}</ref> |url=http://infotrac.galegroup.com/itw/infomark/209/533/69508013w16/purl=rc1_TTDA_0_CS201559167&dyn=3!xrn_2_0_CS201559167&hst_1?sw_aep=mclib |url-access=subscription |access-date=12 August 2009}}</ref>


== Origin == ==Origin==
The origin of ferret legging is disputed. The sport seems to have become popular among coal miners in ], England, in the 1970s,<ref name=Kershaw /><ref>{{cite news |title=Feeling Bowled Over? I Have A Cure - Sort Of |last=Greene |first=Jerry |date=31&nbsp;December 1995 |newspaper=] |page=C1 |accessdate=2009-08-13}}</ref> though some Scots claim it gained popularity in Scotland.<ref name="Nycz">{{cite news|url=http://www.fordhamobserver.com/ferret-legging-not-just-for-brits-anymore/|title=Ferret Legging: Not Just for Brits Anymore|last=Nycz|first=Brent|date=19&nbsp;November 2008|work=]|accessdate=2012-12-28}} </ref> According to Marlene Blackburn of the Richmond Ferret Rescue League, ferret legging originated in ]s "where patrons would bet on who could keep a ferret in his pants the longest."<ref name="Wasson"/> The sport may alternatively have originated during the time when only the relatively wealthy in England were allowed to keep ferrets used for hunting, forcing the animal poachers to hide their illicit ferrets in their trousers to avoid detection by ]s.<ref name="Flood"/><ref name="George">{{cite news |title=They've been companions to royalty and poachers, prized for their hunting skills and even used to lay underground cables. Now ferrets are being cast in a new role - as pets. And they're surprisingly good at that. |last=George |first=Isabel |date=9&nbsp;February 2002 |newspaper=] |page=F3 |accessdate=2009-08-13}}</ref><ref name="The Ledger"/><ref name="Eaton">{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/a-fesnyng-of-ferrets-not-only-poachers-love-the-ferret-lynn-eaton-calls-in-on-the-capitals-oneman-rescue-service-1440692.html|title= A fesnyng of ferrets: Not only poachers love the ferret. Lynn Eaton calls in on the capital's one-man rescue service |last=Eaton|first=Lynn|date=4&nbsp;October 1994|newspaper=]|accessdate=2009-08-14}}</ref> This was also done by poachers and hunters to keep the animals warm in the cold weather.<ref name="Nycz"/><ref name="George"/> The origin of ferret-legging is disputed. The sport seems to have become popular among coal miners in ], England, in the 1970s,<ref name=Kershaw /> though some Scots claim it gained popularity in ].<ref name="Nycz">{{cite news |url=http://www.fordhamobserver.com/ferret-legging-not-just-for-brits-anymore/ |title=Ferret Legging: Not Just for Brits Anymore |last=Nycz |first=Brent |date=19 November 2008 |work=] |access-date=28 December 2012 |archive-date=13 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113194541/http://www.fordhamobserver.com/ferret-legging-not-just-for-brits-anymore/ |url-status=live }}</ref> According to Marlene Blackburn of the Richmond Ferret Rescue League, ferret-legging originated in ]s "where patrons would bet on who could keep a ferret in his pants the longest."<ref name="Wasson"/> The sport may alternatively have originated during the time when only the relatively wealthy in England were allowed to keep ferrets used for hunting, forcing the animal poachers to hide their illicit ferrets in their trousers to avoid detection by ]s.<ref name="The Ledger"/>


The pastime gained attention in a humorous article written by ], entitled "King of the Ferret Leggers," in the October 1987 issue of '']'' magazine.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ferreting Out The Fascinating |last=Wineke |first=William |date=1&nbsp;July 2001 |newspaper=] |page=F3 |accessdate=2009-08-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Smart money is on Wayne company's sound idea - Audio to go |last=Cavanaugh|first=Katherine|date=27&nbsp;October 1997 |newspaper=] |page=57 |accessdate=2009-08-13}}</ref> Katz described ferrets as "having claws like hypodermic needles and teeth like number 16 carpet tacks".<ref>{{Harvnb|Katz|2001|p=3}}</ref> James Howard of '']'' said Katz failed to explain why anyone would want to participate in a sport such as ferret legging, but the article "offers a glimpse into the human need to challenge the edges of human endurance".<ref name="Howard">{{cite news|title=Outside Takes Readers Inside Good Writing|last=Howard|first=James|date=23 November 1997|newspaper=]|page=G2|accessdate=2009-08-13}}</ref> ''Smoky Mountain News''{{'}}s Jay Hardwig commented that Katz' article is "proof that ''Outside'' runs some of the best features in the business."<ref name="Hardwig">{{cite news|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20050107202216/http://www.smokymountainnews.com/issues/01_04/01_28_04/art_diversions.html|title=Recommended Diversions |last=Hardwig|first=Jay|date=28&nbsp;January 2004|newspaper=Smoky Mountain News|accessdate=2012-12-28}}</ref> In 1995, Katz claimed that he still hears from people about the ferret legging article, "It was one of those things that I wrote in one morning, but people pass it around like a ]. It's got a cult following."<ref name="Mulvoy">{{cite news|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1006775/index.htm|title=To Our Readers|last=Mulvoy|first=Mark|date=3&nbsp;July 1995|newspaper=]|accessdate=2009-08-14}}</ref> The pastime gained attention in a humorous article written by ], entitled "King of the Ferret Leggers," in the October 1987 issue of '']'' magazine.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ferreting Out The Fascinating |last=Wineke |first=William |date=1 July 2001 |newspaper=] |page=F3}}</ref> Katz described ferrets as "having claws like hypodermic needles and teeth like number 16 carpet tacks".{{sfnp|Katz|2001|p=3}} James Howard of '']'' said Katz failed to explain why anyone would want to participate in a sport such as ferret-legging, but the article "offers a glimpse into the human need to challenge the edges of human endurance".<ref name="Howard">{{cite news |title=Outside Takes Readers Inside Good Writing |last=Howard |first=James |date=23 November 1997 |newspaper=] |page=G2}}</ref>


==Records== ==Records==
In 1972, the ferret legging record stood at 40&nbsp;seconds.<ref name=Kershaw /><ref name=KatzP4/> A few years later, the record had risen to over one minute,<ref name=KatzP4>{{Harvnb|Katz|2001|p=4}}</ref> and eventually to 90&nbsp;minutes. In 1977, Edward Simpkins from the ] set the new world record of five hours and ten minutes, although he only had one ferret in his trousers during the first four hours and two for the last seventy minutes. Simpkins sustained two large bites during his record-breaking attempt, but continued to play a game of ] undeterred.<ref name="Kemm">{{cite news|url=http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/south-africans-are-going-to-make-the-soccer-world-cup-shine-2006-08-11|title=South Africans are going to make the soccer World Cup shine |last=Kemm|first=Kelvin|date=11 August 2006|newspaper=Engineering News|publisher=Creamer Media|accessdate=2009-08-14}}</ref> In 1972, the ferret-legging record stood at 40 seconds.{{sfnp|Katz|2001|p=4}} A few years later, the record had risen to over one minute,{{sfnp|Katz|2001|p=4}} and eventually to 90 minutes. In 1977, Edward Simpkins from the ] set the new world record of five hours and ten minutes, although he only had one ferret in his trousers during the first four hours and two for the last seventy minutes. Simpkins sustained two large bites during his record-breaking attempt, but continued to play a game of ] undeterred.<ref name="Kemm">{{cite news |url=http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/south-africans-are-going-to-make-the-soccer-world-cup-shine-2006-08-11 |title=South Africans are going to make the soccer World Cup shine |last=Kemm |first=Kelvin |date=11 August 2006 |newspaper=Engineering News |publisher=Creamer Media |access-date=14 August 2009 |archive-date=19 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219082625/http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/south-africans-are-going-to-make-the-soccer-world-cup-shine-2006-08-11 |url-status=live }}</ref>


Retired miner Reg Mellor, from ],<ref>{{cite news |last=Hattenstone |first=Simon|title=In Praise Of The North|newspaper=]|date=14 August 2008}}</ref> set the new world record time of five hours and twenty-six minutes on 5&nbsp;July 1981 at the Annual ] Show at ], Yorkshire.<ref name="Wasson">{{cite news |title=Intimate sport of ferret legging / At annual Highland event, contestants put animal down their pants, then wait, pray |newspaper=] |first=Bill |last=Wasson |date=29&nbsp;October 2006 |page=B.1}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Gould |first1=Philip J. |last2=Laue |first2=Ralf |title=Book of Alternative Records |publisher=Metro Publishing |year=2004 |isbn=1-84358-126-4 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=A 'sport' unlikely to draw spectators |last=Gordon |first=Jim |date=16&nbsp;July 2002 |newspaper=] |page=A2 |accessdate=2009-08-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=NFkLAAAAIBAJ&sjid=-VIDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4186,3759181&dq=ferret+pants+sport|title=Ned Creighton eyes the lawmakers|date=4&nbsp;April 1983|newspaper=]|page=2|accessdate=2012-12-28}}</ref> He had practised the sport since his youth, but had received no recognition until he set the new world record.<ref name="The Ledger">{{cite news|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=dvgSAAAAIBAJ&sjid=MfsDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5791,3042201&dq=ferret-legging|title=Recognition by squirming is his goal|date=8&nbsp;September 1981|newspaper=]|page=5C|accessdate=20012-12-28}}</ref> Mellor, who had hunted with ferrets in the dales outside of Barnsley for many years, had grown accustomed to keeping them in his trousers to keep them warm and dry when out working in the rain.<ref name=KatzPG6/> Mellor's "trick" was to ensure that the ferrets were well-fed before they were inserted into his trousers.<ref name="Wasson"/> Retired miner Reg Mellor, from ],<ref>{{cite news |last=Hattenstone |first=Simon |title=In Praise Of The North |newspaper=] |date=14 August 2008}}</ref> set the new world record time of five hours and twenty-six minutes on 5 July 1981 at the Annual ] Show at ], Yorkshire.<ref name="Wasson">{{cite news |title=Intimate sport of ferret-legging / At annual Highland event, contestants put animal down their pants, then wait, pray |newspaper=] |first=Bill |last=Wasson |date=29 October 2006 |page=B.1}}</ref> He had practised the sport since his youth, but had received no recognition until he set the new world record.<ref name="The Ledger">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=dvgSAAAAIBAJ&sjid=MfsDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5791,3042201&dq=ferret-legging |title=Recognition by squirming is his goal |date=8 September 1981 |newspaper=] |page=5C |access-date=28 December 2012 |archive-date=25 January 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125015752/http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=dvgSAAAAIBAJ&sjid=MfsDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5791,3042201&dq=ferret-legging |url-status=live }}</ref> Mellor, who had hunted with ferrets in the dales outside Barnsley for many years, had grown accustomed to keeping them in his trousers to keep them warm and dry when out working in the rain.{{sfnp|Katz|2001|p=6}} Mellor's "trick" was to ensure that the ferrets were well-fed before they were inserted into his trousers.<ref name="Wasson"/>


In 1986, Mellor attempted to break his own record before a crowd of 2,500&nbsp;spectators, intending to beat the "magic six-hour mark—the ] of ferret legging".<ref name=KatzP9 /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/apr/07/ferrets-britain-survey-south|title=The capital of ferret-fancying? It's not where you'd think|last=Wainwright|first=Martin|date=7 April 2010|work=]|accessdate=2010-04-30}}</ref> After five hours, most of the attendees had become bored and left; workmen arrived to dismantle the stage, despite Mellor's protests that he was on his way to a new record.<ref name=KatzP9 /> According to Adrian Tame of the '']'', Mellor retired after that experience, "disillusioned and broken-hearted," but with his dignity and manhood intact.<ref name="Tame"/> Mellor had hoped to organise an annual national competition held in his home town of Barnsley, and offered a prize of £100 to anyone who could beat him.<ref name=Kershaw /> In 1986, Mellor attempted to break his own record before a crowd of 2,500&nbsp;spectators, intending to beat the "magic six-hour mark—the ] of ferret legging".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2010/apr/07/ferrets-britain-survey-south|title=The capital of ferret-fancying? It's not where you'd think|last=Wainwright|first=Martin|date=7 April 2010|work=]|access-date=30 April 2010|location=London|archive-date=10 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130910120033/http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2010/apr/07/ferrets-britain-survey-south|url-status=live}}</ref> After five hours, most of the attendees had become bored and left; workmen arrived to dismantle the stage, despite Mellor's protests that he was on his way to a new record. According to Adrian Tame of the '']'', Mellor retired after that experience, "disillusioned and broken-hearted," but with his dignity and manhood intact.<ref name="Tame"/> Mellor had hoped to organise an annual national competition held in his home town of Barnsley, and offered a prize of £100 to anyone who could beat him.<ref name=Kershaw />


Frank Bartlett, a retired ], and Christine Farnsworth, broke Mellor's record in 2010. The pair managed five hours and thirty minutes, raising £1,000 for the Whittington Community ].<ref>{{cite news |date=17&nbsp;May 2010 |title=Ferreting around for a new world record |work=Express & Star |url=http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2010/05/17/ferreting-around-for-a-new-world-record/ |accessdate=2010-05-20 }}</ref> Frank Bartlett, a retired ], and Christine Farnsworth, broke Mellor's record in 2010. The pair managed five hours and thirty minutes, raising £1,000 for the Whittington Community ].<ref>{{cite news |date=17 May 2010 |title=Ferreting around for a new world record |work=Express & Star |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/news/2010/05/17/ferreting-around-for-a-new-world-record/ |access-date=20 May 2010 |archive-date=20 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100520033509/http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2010/05/17/ferreting-around-for-a-new-world-record/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


==Reception== ==Reception==
harmless, fun-loving creatures" by people associated with the sport.<ref name="Ruggieri"/>]] ]
Ferret legging has existed for centuries,<ref name=FoxP13 /> but the sport made a brief resurgence in popularity during the 1970s.<ref name=KatzPG6>{{Harvnb|Katz|2001|p=6}}</ref> According to a 2005 report published in the English ''Northern Echo'' newspaper, whether due to a "lack of brave contestants or complaining wives", ferret legging is now "a dying sport" that is being replaced by ferret racing, in which the animals race through a plastic pipe.<ref name="Flood"/> Although the sport is now uncommon,<ref name="Charlotte"/> annual competitions have been held at the Richmond ] & Celtic Festival in ] since 2003.<ref name="Smith"/><ref name="Ruggieri">{{cite news|title=Ferret Out What's New At Festival|last=Ruggieri |first=Melissa|date=23&nbsp;October 2003 |newspaper=]|page=D-12|accessdate=2009-08-12}}</ref><ref name="Mahoney"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.richmond.com/arts-entertainment/article_b028d809-0f9b-5192-8d7a-eb77eece76a7.html|title=Men in Skirts|last=Houstoun|first=Katherine|date=19&nbsp;October 2005|newspaper=Richmond.com|accessdate=2009-08-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Ferret legging among the activities at Celtic festival|last=Slayton|first=Jeremy|date=26 October 2009|work=]}}</ref> In 2007, the Manitoba Ferret Association held a ferret legging competition in ], ], to raise money in support of the organization's shelter for homeless ferrets.<ref name="Vanraes">{{cite news|url=http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/WeirdNews/2007/06/24/4286719-sun.html|title=Ferret fun in the park|last=Vanraes|first=Shannon|date=24 June 2007|newspaper=]|accessdate=2009-08-14}}</ref> Ferret-legging has existed for centuries,{{sfnp|Fox|1998|p=13}} but the sport made a brief resurgence in popularity during the 1970s.{{sfnp|Katz|2001|p=6}} According to a 2005 report published in the English ''Northern Echo'' newspaper, whether due to a "lack of brave contestants or complaining wives", ferret-legging is now "a dying sport" that is being replaced by ferret racing, in which the animals race through a plastic pipe.<ref name="Flood"/> Although the sport is now uncommon,<ref name="Charlotte">{{cite news |title=Ferreting Out The Facts |last=Mackaness |first=Charlotte |date=9 December 2006 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |page=18}}</ref> annual competitions were held at the Richmond ] & Celtic Festival in ], Virginia from 2003<ref name="Smith"/><ref name="Ruggieri">{{cite news |title=Ferret Out What's New At Festival |last=Ruggieri |first=Melissa|date=23 October 2003 |newspaper=]|page=D-12}}</ref> through 2009.<ref name="outside_followup">{{cite web |last=O'Hanlon |first=Ryan |title=Following up on Donald Katz's "The King of the Ferret Leggers" |date=18 July 2012 |url=http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/out-of-bounds/Consider-the-Wild-Animal-Down-Your-Pants-20120718.html?page=all |publisher=Outside |access-date=4 January 2013 |archive-date=13 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113165638/http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/out-of-bounds/Consider-the-Wild-Animal-Down-Your-Pants-20120718.html?page=all |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2007 the Manitoba Ferret Association held a ferret-legging competition in ], ], to raise money in support of the organization's shelter for homeless ferrets.<ref name="Vanraes">{{cite news|url=http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/WeirdNews/2007/06/24/4286719-sun.html|title=Ferret fun in the park|last=Vanraes|first=Shannon|date=24 June 2007|newspaper=]|access-date=14 August 2009|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115062133/http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/WeirdNews/2007/06/24/4286719-sun.html|archive-date=15 January 2013|url-status=usurped}}</ref> Marlene Blackburn, who works with the Ferret Rescue League to ensure that no ferrets are harmed in the sport, claims that during the years the competitions have been held in Richmond no contestant has ever been bitten, although some may get a few scratches.<ref name="Wasson"/> According to Kelly Yager of the Manitoba Ferret Association, the animals actually like small, confined spaces.<ref name="Vanraes"/> Jay Lugar, spokesman for the Richmond Highland Games & Celtic Festival, said ferrets are "generally very harmless, fun-loving creatures."<ref name="Ruggieri"/> Reg Mellor, however, commented that at their very worst, they can be "cannibals, things that live only to kill, that'll eat your eyes out to get at your brain".{{sfnp|Katz|2001|p=6}}


⚫ Christopher Borrelli of '']'' describes ferret-legging as a "remarkable" sport in which you get "more agony of defeat than thrill of victory,"<ref name="Borrelli">{{cite news|title=Filmmakers score laughs in flaky sports comedy |last=Borrelli |first=Christopher |date=18 June 2004 |newspaper=] |page=D6}}</ref> and Louis Mahoney of the '']'' said it is "sure to bring a laugh."<ref name="Mahoney">{{cite news |title=Celtic Fare |last=Mahoney |first=Louis |date=22 October 2003 |work=] |page=D-1}}</ref> '']'' listed it as the fifth "most baffling" sport in the world.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cracked.com/article_16697_8-most-baffling-sports-from-around-world.html |title=The 8 Most Baffling "Sports" From Around The World |date=19 October 2008 |work=] |access-date=13 August 2009 |archive-date=5 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090505145100/http://www.cracked.com/article_16697_8-most-baffling-sports-from-around-world.html |url-status=live }}</ref> '']''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Scott Bernarde commented that anyone who has tried ferret-legging "will agree that falling off a mountain isn't all that bad."<ref>{{cite news |title=Plentiful targets&nbsp;– From tools to software, holiday choice of presents for outdoorsmen varied |last=Bernarde |first=Scott |date=20 December 1998 |work=] |page=E24}}</ref> American sportswriter ] of ] tried ferret-legging as part of his quest to find "the world's dumbest sport" for a book published in 2010.<ref>{{cite news |title=New life of Reilly: ESPN's everyman |last=Greenstein |first=Teddy |date=30 May 2008 |work=] |page=4}}</ref>
Marlene Blackburn, who works with the Ferret Rescue League to ensure that no ferrets are harmed in the sport, claims that during the years the competitions have been held in Richmond no contestant has ever been bitten, although some may get a few scratches.<ref name="Wasson"/> According to Kelly Yager of the Manitoba Ferret Association, the animals actually like small, confined spaces.<ref name="Vanraes"/> Jay Lugar, spokesman for the Richmond Highland Games & Celtic Festival, said ferrets are "generally very harmless, fun-loving creatures."<ref name="Ruggieri"/> Reg Mellor, however, commented that at their very worst, they can be "cannibals, things that live only to kill, that'll eat your eyes out to get at your brain".<ref name=KatzPG6/>


⚫ Mellor made a brief appearance in the 1976 television documentary presented by actor and wrestler ] entitled ''It's no joke living in Barnsley'', in which he demonstrated ferret-legging.<ref name=Kershaw /> During his appearance on '']'' in May 1996, actor ] ('']'') spent much of the interview with ] talking about ferret-legging, which he identified as "a new Australian Olympics event."<ref>{{cite news |title=Beard's 'Tonight' to remember |last=Bisheff |first=Steve |date=23 May 1996 |newspaper=] |page=D01}}</ref> In November 1992, the ] advertising firm produced television commercials for the ] that compared ] with ferret-legging. One of the commercials concludes that keno "as you can imagine, is lots better than a ferret in your trousers."<ref>{{cite news |title=Keno Providing A Lot Of Action, But Few Riches&nbsp;– Except To State |last=Magagnini |first=Stephen |date=22 November 1992 |newspaper=] |page=N10}}</ref>
⚫ Christopher Borrelli of '']'' describes ferret legging as a "remarkable" sport in which you get "more agony of defeat than thrill of victory,"<ref name="Borrelli">{{cite news|title=Filmmakers score laughs in flaky sports comedy|last=Borrelli|first=Christopher|date=18&nbsp;June 2004 |newspaper=]|page=D6|accessdate=2009-08-12}}</ref> and Louis Mahoney of the '']'' said it is "sure to bring a laugh."<ref name="Mahoney">{{cite news|title=Celtic Fare|last=Mahoney|first=Louis|date=22&nbsp;October 2003 |work=]|page=D-1|accessdate=2009-08-12}}</ref> '']'' listed it as the fifth "most baffling" sport in the world.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cracked.com/article_16697_8-most-baffling-sports-from-around-world.html|title=The 8 Most Baffling "Sports" From Around The World|date=19 October 2008|newspaper=]|accessdate=2009-08-13}}</ref> '']''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Scott Bernarde commented that anyone who has tried ferret legging "will agree that falling off a mountain isn't all that bad."<ref>{{cite news|title=Plentiful targets - From tools to software, holiday choice of presents for outdoorsmen varied|last=Bernarde|first=Scott|date=20&nbsp;December 1998 |work=]|page=E24|accessdate=2009-08-12}}</ref> American sportswriter ] of ] tried ferret legging as part of his quest to find "the world's dumbest sport" for a book published in 2010.<ref>{{cite news|title=New life of Reilly: ESPN's everyman|last=Greenstein|first=Teddy|date=30&nbsp;May 2008 |work=]|page=4|accessdate=2009-08-12}}</ref>


⚫ ==References==
⚫ Mellor made a brief appearance in the 1976 television documentary presented by actor and wrestler ] entitled ''It's no joke living in Barnsley'', in which he demonstrated ferret legging.<ref name=Kershaw /> During his appearance on '']'' in May 1996, actor ] ('']'') spent much of the interview with ] talking about ferret legging, which he identified as "a new Australian Olympics event."<ref>{{cite news|title=Beard's 'Tonight' to remember|last=Bisheff|first=Steve|date=23&nbsp;May 1996|newspaper=]|page=D01|accessdate=2009-08-13}}</ref> In November 1992, the ] advertising firm produced television commercials for the ] that compared ] with ferret legging. One of the commercials concludes that keno "as you can imagine, is lots better than a ferret in your trousers."<ref>{{cite news|title=Keno Providing A Lot Of Action, But Few Riches - Except To State|last=Magagnini |first=Stephen|date=22&nbsp;November 1992|newspaper=]|page=N10|accessdate=2009-08-13}}</ref>


==See also== ===Citations===
⚫ {{reflist|30em}}
*]

⚫ ==References==
;Notes
⚫ {{reflist|colwidth=30em}}


;Bibliography; ===Bibliography===
{{refbegin}} {{refbegin}}
*{{Cite book |last=Barrett |first=Grant |title=The Official Dictionary of Unofficial English |year=2006 |publisher=McGraw-Hill |isbn=978-0-07-145804-7 |ref=harv |postscript=.}} *{{citation |last=Fox |first=James G. |title=Biology and Diseases of the Ferret |year=1998 |edition=2nd |publisher=Williams and Wilkins |isbn=0-683-30034-2}}
*{{Cite book |last=Fox |first=James G. |title=Biology and Diseases of the Ferret |year=1998 |edition=2 |publisher=Williams and Wilkins |location=Baltimore |isbn=0-683-30034-2 |ref=harv |postscript=.}} *{{citation |last=Katz |first=Donald |title=King of the Ferret Leggers and Other True Stories |year=2001 |orig-year=1987 |publisher=Random House |isbn=0-8129-9152-4}}
*{{Cite book |last=Katz |first=Donald |title=King of the Ferret Leggers and Other True Stories |year=2001 |origyear=1987 |publisher=Random House |location=New York |isbn=0-8129-9152-4 |ref=harv |postscript=.}} *{{citation |last=Elsom |first=John |title=Post-War British Theatre |year=1976 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=0-7100-8350-5 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/postwarbritishth0000elso }}
*{{Cite book |last=Banham|first=Martin|title=The Cambridge Guide to Theatre |year=1995 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |location=Cambridge |isbn=0-521-43437-8 |ref=harv |postscript=.}}
*{{Cite book |last=Elsom|first=John|title=Post-War British Theatre|year=1976|publisher=Routledge|isbn=0-7100-8350-5 |ref=harv |postscript=.}}
{{refend}} {{refend}}


==Further reading== ==Further reading==
*{{Cite news |date=20&nbsp;February 2006 |newspaper=] |title=Ferrets plus pants equals hours of entertainment |ref=harv |postscript=.}} *{{cite news |date=20 February 2006 |newspaper=] |title=Ferrets plus pants equals hours of entertainment }}
*{{cite news|url=http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/out-of-bounds/The-King-of-the-Ferret-Leggers-20120718.html|title=The King of the Ferret Leggers|last=Katz|first=Donald|publisher=''Outside Magazine''|date=October 1983|accessdate=27 December 2012}} *{{cite magazine |url=http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/out-of-bounds/The-King-of-the-Ferret-Leggers-20120718.html|title=The King of the Ferret Leggers |last=Katz |first=Donald |magazine=Outside Magazine|date=October 1983 |access-date=27 December 2012}}
*{{cite news|url=http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/out-of-bounds/Consider-the-Wild-Animal-Down-Your-Pants-20120718.html|title=Consider the Wild Animal Down Your Pants|last=O'Hanlon|first=Ryan|publisher=''Outside Magazine''|date=18 July 2012|accessdate=27 December 2012}} *{{cite magazine |url=http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/out-of-bounds/Consider-the-Wild-Animal-Down-Your-Pants-20120718.html |title=Consider the Wild Animal Down Your Pants |last=O'Hanlon| first=Ryan |magazine=Outside Magazine |date=18 July 2012 |access-date=27 December 2012}}


==External links== ==External links==
* *


{{Good article}} {{Good article}}

Latest revision as of 16:10, 17 June 2024

Endurance test or stunt
Adult ferrets average about 18 inches (460 mm) from nose to the tip of the tail.

Ferret-legging was an endurance test or stunt in which ferrets were trapped in trousers worn by a participant. Also known as put 'em down and ferret-down-trousers, it seems to have been popular among coal miners in Yorkshire, England. Contestants put live ferrets inside their trousers; the winner is the one who is the last to release the animals.

Ferret-legging may have originated during the time when only the relatively wealthy in England were allowed to keep animals used for hunting, forcing poachers to hide their illicit ferrets in their trousers. Following a brief resurgence in popularity during the 1970s, it has been described as a "dying sport", although a national ferret-legging event was held in Richmond, Virginia, US from 2003 to 2009.

Description and rules

In the sport of ferret-legging, competitors tie their trousers at the ankles before placing two ferrets inside and securely fastening their belts to prevent the ferrets from escaping. Each competitor then stands in front of the judges for as long as he can. Competitors cannot be drunk or drugged, nor can the ferrets be sedated. In addition, competitors are not allowed to wear underwear beneath their trousers, which must allow the ferrets free access from one leg to the other, and the ferrets must have a full set of teeth that must not have been filed or otherwise blunted. The winner is the person who lasts the longest.

The sport is said to involve very little "native skill", simply an ability to "have your tool bitten and not care". The former world champion, Reg Mellor, is credited with instituting the practice of wearing white trousers in ferret-legging matches, to better display the blood from the wounds caused by the animals. Competitors can attempt, from outside their trousers, to dislodge the ferrets, but as the animals can maintain a strong hold for long periods, their removal can be difficult.

The ferrets are occasionally put inside the contestants' shirts in addition to their trousers. An attempt to introduce a female version of the sport—ferret busting, in which female contestants introduced ferrets down their blouses—proved unsuccessful.

Origin

The origin of ferret-legging is disputed. The sport seems to have become popular among coal miners in Yorkshire, England, in the 1970s, though some Scots claim it gained popularity in Scotland. According to Marlene Blackburn of the Richmond Ferret Rescue League, ferret-legging originated in public houses "where patrons would bet on who could keep a ferret in his pants the longest." The sport may alternatively have originated during the time when only the relatively wealthy in England were allowed to keep ferrets used for hunting, forcing the animal poachers to hide their illicit ferrets in their trousers to avoid detection by gamekeepers.

The pastime gained attention in a humorous article written by Don Katz, entitled "King of the Ferret Leggers," in the October 1987 issue of Outside magazine. Katz described ferrets as "having claws like hypodermic needles and teeth like number 16 carpet tacks". James Howard of The Fresno Bee said Katz failed to explain why anyone would want to participate in a sport such as ferret-legging, but the article "offers a glimpse into the human need to challenge the edges of human endurance".

Records

In 1972, the ferret-legging record stood at 40 seconds. A few years later, the record had risen to over one minute, and eventually to 90 minutes. In 1977, Edward Simpkins from the Isle of Wight set the new world record of five hours and ten minutes, although he only had one ferret in his trousers during the first four hours and two for the last seventy minutes. Simpkins sustained two large bites during his record-breaking attempt, but continued to play a game of darts undeterred.

Retired miner Reg Mellor, from Barnsley, set the new world record time of five hours and twenty-six minutes on 5 July 1981 at the Annual Pennine Show at Holmfirth, Yorkshire. He had practised the sport since his youth, but had received no recognition until he set the new world record. Mellor, who had hunted with ferrets in the dales outside Barnsley for many years, had grown accustomed to keeping them in his trousers to keep them warm and dry when out working in the rain. Mellor's "trick" was to ensure that the ferrets were well-fed before they were inserted into his trousers.

In 1986, Mellor attempted to break his own record before a crowd of 2,500 spectators, intending to beat the "magic six-hour mark—the four-minute mile of ferret legging". After five hours, most of the attendees had become bored and left; workmen arrived to dismantle the stage, despite Mellor's protests that he was on his way to a new record. According to Adrian Tame of the Sunday Herald Sun, Mellor retired after that experience, "disillusioned and broken-hearted," but with his dignity and manhood intact. Mellor had hoped to organise an annual national competition held in his home town of Barnsley, and offered a prize of £100 to anyone who could beat him.

Frank Bartlett, a retired headmaster, and Christine Farnsworth, broke Mellor's record in 2010. The pair managed five hours and thirty minutes, raising £1,000 for the Whittington Community First Responders.

Reception

Despite their sharp teeth, ferrets have been called "generally ... harmless, fun-loving creatures" by people associated with the sport.

Ferret-legging has existed for centuries, but the sport made a brief resurgence in popularity during the 1970s. According to a 2005 report published in the English Northern Echo newspaper, whether due to a "lack of brave contestants or complaining wives", ferret-legging is now "a dying sport" that is being replaced by ferret racing, in which the animals race through a plastic pipe. Although the sport is now uncommon, annual competitions were held at the Richmond Highland Games & Celtic Festival in Richmond, Virginia from 2003 through 2009. In 2007 the Manitoba Ferret Association held a ferret-legging competition in St. Vital Park, Winnipeg, to raise money in support of the organization's shelter for homeless ferrets. Marlene Blackburn, who works with the Ferret Rescue League to ensure that no ferrets are harmed in the sport, claims that during the years the competitions have been held in Richmond no contestant has ever been bitten, although some may get a few scratches. According to Kelly Yager of the Manitoba Ferret Association, the animals actually like small, confined spaces. Jay Lugar, spokesman for the Richmond Highland Games & Celtic Festival, said ferrets are "generally very harmless, fun-loving creatures." Reg Mellor, however, commented that at their very worst, they can be "cannibals, things that live only to kill, that'll eat your eyes out to get at your brain".

Christopher Borrelli of The Blade describes ferret-legging as a "remarkable" sport in which you get "more agony of defeat than thrill of victory," and Louis Mahoney of the Richmond Times-Dispatch said it is "sure to bring a laugh." Cracked listed it as the fifth "most baffling" sport in the world. The Atlanta Journal's Scott Bernarde commented that anyone who has tried ferret-legging "will agree that falling off a mountain isn't all that bad." American sportswriter Rick Reilly of ESPN tried ferret-legging as part of his quest to find "the world's dumbest sport" for a book published in 2010.

Mellor made a brief appearance in the 1976 television documentary presented by actor and wrestler Brian Glover entitled It's no joke living in Barnsley, in which he demonstrated ferret-legging. During his appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in May 1996, actor Paul Hogan (Crocodile Dundee) spent much of the interview with Leno talking about ferret-legging, which he identified as "a new Australian Olympics event." In November 1992, the J. Walter Thompson advertising firm produced television commercials for the California State Lottery that compared keno with ferret-legging. One of the commercials concludes that keno "as you can imagine, is lots better than a ferret in your trousers."

References

Citations

  1. Fox (1998), p. 7.
  2. ^ Fox (1998), p. 13.
  3. Elsom (1976), p. 154.
  4. ^ "Countryside day may be annual event". Northern Echo. 4 January 2005. Archived from the original on 10 September 2009. Retrieved 12 August 2009.
  5. ^ Tame, Adrian (19 January 2003). "Ferreting out my hero". Sunday Herald Sun. p. 75.
  6. "China's Olympics snit, etc". The Washington Times. 18 September 1993. p. D2.
  7. ^ Kershaw, Ronald (31 December 1980). "Mr Mellor sets scene for a Yorkshire test of the ferret-legging custom". The Times. p. 2. Retrieved 12 August 2009. (subscription required)
  8. ^ Smith, Tammie (23 October 2008). "Big Guys Toss Anything – Competitions are among the events at Richmond Highland Games & Celtic Festival". Richmond Times-Dispatch. p. D-1.
  9. ^ Katz (2001), p. 9.
  10. Williams, Michael; McMullen, Cynthia (28 December 2003). "Is that a ferret in your pocket, or ... ?". Richmond Times-Dispatch. p. G-1.
  11. Wansell, Geoffrey (31 March 1983). "Hob and Jill Make a Comeback". The Times. p. 12. Retrieved 12 August 2009.
  12. Nycz, Brent (19 November 2008). "Ferret Legging: Not Just for Brits Anymore". Fordham Observer. Archived from the original on 13 November 2013. Retrieved 28 December 2012.
  13. ^ Wasson, Bill (29 October 2006). "Intimate sport of ferret-legging / At annual Highland event, contestants put animal down their pants, then wait, pray". Richmond Times-Dispatch. p. B.1.
  14. ^ "Recognition by squirming is his goal". The Ledger. 8 September 1981. p. 5C. Archived from the original on 25 January 2013. Retrieved 28 December 2012.
  15. Wineke, William (1 July 2001). "Ferreting Out The Fascinating". Wisconsin State Journal. p. F3.
  16. Katz (2001), p. 3.
  17. Howard, James (23 November 1997). "Outside Takes Readers Inside Good Writing". The Fresno Bee. p. G2.
  18. ^ Katz (2001), p. 4.
  19. Kemm, Kelvin (11 August 2006). "South Africans are going to make the soccer World Cup shine". Engineering News. Creamer Media. Archived from the original on 19 February 2012. Retrieved 14 August 2009.
  20. Hattenstone, Simon (14 August 2008). "In Praise Of The North". The Guardian.
  21. ^ Katz (2001), p. 6.
  22. Wainwright, Martin (7 April 2010). "The capital of ferret-fancying? It's not where you'd think". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on 10 September 2013. Retrieved 30 April 2010.
  23. "Ferreting around for a new world record". Express & Star. 17 May 2010. Archived from the original on 20 May 2010. Retrieved 20 May 2010.
  24. ^ Ruggieri, Melissa (23 October 2003). "Ferret Out What's New At Festival". Richmond Times-Dispatch. p. D-12.
  25. Mackaness, Charlotte (9 December 2006). "Ferreting Out The Facts". The Daily Telegraph. p. 18.
  26. O'Hanlon, Ryan (18 July 2012). "Following up on Donald Katz's "The King of the Ferret Leggers"". Outside. Archived from the original on 13 November 2013. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  27. ^ Vanraes, Shannon (24 June 2007). "Ferret fun in the park". Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on 15 January 2013. Retrieved 14 August 2009.
  28. Borrelli, Christopher (18 June 2004). "Filmmakers score laughs in flaky sports comedy". The Blade. p. D6.
  29. Mahoney, Louis (22 October 2003). "Celtic Fare". Richmond Times-Dispatch. p. D-1.
  30. "The 8 Most Baffling "Sports" From Around The World". Cracked. 19 October 2008. Archived from the original on 5 May 2009. Retrieved 13 August 2009.
  31. Bernarde, Scott (20 December 1998). "Plentiful targets – From tools to software, holiday choice of presents for outdoorsmen varied". The Atlanta Journal. p. E24.
  32. Greenstein, Teddy (30 May 2008). "New life of Reilly: ESPN's everyman". Chicago Tribune. p. 4.
  33. Bisheff, Steve (23 May 1996). "Beard's 'Tonight' to remember". The Orange County Register. p. D01.
  34. Magagnini, Stephen (22 November 1992). "Keno Providing A Lot Of Action, But Few Riches – Except To State". Los Angeles Daily News. p. N10.

Bibliography

Further reading

External links

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