Blessing of the Hounds

No place in the world can surpass the beauty of Indiana in the fall.  We urge all members not only to come and take part in this wonderful outdoor service, when the weather is at its best, but to urge their friends and acquaintances to come out also, and the public is invited.  There is no more beautiful sight than the gentlemen in their brilliant scarlet coats and the lovely ladies in contrasting black, all standing by the heads of their sleek and manicured horses against a backdrop of autumn hues under a clear blue sky spotted here and there with small white clouds!

This ceremony is believed to have originated in France during the 8th Century. Tradition has it that the ceremony was created by Hubert, a paladin of the Court of Charlemagne, who on Good Friday while out hunting with his hounds, received a revelation, a vision of a stag with a flaming crucifix between its horns. In his second career, he took holy orders and achieved the position of Bishop of Liege and Tongres. Later sanctified as St. Hubert, he became the patron saint of hunters. During our service, each rider will receive a copper medallion suspended from a ribbon around his neck on which are stamped the words, "Saint Hubert Ora Pro Nobis."

Instructions for Riders in the Blessing:
Vans, trailers, and riders' automobiles should be parked in the area west of the stables on the TPH Charity Horse Show grounds.  Riders should be mounted at the Kennels by 1:45 P.M.  Dress is formal.  Your horse's mane should be braided, and should be spotless and shining, as should your tack.  When the Masters of Foxhounds, Staff, and hounds appear, listen for any instructions, then the riders will follow them in a column of twos behind the Field Master, with senior riders with colors in the lead and junior riders in the rear.  Mounted hilltoppers will follow.  KEEP CLOSED UP!
The column will proceed down the road at a walk, turning into the drive at the Hunt House.
The Staff will gather with the hounds in the circle around the flagpole.  They will dismount, and their horses will be taken and held for them.  The field will divide at the circle, one column going to the right, one to the left, forming a semi-circle around the flagpole.  When in proper position riders will dismount and stand by their horses' heads.  Gentlemen remove their hats during the entire ceremony.  Ladies do not remove their hats at any time.

The ceremony will begin when everyone is in place.  Each rider should have his/her donation handy so that he can easily place it in the basket as it is passed.  After the donation, riders will go forward one at a time, alternating sides.  Each rider will be blessed individually and have a medal of         St. Hubert placed around his or her neck. Masters and Staff receive their medals last.
When the Staff has been blessed, their horses will be brought back, and they will mount.  All riders may mount at this time.  Hounds and riders will turn back down the road for the casting of the hounds.  WATCH THE FIELD MASTER CLOSELY FOR INSTRUCTIONS-GOOD HUNTING!!!

The Blessing of the Hounds is a wonderful opportunity to get out and enjoy the open while absorbing spiritual benefit. There is ample parking for all automobiles in the east portion of the Hunt House field, where the Blessing will take place.

We are looking forward to many more fine hunt seasons.  Below are some pictures from previous Blessings.  For more pictures of the Blessing and other events such as summer rides, parties, etc., go to our pictures website at traderspointhunt.shutterfly.com/