The “Blessing of the Hounds” is a long-standing tradition in many hunt clubs, particularly at Thanksgiving. It dates back to the eighth century when St. Hubert (the son of the Duke of Aquitaine) was hunting on Good Friday and saw a stag with a luminous crucifix between it’s antlers. He allowed the stag to get away and ultimately founded a monastery where he bred the black and tan hounds. He later was canonized by the church as the patron saint of hunters. One such blessing goes like this:
The Blessing of the Hounds
Bless, O Lord, we beseech You,rider and horse
and hound. Shield the rider from danger to life
and limb, and may the chase bring to him
vigor of body and cleanliness of mind.
May the horse that carries him come unharmed
to the close of the hunting day, and be regarded
as mans helper in his work and in his play.
Let the hounds be counted as the rider’s
companions, creatures made by You to be with
him, and to be sharers in his joy.
We ask it all, in the name of Jesus Christ,
Your Son, our Lord and Savour
Amen
Image from The Blessing of the Hounds at Grace Episcopal Church, Keswick