Sept 8th: "Blessing Of The Hounds" with Cazenovia's Limestone Creek Hunt Club

We are so lucky to have so many truly unique events in this community, and the "Blessing of the Hounds" presented by Limestone Creek Hunt Club at Lorenzo State Historic Site is surely one of them.

According to the club "A hunt's pack is its most precious resource. Traditionally, the LCH pack and horses are blessed on Opening Day of our formal season. This is often a solemn moment during the festivities, as members and staff take a moment to honor the hounds that bring us joy and sport."

Please join for the parade down main street followed by the blessing ceremony at Lorenzo State Historic Site!

When: September 8th, 2024

Time: 9AM

PARADE ROUTE: The route of the parade is from the Green down Sullivan Street to Albany Street, then to Forman Street and back to Lorenzo State Historic Site.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Parade starts at 9am and folks should be prepared to see hunt members and horses merrily parading along behind our Huntsman Doug Russell and the LCH pack. All are welcome, but we do ask that dogs be left at home. The pack is very friendly, but can be overwhelming to pets.

BEST SPOTS TO WATCH: Best places to view are along Albany street and at the Brae Loch Intersection. Then head on over the Lorenzo for the stirrup cup and blessing in front of the mansion.

PRAYER FOR THE BLESSING OF THE HOUNDS

Heavenly Father, once again you use this ancient and revered event to knit together your creatures: human being, horse, hound and fox.  We ask you to bless them all.

Bless the people who have planned and organized.  Honor their passion.  Look kindly upon those who have trained and cared for the animals that we see and that we will hear today.  Shield from danger to life and limb all those who participate in today’s hunt.  Let the end of the day find them renewed in mind and spirit as You would have them.  And care for those whose lands are traversed in ride and hunt, and grant that no deed cause hurt or harm.

Bless these noble horses who will course today and carry their riders willingly and loyally and safely.

Look in kindly fashion upon the hounds who hunt today as their forebearers in this special sport have done for centuries, expert at their task and eager to raise their voices in that recognizable song of triumph.

And bless our brother creature fox.  Help us all to see and appreciate the eager willingness and creative cunning that makes him the center of what takes place today. 

Finally, help all who participate in this hunt finish the day fortified by their sportsmanship, their resistance to excessive pride, their joy in the company of others, their respect for their fellow creatures and the lands they share, and their understanding that all we do, Lord, we do through Your grace and guidance.  Amen.

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

For more information on events, membership and the Club, visit www.limestonecreekhunt.org