The Blessing of the Hounds
Oh Heavenly Father, you have in your creation knit together all the creatures on earth as a seamless garment:
Grant to us, therefore, on this our nation’s day of Thanksgiving, the wisdom and grace to see all about us the works of your hand; grant that everyone of us who looks into the eyes of horse or hound this day may see the reflection of your face; and grant that the skilled and cunning fox may be our pilot to a deeper understanding and love for your natural world.
Bless our solemn friend, the horse, who bonds himself to us in silence and does our will so freely.
And bless our brothers the hounds who guide us upon the chase and whose voices ring with such triumph and joy as to make an anthem worthy of your hearing.
And finally, Oh Lord, may all who participate today in this sport, ancient from time beyond reckoning, return refreshed and renewed in body and spirit to do you will for us. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, world without end. Amen.
Robert L. Ashcom
Grant to us, therefore, on this our nation’s day of Thanksgiving, the wisdom and grace to see all about us the works of your hand; grant that everyone of us who looks into the eyes of horse or hound this day may see the reflection of your face; and grant that the skilled and cunning fox may be our pilot to a deeper understanding and love for your natural world.
Bless our solemn friend, the horse, who bonds himself to us in silence and does our will so freely.
And bless our brothers the hounds who guide us upon the chase and whose voices ring with such triumph and joy as to make an anthem worthy of your hearing.
And finally, Oh Lord, may all who participate today in this sport, ancient from time beyond reckoning, return refreshed and renewed in body and spirit to do you will for us. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, world without end. Amen.
Robert L. Ashcom
Special Events
Social events complement foxhunting through the season, which begins with informal cubbing in September. Breakfasts and tail-gates are traditional after hunts, as stirrup cups are before. Saturday hunt breakfasts are either hosted by members at the clubhouse or in their homes. Sometimes there are “pitch-ins” to which riders and non-riders contribute to a bountiful buffet at the clubhouse. There are several annual fundraisers and events throughout the year.
Tryon Hounds Horse Show Tryon Hounds Horse Show is an annual three-day horse show, which is held at FENCE late spring or early summer.
Hunter Pace Tryon Hounds Hunter Pace Events test skill and judgment of riders and horses over typical hunting country which is ridden at a “hunting pace” (or hilltopping pace, if preferred) established by the Hunt Staff> Competition is open to non-members, as well as members.
The Puppy Auction A fund raiser which allows subscribers and guests to bid on unentered puppies in order to win the honor of naming a hound.
The Hunt Ball The grand event of the season. Attire is formal and festivities include dining, dancing and a silent auction.
Presentation of Hunt Colors Usually presented twice a year by the Masters at the Opening Hunt on Thanksgiving Day, and at the Hunt Ball.
Blessing of the Hounds On Thanksgiving Day, the beginning of the formal hunting season, the hounds are blessed by a member of the local clergy, which is followed by prayer and distribution of St. Hubert’s medals.
Tryon Hounds Horse Show Tryon Hounds Horse Show is an annual three-day horse show, which is held at FENCE late spring or early summer.
Hunter Pace Tryon Hounds Hunter Pace Events test skill and judgment of riders and horses over typical hunting country which is ridden at a “hunting pace” (or hilltopping pace, if preferred) established by the Hunt Staff> Competition is open to non-members, as well as members.
The Puppy Auction A fund raiser which allows subscribers and guests to bid on unentered puppies in order to win the honor of naming a hound.
The Hunt Ball The grand event of the season. Attire is formal and festivities include dining, dancing and a silent auction.
Presentation of Hunt Colors Usually presented twice a year by the Masters at the Opening Hunt on Thanksgiving Day, and at the Hunt Ball.
Blessing of the Hounds On Thanksgiving Day, the beginning of the formal hunting season, the hounds are blessed by a member of the local clergy, which is followed by prayer and distribution of St. Hubert’s medals.