A special horse blessing service is being held at World Horse Welfare’s Blackpool farm on Sunday (28 September).
Godfrey Hirst, known locally as the “cantering canon” has taken the service for the last nineteen years.
Before the event is there will be a turnout competition divided into four classes: in-hand, lead-rein, 14.2hh and under and 14.3hh and over. The Stirrup Cup will be awarded to the overall winner.
Over 40 horses either ridden or in-hand attended last year’s hour-long service, which includes hymns, prayers and readings.
The sermon is given “on the mount” by Godfrey Hirst on James, a horse loaned to him for the day by a World Horse Welfare supporter.
The service was held on a local village green but moved to World Horse Welfare’s Penny Farm four years ago. The site has an indoor school if the weather is bad.
After the service the riders can take part in a 1.5-mile ride around the farm to raise funds for the charity.
