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London: Blessing of Horses at Hyde Park


Last year's procession

Last year's procession

The vicar of St John’s Anglican Church, Hyde Park, will appear before his congregation on a horse,  after the morning service this Sunday, 21 September. Following a tradition which began 47 years ago, Rev Stephen Mason will lead a cavalcade of horses and riders to the church in order to celebrate horse riding in the heart of London.

The festivities follow the main Sunday service, which starts at 10am. After the service, everyone will file out into the open space in front of the church. At noon, the horses will arrive in procession, lining up along the forecourt and on Hyde Park Crescent for a blessing, followed by a ride-past and a presentation of rosettes.

As well as horses of all shapes and sizes - including Shetland ponies - there will also be horse drawn carriages and buggies. There will be plenty of entertainment, games and activities for children, with music, raffles and tombolas for the adults.  Local shops and businesses around Connaught St join in, providing generous hospitality and raffle prizes.

The annual Horseman’s Sunday celebrations began nearly 50 years ago to highlight the need to maintain stables along the north of Hyde Park. At that time, the stables were threatened with closure. It has become a popular event with local residents and visitors alike.
 
Revd Mason said: “This occasion is one of the most colourful events in the Hyde Park calendar. After all, how often do you get to see a cloaked member of the clergy on horseback these days?”

For more information about St John's, see: http://198.104.187.34/

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