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2009 Opening Hunt
Blessing of the Hounds
To view photos of Stirrup Cup Click Here
To view photos of Hunt Breakfast Click Here

photos courtesy: Patty Moise, Jerry Davis, Scott and Alison Shiminski and Amanda Steelman

After the Stirrup Cup, Huntsman and hounds hack up the road to the Blessing of the Hounds.

The field of riders and staff leave the trailers for the Blessing.

MFH and Huntsman Kim Sigmon arrives at the Blessing on Charlie for his Opening Hunt debut.

First Field Master Mitzi Davis (foreground) on Rocky follows closely behind MFH Cam Hall.

The field arrives at Pat and Susie Hauser's property for the Blessing of the Hounds.

Rev. Marion Swann begins the service with a history of St. Hubert, patron saint of hunters.

The whips position themselves around the hounds while Rev. Swann blesses the pack for the hunt season.

MFH Jerry McKenzie on Oliver (foreground) is in a group of four grays.

Mike Ball is flanked by the ladies, Gail Carter (left) and Carrie Reavis.

Cody has a horse's eye view of the line-up.

Scott Shiminski stands next to Alison, Larry Lansford and Jenny Steinman.

Whip Sally Smith and Dapple keep their attention on the hounds.

Whip Sunni McKnight and Lexus (foreground) watch with Debbie Jones Permenter and Spring.

Charlie is all ears for his first Blessing of his hounds.

Huntsman (foreground) with Whips Sally (rear, left) and Sue Charlton on Lily

Jenny Steinman and Clyde join the second field at a polite canter.

The Blessing concludes and the field rides off into the mist.