The Blessing of the Hounds – A Countryside Tradition

An annual tradition for the Essex Fox Hounds of Peapack, New Jersey

Blessing of the Hounds

Back in 2007, before there was a Mr. Local History, there was just a local looking for fun historic events to go to. One day he ran into a few riders on a Bedminster side road and started talking. Next thing you know, I was invited to what’s known as the “Blessing of the Hounds,” a season opening tradition.

Fast forward to 2023, once a very private member only event, the club now enjoys when guests come and experience the pomp and circumstance, and the history of the traditions. Alongside sport and the environment, these stewards share their love of the outdoors, the beauty of horses, and the sport of riding and hunting. We introduce you to the Essex Hunt Club’s Blessing of the Hounds.

Essex Fox Hounds Blessings

Join the Mr. Local History Project as we bring you into a tradition for the ages and our central New Jersey history – The Essex Hunt Club’s Blessing of the Hounds. Held typically to start off the season, the blessing brings the mounted riders alongside the hounds to the field where a member of the church blesses the riders, the horses, and yes the hounds. We met on a crisp fall morning on the border of Far Hills, Bedminster, Peapack and Tewkesbury for this annual ritual. We were so glad to have been able to capture this historic treasure of an event.

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Love The Horn

The hunt typically begins with the blowing of the horn. The existence of hunting horns predates the act of fox hunting, and in many ways the fox hunting that is banned today was enabled by the existence of the horn. The shorter, straight metal horn used by the Essex Huntsman is an easy solution to communication whilst traversing the countryside.

This horn is less cumbersome, meaning they were much less likely to break from an unexpected dismount mid-hunt. These horns, bugles, have no valves to alter the pitch of the tune. Instead, the notes being played can be changed by manipulating the shape of the lips. This horn persists in popularity today. It is suitable for riding and hunting, and its shape and size make it ideal. And when you hear it…..the hunt is on.

Fox hunts were first organized in Montclair by the Montclair Equestrian Club in 1876.  They maintained their horses and dog kennels on Orange Road.  In 1880 they changed their name to the Montclair Hunt and moved the stables and kennels to the Sadler farm on Grove Street.  There continued to be strong representation from Montclair in its membership and on the board.  In 1910 the organization moved out of the area completely. It became known as the Essex Fox Hounds, with headquarters in Bernardsville. Read our stories below…..

Lastly, I took my medal home and blessed my own four legged friends…

Related Mr Local History Project Posts

Thanksgiving Meet – Horses, Hounds and Foxes Before Turkeys – A Countryside Tradition

History of the Far Hills Race Meeting

Remembering Willie Howard and Bedminster’s Willie’s Tavern

The Essex Hunt and the Far Hills Race Meeting Timeline

• @essexfoxhounds on Instagram
• The Essex Fox Hounds Centennial Celebration Video – Vimeo

A special gift collectible for the Far Hills Race fan
100th Anniversary Wooden Collectible