Horses and riders in the parish of Clayhidon in the Blackdown Hills held their own Jubilee church service on Sunday, September 16. Some 35 horses, riders and six carriages gathered for an outdoor service in the field of St. Andrew’s Church, Clayhidon led by the Rector, the Rev David Burton, sitting in a carriage driven by Mrs Kathleen Hill, chairman of the Somerset branch of the British Driving Society.
It was the fifth Riders’ Sunday service held at Clayhidon, and was started by the former minister, the Rev David Sherwood, who was himself a rider, following the annual Horsemen’s Sunday service held on Epsom Downs every September.
After singing ‘All things bright and beautiful’ and ‘One more step along the world I go’, the horses and some 100 people heard a reading,
a poem, a short address and joined in the Lord’s Prayer. Then, after the national anthem, Mr Burton blessed the animals and people present.
Commemorative rosettes were handed out to all the horses taking part before they set off on a ride round the lanes and fields before
returning to Garland’s Bower for tea and cakes. Church warden Maurice Bendle said he was delighted with the turnout and thanked everyone for attending. He said he was especially pleased to see the carriages as it was the first time they had attended.
Above Photo: Five year old Edmee was riding Clint, accompanied by her brother Henry, eight, mum and dad Davina and David Greenshields and her grandmother Joana Greenshields.
Home Page Photo: The Rev David Burton with Mrs Kathleen Hill of Sampford Arundel, chairman of the Somerset branch of the British Driving Society.
Top Photo: Two-year-old Dovey took 21 month old Abigail Cottrell, of Hemyock, to the riders’ service with her mum Ginny and grandmother Trish Williams.
Horses and riders go to church
