Blessing of the Hounds 2011

Since 1914, local residents and visiting family and friends have gathered on Thanksgiving morning to participate in the grand tradition of the Blessing of the Hounds, which marks the opening meet for the Moore County Hounds each year at Hobby Field in Southern Pines.

Published on November 30, 2011

Jay Hirst helps his daughter, Allie, onto a hay bale on the field as Oliva Bunch and Asher Bunch play on it.

Published on November 30, 2011

Spectators play a game of football on Hobby Field before the ceremony.

Published on November 30, 2011

Members of the Moore County Hounds gather on Hobby Field before the ceremony.

Published on November 30, 2011

Huntsman David Raley leads the hounds onto Hobby Field.

Published on November 30, 2011

Children call to the dogs to try to pet them as they walk around on the field.

Published on November 30, 2011

This year's ceremony was the first for huntsman David Raley.

Published on November 30, 2011

Spectators look on as the dogs wait to begin the hunt.

Published on November 30, 2011

Two dogs rush to greet Rev. Amy Huacani, of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Southern Pines, as she prepares to begin the ceremony.

Published on November 30, 2011

A hound takes the podium as Homer Ferguson sets up the microphone for the ceremony.

Published on November 30, 2011

Summer Coggins, 6, tries to spot her friends from school in the crowd as she prepares for her first hunt on her pony, Spicy.

Published on November 30, 2011

The ceremony was Rev. Amy Huacani's first Blessing of the Hounds. Huacani came to Emmanuel Episcopal Church in September after moving to the area from Charlotte.

Published on November 30, 2011

The hounds head off toward the Walthour-Moss Foundation for the hunt.

Published on November 30, 2011

Hunt members clear the fence as they head out on the hunt.

Published on November 30, 2011

mickielindsey 5 months, 3 weeks ago

Blessing of the Hounds 2011

I really hate that I missed this. I have been living here for 3 years and have seen pictures in different places of the horses and hounds. Can someone please tell me where this is held each year and can anyone attend. Also, what is "Blessing of the Hounds"--- thanks.

okiebarbie 5 months, 3 weeks ago

Blessing of the Hounds 2011

It's held every year on Thanksgiving morning usually at 10:00am in Hobby Field on Youngs Road. It's the HUGE field on Youngs across from Old Mail Road. You need to get there around 9:00 to get parking. SOMETIMES The Pilot actually puts a notice in the paper announcing it.