FLANKED by two mounted police officers - PC Angela Parr
(right) and PC Alan Ford - Canon Godfrey Hirst began his
short service for Horseman's Sunday by remembering PC Nicola Hughes
and PC Fiona Bone, who had been killed on duty in Manchester a few
days before.
About 40 horses and their riders had gathered for the service at
Penny Farm, the World Horse Welfare centre near Blackpool, in
Blackburn diocese. They sang "All things bright
and beautiful" and "Jerusalem", and Canon Hirst, known as the
"Cantering Canon", blessed each horse individually.
He also read out an email of good wishes from a columnist on
The Times, Melanie Reid, who broke her neck and back in a
riding accident two years ago. Ms Reid, with much difficulty, had
been able to ride again, on "dear Nelly", and said in her email
that she agreed with Canon Godfrey that horses were "balm to the
soul".
After the service, most of the riders took part in a three-mile
ride around the farm, which, Canon Godfrey says, is "a most
wonderful place". Neglected or ill-treated horses are cared for,
and, where possible, rehomed. All who completed the course received
a commemorative rosette.