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Blessing of the Hounds: A prayer before the chase

by | Mar 29, 2026

Masters of the hunt Oliver Brown, standing, Michael Brown, left, Gus Edwards and the Rev. Jennings "Jenks" W. Hobson III at the Blessing of the Hounds at the 2024 opening meet of the Rappahannock Hunt. (Photo/Courtesy)
The Rev. Jennings ("Jenks") W. Hobson III, far right, blesses the hounds at the Otober 2025 opening meet of the Rappahannock Hunt. Huntsman/Master Michael Brown is in the center with Drummer, one of the hounds, in the foreground. (Photo/Courtesy)

Each year, as late October settles over the Virginia countryside, members of the Rappahannock Hunt gather with their hounds for a time-honored ritual: the Blessing of the Hounds, a ceremony that marks the opening of the formal hunting season.

Steeped in faith and tradition, the ceremony reaches back to medieval Europe and the story of St. Hubert, the patron saint of hunters. 

Legend has it that Hubert was a nobleman devoted to the chase until a life-changing encounter in the forest — a stag bearing a radiant cross between its antlers — moved him to embrace Christianity. He later became bishop of Liége in present-day Belgium, and was ultimately canonized. In his honor, churches began holding St. Hubert’s Day services, offering blessings to hunters before they rode into the field. 

Over time, the tradition migrated to England where Anglican clergy joined local hunts in offering prayers at the start of the season. When foxhunting traditions came to North America with English colonists, so too did this ceremonial beginning — rooted in reverence, respect and community. 

The Rev. Jennings (“Jenks”) W. Hobson III, far right, blesses the hounds at the Otober 2025 opening meet of the Rappahannock Hunt. Huntsman/Master Michael Brown is in the center with Drummer, one of the hounds, in the foreground. (Photo/Courtesy)

For more than half a century, the Rev. Jennings W. “Jenks” Hobson III, former rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in the Town of Washington, has led the Rappahannock Hunt’s Blessing of the Hounds, lending his voice and presence to the enduring ritual.

“I enjoy the tradition of the ceremony and take it as a point of honor to be involved in what I think is a wonderful pastime,” he said. 

Each year he reads St. Hubert’s prayer, asking for protection of riders, horses and hounds, and offering blessings “for all creatures who partake in this hunt, which I figure includes the fox,” he said. “The hunters really don’t want to kill the fox — they want them to come back year after year.”

For club secretary Mandi Dillon, 48, who has been associated with the hunt since she was 10 years old, each year’s blessing ceremony remains a highlight of the season. 

“The ceremony brings together sportsmanship, friendship and asks for guidance on humane practices,” she said. “It is a time to remember, rejoice and reflect on how grateful we are to be able to participate in the sport.”

Author

  • Bob Hurley

    Bob Hurley has been a member of the Foothills reporting team for several years. In addition to writing in-depth news articles, Bob regularly contributes Doer’s Profiles which feature stories about people who make important contributions to the Rappahannock community.

    After graduating from college, Bob worked for several years at the ABC News bureau in Washington, D.C., and as a communications director for the National Wildlife Federation. Later, he spent over a decade in the United States Senate as a senior staff member working on major environmental laws including the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air, coastal, and wetlands protection legislation. Subsequently, he ran a government relations firm specializing in environment, energy and sustainability issues.

    Bob and his wife, Heather, have had a home in Rappahannock since 2016. He enjoys being involved in a wide range of community activities including the Rappahannock League for Environmental Protection, RAAC Theatre, Headwaters Starfish Mentoring Program, the Lions Club and Rapp at Home. He enjoys fishing, gardening, hiking, and biking.

    Reach Bob at [email protected]
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By Bob Hurley

Read more articles by Bob Hurley
Bob Hurley has been a member of the Foothills reporting team for several years. In addition to writing in-depth news articles, Bob regularly contributes Doer’s Profiles which feature stories about people who make important contributions to the Rappahannock community. After graduating from college, Bob worked for several years at the ABC News bureau in Washington, D.C., and as a communications director for the National Wildlife Federation. Later, he spent over a decade in the United States Senate as a senior staff member working on major environmental laws including the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air, coastal, and wetlands protection legislation. Subsequently, he ran a government relations firm specializing in environment, energy and sustainability issues. Bob and his wife, Heather, have had a home in Rappahannock since 2016. He enjoys being involved in a wide range of community activities including the Rappahannock League for Environmental Protection, RAAC Theatre, Headwaters Starfish Mentoring Program, the Lions Club and Rapp at Home. He enjoys fishing, gardening, hiking, and biking. Reach Bob at [email protected]