The Horseman's Sunday Service

We thank you, Father, for the beauty of all that you have made.  For the trees and the flowers that are all around us. For all the animals both those who live in the forest around us and those who share their homes with us, but especially today for horses. Help us to be true friends to all animals, to care for them at all stages of their lives and never to neglect or exploit them. We ask this in Jesus's name. Amen

This was the opening prayer of the Horseman's Sunday Service held in High Beach, Epping Forest this morning. I was immediately moved to tears.

It rained as we sang Morning Has Broken, All Things Bright and Beautiful and All Creatures Of Our God And King. The reading was from Zechariah 9:9. I was touched by The Rider's Prayer and The Horse's Prayer. 

There's a wonderful church community here in the forest. I met an interesting woman who helps with Riding for the Disabled and another with whom I discussed John Clare's local links.

As I left a well-spoken gentleman called David questioned me about my kit. We got talking and I walked with him to his car, which was dressed with flags of St George. He was confident of a win today. Thankfully that wasn't misplaced. :) 

The locals are quite excited as their church of The Holy Innocents is a location for the Warner Bros film Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery starring Daniel Craig.

Nice to see dogs as well as horses. Extras.