The Formal Hunt Season Is Marked By Multiple Events
Blessing of the Hounds
The Opening Hunt is marked by a Blessing of the Hounds.
A ceremony dating back to the 8th century in France, it is a solemn moment when the riders pay homage to the hounds and receive a blessing of protection for all of the animals involved in the hunt.
"May the horses to be surefooted, the hounds to be swift and disciplined, and the foxes to be fleet of foot and elusive."
Boxing Day
The day after Christmas is the Boxing Day hunt.
This is the day the hunt shows appreciation for the Huntsman for showing good sport throughout the season. Members reward the Huntsman for his hard work with small gifts and an acknowledgment of the dedication required to produce a pack of skilled fox hounds.
December 26th is also the feast day of St. Stephens, the patron saint of horses.
Opening Meet
The Opening Hunt is not only marked by a Blessing of the Hounds, but is the day everyone gets dressed in colors and joins the group.
The opening meet is a day for celebration to mark the formal hunt season. The fox hunters are dressed and ready, the horses are braided and excited, the hounds are groomed and ready to run!
A friend of the hunt is a friend for life.
The Entire Year Is Full of Social Events
Mid-Season Cocktails
Sunset Beach Party
Polo Match at Vero Beach
Miscellaneous Events
Friends & Food
Hunt Breakfasts
Every Saturday during formal hunt season, a member hosts a hunt breakfast after the ride.
This is a great time to relive the stories of the day and get to know your fellow members.
You'll find hospitality, food, and friends - no better combination to celebrate the day!
Bright Lights, Big City
Parade of Hounds
Ride with the hounds under the bright lights of the Wellington Show Arena to educate the public about our hunt and the conservation efforts provided by our organization.
Annual Hunt Ball
Dinner, Dancing, & Auction
Closing weekend is full of activities. There is an extra hunt on Friday, followed by a hunt breakfast, and that evening is the black tie Hunt Ball. There is dinner, dancing with live music, multiple auctions, and an awards ceremony. A pig roast on Saturday is another time for festivities, capped off by a Sunday hunt and closing hunt breakfast. A weekend full of excitement!
Tailgaiting Fun
Private Polo Match
Tailgate with the Palm Beach Hounds in perfect Florida weather to watch a polo match on Vero Beach.
Casual Outings with Your Horse
Trail Rides
Throughout the off-season, Palm Beach Hounds members get together at the various territories to trail ride and condition their horses.
Fun, Fun, & More Fun
Other Outings
Other social events hosted by Palm Beach Hounds include sunset cocktail parties, bbq and horseshoes, backyard cookouts, Halloween costume parties, garden croquet, and impromptu get-togethers.
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