If you venture to Southern Pines, NC on Thanksgiving Day, and stand with horses and hounds on Hobby Field, you will hear the Episcopal priest begin his blessing: 'Bless, O Lord, we beseech You, rider and horse and hound. Shield the rider from danger to life and limb, and may the chase bring to him vigor of body and clearness of mind. May the horse that carries him come unharmed to the close of the hunting day, and be regarded as man's helper in his work and in his play....' This blessing extends to the hounds, the horses, the riders