As the resident horses looked on, pet owners with their cats and dogs gathered in the barn at Ryerss Farm for Aged Equines for the 20th annual Blessing of the Animals ceremony on Oct. 3.
The event included a short nondenominational service followed by individual blessings for all animals in attendance, as well as the retired horses that reside at Ryerss.
"This is one of our favorite days here because it really is all about the animals," Samuel W. M. Griffin, president of the Ryerss board of managers, told attendees. "We thank you for your support of Ryerss Farm."
Officiating for the first time at the event was the Rev. Stacey Jones-Anderson, who is the new pastor at Coventryville United Methodist Church. She succeeds pastor Will Humes, who presided over the ceremony for the past 10 years.
Jones-Anderson led attendees in the singing of the hymn "All Things Bright and Beautiful" and offered a Scripture reading and a prayer for the animals. "I am so excited to be here. I love animals," Jones-Anderson stated. "We are going to worship the Lord for the animals He has brought to our lives. We are so thankful to God for them."
She noted that the Ryerss blessing was the third ceremony that she presided over that day. Churches and other organizations worldwide hold Blessing of the Animals events on or near Oct. 3, which is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis, who was born in Italy in the 12th century and is the founder of the Franciscan order of the Catholic Church, is well-known for his love of animals and nature.
Following the blessing, attendees were invited to shop at the Ryerss gift shop or purchase homemade baked goods. People also visited with the horses that reside at the farm.
Ryerss Farm cares for more than 75 aged, abused or injured horses, providing a home with 383 acres where they can spend their golden years. The horses at Ryerss are never worked or ridden again. Founded in 1888, Ryerss commemorated its 133rd anniversary with a celebration at the farm on Sept. 25.
The community is invited to support Ryerss by taking part in its sponsor-a-horse program. Individuals, families and groups can sponsor one of the residents for an annual fee. They also have the option to visit the farm and choose which horse they would like to sponsor. Another option is to sponsor a particular service that Ryerss provides such as an annual dental visit or a horse "pedicure." Horses' hooves have to be trimmed by a farrier every six to eight weeks.
Ryerss Farm, 1710 Ridge Road (Route 23), Pottstown, is open to visitors daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors may feed the horses treats that are sold in the gift shop, which are specially formulated for senior horses. Visitors should not bring treats from home.
For more information, including volunteer opportunities, call 610-469-0533 or visit http://www.ryerssfarm.org or http://www.facebook.com/ryerss.farm.
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