Horseman's Sunday

Attend the service at St John's Church on Sunday September 18 and you'll be treated to a surprising bit of ecclesiastical equestrianism: a cloaked member of the clergy on horseback before his congregation – who will also be atop their steeds. The annual event is now in its forty-ninth year, and remembers a 1967 protest that saw riders take to their horses to challenge the closure of the Hyde Park area's stables. The tradition has continued, and today the Reverend Stephen Mason leads a cavalcade of horses and riders in celebration of riding in the capital. The service (from 10am) is followed by a blessing of the horses (around noon), together with an alfresco fair with children's games, carriage rides, live music, a raffle and stalls.