Riders honor saint leonhard in a traditional horse procession in Austria

Ninety seven riders honored Saint Leonhard, the patron saint of horses, during a traditional procession in Sarleinsbach, Austria.

The participants decorated their horses with fresh flowers and braided manes to seek a blessing for their animals. Sabine Fuchs, a farmer from Atzesberg, stated that participating in the event is an honor for those who own animals and a farm. The procession moved from the market to the St. Leonhard district, where a small chapel now stands.

This site marks the location where Emperor Josef II ordered the dissolution of the former Leonhard church in the late 18th century. The event included a field mass held in front of the chapel. Pastor Franz Lindorfer participated in the ride for the 19th year. He noted that he does not know how to ride but trusts his horse to guide him.

While the tradition of horse processions declined as farming became more mechanized, many Austrian and Bavarian communities revived these festivals and animal blessings during the first half of the 20th century.