The saint most often named patron of horses is St. Eligius (Eloi, about 588–660), a goldsmith who became bishop of Noyon in France and is also the patron of farriers, blacksmiths and metalworkers; horses are also entrusted to St. Hippolytus, to St. Martin of Tours and St. George, the soldier saints on horseback, and, in Bavaria and Austria, to St. Leonard, whose feast is kept with processions of horses. St. Anthony the Abbot is the patron of farm animals, and the Church’s old book of blessings asks his intercession over horses and livestock. Below are the stories of these saints, the Latin blessing of horses, and prayers for horses and riders.
A short prayer for a horse, written for this page:
St. Eligius, patron of horses, pray for (name).
Lord, bless this horse with health and strength; keep horse and rider safe,
and help us to care for this beautiful creature with patience and kindness. Amen.
St. Eligius (St. Eloi)
Eligius was a skilled goldsmith at the court of the Frankish kings, so honest that he made two thrones from the gold meant for one. He used his wealth to ransom slaves and found monasteries, and in 641 he became bishop of Noyon and a missionary to Flanders. A famous legend says that when a wild horse would not let itself be shod, Eligius took off its leg, shod the hoof at the anvil, and put the leg back in place, making the sign of the cross. That is why he is the patron of horses, farriers and blacksmiths. His feast is December 1.
St. Hippolytus
Hippolytus of Rome, a priest and theologian who died a martyr in exile about 235, was confused in later legends with the Hippolytus of Greek myth who was dragged to death by horses, and so he became a patron of horses. He shares the feast of August 13 with Pope St. Pontian.
St. Martin and St. George, the horsemen
- St. Martin of Tours (November 11), a Roman cavalryman, cut his cloak in two from his horse to clothe a freezing beggar. See St. Martin of Tours.
- St. George (April 23), the soldier martyr shown on a white horse slaying the dragon, patron of cavalry and riders. See the St. George prayer.
- St. Leonard of Noblac (November 6): in Bavaria and Austria his feast is kept with the Leonhardiritt, a procession of decorated horses that are blessed by the priest.
- St. Anthony the Abbot (January 17): in Rome, Spain and Mexico, horses, livestock and pets are blessed on his feast. See St. Anthony the Abbot.
The Church’s blessing of horses
The Rituale Romanum (1927) has a blessing “of horses and other animals.” Its last prayer asks the intercession of St. Anthony:
Bene✠dictionem tuam, Domine, haec animalia accipiant: qua corpore salventur, et ab omni malo per intercessionem beati Antonii liberentur. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.
In English (our translation): “May these animals receive your blessing, O Lord, by which they may be kept safe in body and delivered from all evil through the intercession of blessed Anthony. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.” The animals are then sprinkled with holy water.
Prayers for horses and riders
Written for this page.
Before a ride or competition
Lord, bless my horse and me as we ride today.
Keep us safe from falls and injury, give us calm and trust in each other,
and let us enjoy your creation. St. George, pray for us. Amen.
For a sick or injured horse
Lord, you made the horse strong and beautiful.
Look with mercy on (name), who is sick (injured). Ease its pain, guide the hands of the vet,
and, if it is your will, restore it to health. St. Eligius, pray for us. Amen.
The horse in the Bible
God speaks to Job of the horse’s strength and courage (Job 39:19–22, Douay-Rheims):
Wilt thou give strength to the horse, or clothe his neck with neighing?
Wilt thou lift him up like the locusts? the glory of his nostrils is terror.
He breaketh up the earth with his hoof, he pranceth boldly, he goeth forward to meet armed men.
He despiseth fear, he turneth not his back to the sword,
Frequently asked questions
Who is the patron saint of horses?
St. Eligius (St. Eloi), patron of horses and farriers; St. Hippolytus, St. Martin of Tours, St. George and St. Leonard are also invoked.
Who is the patron saint of farriers?
St. Eligius, whose feast is December 1.
Can a priest bless my horse?
Yes. Ask your parish priest; many parishes hold a blessing of animals on the feast of St. Francis (October 4) or St. Anthony the Abbot (January 17).
More patron saints of animals
- Patron saint of animals
- Patron saint of dogs
- Patron saint of cats
- Patron saint of veterinarians
- Catholic prayers for pets
- Patron saints of sports and hobbies
Texts and sources
- Rituale Romanum (1927 reprint of the typical edition), Benedictio equorum aliorumve animalium, public domain (archive.org); English translation written for this page.
- Job 39:19–22 (Douay-Rheims).