Poor Old Hoss of Richmond, appears every Christmas Eve.

9 comments

1. The ‘Poor Old Hoss’ appears in Richmond’s Market Place every Christmas Eve, making his way around the town. Originally a pagan creation, it is a hobby horse with a decorated horse’s skull as its head and is accompanied by a group of mummers in huntsman costumes. He snaps his jaws as the huntsmen sing the song of his life; from a bright young creature who then grows old and is eventually killed. His resurrection completes the ritual, representing the passing of the old year and the beginning of the new. Seeing Old Hoss is thought to bring good luck.

2. Wonder how you get that job. There’s probably a whole selection process!

3. Did anyone shout “What ho! The megapode”?

4. local traditions for local people. for more hilarity check out The hunting of the Earl of Rone in Combe Martin

5. Looks like an equine Papa Lazarou.

   Edited to add: You’re my wife now.

6. Looks like the Mari Lwyd.

   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mari_Lwyd?wprov=sfla1

7. Nowt as queer as (Yorkshire) folk

8. Better than the Welsh costume using a real horse skull 💀💀💀

9. This is a common mating ritual in North Wales.