On the morning of May 1st, the Horse leaves the Quay at approximately 5.00 am, to make it's way to White Cross, one of the old boundaries of the town, which must be reached by 6.00 am. It has been known for a Vicar to bless the Horse and to say prayers. This may stem from a time in the 1800's when the church tried to ban the Horse, after a man was killed for not paying his dues to the Horse.

Later, about mid-morning, the Horse sets off for Dunster. At the Castle is found the earliest written record of ANY Hobby Horse, Padstow (in Cornwall) included. During the occupation of the Castle by the Luttrell family, the Horse called in to collect it's dues but now the Castle being owned by The National Trust this has fallen into abeyance.

Copy From The Castle Accounts 1792