Summer means parades...
As a veteran parade rider, I understand how stressful and daunting riding in parades can be.
Riding your best horse buddy through a tunnel of screaming people waiving flags and fans and other objects, dodging grabby hands and bolting children while candy is flying through the air in all directions and you're coasting on slick-as-ice concrete while trying to maintain the snails pace the parade moves at and endeavoring not to let the heat get to either of you. I get it, I totally do!
I find that as society becomes more "modern", people have lost common sense about horses along the way. In years past, I've had my bridle grabbed and held for pictures, reins snatched, candy thrown back at me, horses spooking all around me, near heat stroke, dogs getting loose, kids running under my horses nose to cross the street, being yelled at for even riding a horse in the heat....you name it, I've been there!
So, to keep the fun in the parades, I'm going to walk you through a few tips I've picked up along the way. I truly hope this helps you and adds some fun back as the horses in the parades are something most people do tend to look forward to.
Desensitize!
This is one of my most important tips. Before heading to the scary places, desensitize your horses to objects that may be found there. Flags, streamers, hand-fans, screaming/jumping/running/crazy kids, barking dogs....just think about the chaos that parades entail and think what your horse will being seeing. Do your best to prepare your horse!
Don't get frustrated, and don't leave this until last minute. Desensitizing your horse is very important and could be the one thing that prevents you, your horse or a parade goer from being injured.
*You can't desensitize for everything - One year they put us behind a stock car on a trailer. Every block or so, someone sitting in the car would rev that thing and it was very sudden and very loud. I truly thought that thing would be the end of me and my mount, but she shocked my by trying to approach it at every opportunity, even going so far as to lick it when she snuck close enough.
Can you move and stop your horse
Horse Body Control
I always thought side-passing, moving shoulders and hindquarters independently and stopping off seat were just fancy buttons on a horse that, as a trail rider, were buttons I just didn't need. WRONG!
Picture this, you're boxed in by kids on three sides, -front, -back and -left side. Everyone saw a person run up and pet your horse and the next thing you know, you're being mobbed. Can you safely side-pass your horse away from the crowd? Can you move your hindquarters out of a potentially dangerous situation?
Now For The Fun Stuff
Last Minute Tips
Find a Buddy
It always goes smoother when there are several other horses riding. Find a local club or group with veteran parade horses. It'll make the experience much more enjoyable.
Be Prepared!
Saddle bags! Candy on one side, water bottles on the other. Trust me. Don't forget to apply sunscreen, wear a hat and be fully hydrated before the parade.
Sometimes it helps to bring a small battery powered fan as well.
Enjoy the Experience
Parade prep can be a lot of work. BUT, it's well worth it when you're fully prepared. Having a smooth ride, plenty to drink, good friends and a crowd happy to see you will make it all worthwhile. So get out there and wave your best princess wave!
An actual picture of me and my family in a 4th of July parade, many years ago.
