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1ST CAVALRY DIVISION HORSE CAVALRY DETACHMENT
Mounted troops are no longer part of combat, but the 1st Cavalry Horse Cavalry Detachment is still on active duty to support the U.S. Army. One of seven horse-mounted units remaining in active service, their mission is to support the Army’s public relations and recruiting efforts, and to maintain the U.S. Cavalry’s 1800’s drill traditions. 2023 marks the 18th Rose Parade appearance for the American Quarter Horses and their troops and are, once again, led by Captain Abigail Edwards. They’re outfitted in their “Campaign Uniform,” an 1874 wool fatigue blouse, sky blue wool trousers, and their rank stripe sewn down the side of each pant leg. Their 19th century tradition is authentic from the felt cavalry hat on top of their heads to the black, leather boots with brass spurs on their feet.
Fort Hood, Texas
Marshal: Captain Abigail Edwards
ALAMEDA COUNTY SHERIFF'S MOUNTED POSSE
The Alameda County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse was founded in the 1940s, primarily as a precision drill team and color guard. Today, the Posse is a dedicated group of volunteers led by Linda Evans; they not only represent the Sheriff's office in public relations events, but also contribute to the County’s Office of Emergency Services by assisting with large animal rescue from wildfires. This often goes beyond rescuing these animals but extends into their care and custody throughout the entire emergency. The Alameda County Sheriff's Mounted Posse ride their personal horses, representing a variety of breeds, including Quarter Horses, Arabians, Rocky Mountains, American Paint Horses, Paso Finos and BLM Mustangs. For many members, riding in the 2023 Rose Parade is the fulfillment of a childhood dream.
Livermore, California
Marshal: Linda Evans
BLUE SHADOW MOUNTED DRILL TEAM
The Blue Shadows Mounted Drill Team is proud to spend their fourth-year ringing in the new year with the Rose Parade. Their non-profit mission since 1957 has been to teach leadership, responsibility and teamwork to youth through horsemanship and equestrian drill. Devoted to getting young riders back in the saddle after the COVID-19 pandemic, the drill team’s motto of “Leadership through Guidance” has motivated them to do just that, inspiring many children to join this unique sport of skill, passion and teamwork. While horsemanship can be costly, the fact that Blue Shadows Mounted Drill Team members do not need to own their own horses or even have riding experience opens up this life-changing pastime to everyone.
Lake View Terrace, California
Marshal: Allyson Wreede
BUDWEISER CLYDESDALES
The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales have been the symbol of Anheuser-Busch for more than 75 years. Making hundreds of appearances in North America and occasionally overseas each year, the Clydesdales hitch team always travels with a total of 10 gentle giants for their eight-horse hitch. To qualify for the team, a bay-colored gelding must have four white stockings, a blaze of white on his face, a black mane and tail, stand 18 hands high (about six feet) and weigh 2,000 pounds. A gentle temperament is also vital as they meet millions of their fans every year. The Budweiser Clydesdales pull the iconic, red beer wagon adorned with a gorgeous array of equally iconic roses, as well as the same ingredients used to brew its Budweiser beer. But wait, is that a canine we see on this equine-focused hitch? Indeed, it is because no hitch is complete without their dalmatian mascot.
St. Louis, Missouri
Marshal: Richard Rosen
CA STATE GUARD 26TH MOUNTED OPERATIONS DETACHMENT
Making their very first appearance at the Rose Parade, the CA State Guard 26th Mounted Operations Detachment is part of the California Military Department. Comprised of the Army, Air and State Guards plus the Cadet Corps, the 26th Mounted Operations Detachment educates the public and raises awareness about the thousands of soldiers serving in the CA State Guard and the thousands of state troops serving throughout the country. Their role, however, is no longer solely ceremonial. As they turn the corner from a support role to a responding one for the state’s disasters and emergencies, the CA State Guard 26th Mounted Operations Detachment’s mounted search and rescue teams assist with animal evacuation, mounted military security and deploying to wildfires. The horses represented here in their inaugural Rose Parade appearance include Quarter Horses, Paint Horses, Mustangs, Azteca, Arabians and Friesians.
Long Beach, California
Marshal: MAJ (CA) Frank Quiambao
INTERNATIONAL ANDALUSIAN AND LUSITANO HORSE ASSOCIATION
The International Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association is a culturally diverse group that preserves and promotes the majestic Andalusian (originally from Spain) and Lusitano (originally from Portugal) horse breeds by showcasing their amazing beauty, athleticism, diversity and heritage. The equestrian unit includes a beautiful 1906 hunting trap carriage in the traditional feria colors of Andalucía, Spain and feature traditional Spanish tack. Look for the rectangular-shaped vaquero saddle covered with sheepskin, along with triangular stirrups of blackened steel. The Andalucian riders wear flat-brimmed dark hats set off by colorful scarfs and sashes around their waists. The Portuguese Lusitanos and their riders feature their own traditional tack & attire, including a high-backed (cantle) saddle with front pommel and oval-shaped stirrups. Look for very different Lusitano attire than that of their partnered Andalucians. Colorfully cropped jackets are paired with either a Mazzantini or Portuguesa hat. If you look closely, you’ll also spot Mexican Charro tack and attire, modern Dressage, Western English and Saddle seat.
Birmingham, Alabama
Marshal: Dr. Walter de la Brosse
LOS HERMANOS BAÑUELOS CHARRO TEAM
Founded in 1995 by a group of brothers and friends in the San Gabriel valley, Los Hermanos Banuelos delight in sharing their vibrant Mexican heritage though their equestrian horsemanship. Led by Ramon Banuelos, the team of 18 riders feels the pride in every step down the parade route every year like it’s only the first. Don’t look for a familiar costume, because they wear a different custom-made suit of vivid embroidery and silver decorations to capture the heritage of their native state of Zacatecas every year. The charro team strives for uniqueness, even riding on custom saddles made with sterling silver and special HB-emblazoned spurs. Los Hermanos Banuelos live by the code, “Respect yourself, your parents, teachers, family and pets. Because respect is the foundation of success.”
Altadena, California
Marshal: Ramon Bañuelos
THE NEW BUFFALO SOLDIERS
Have you ever seen an equestrian ride an iron horse? This year you will, because the New Buffalo Soldiers always research the true history of Black Americans in the United States Military so they can share that history in their public education depictions. This year they’re turning a corner to include iron horse riders – the 25th Infantry Bicycle Corps – as another facet of their horseback history. The New Buffalo Soldiers represent the 10th Regiment, Company H of the U.S. Cavalry as a historical interpretation group. Portraying the black infantrymen who served in the Civil War with painstaking accuracy, three the Iron Riders join this year’s Rose Parade appearance to represent 40 black soldiers who volunteered for a 1,900 experimental ride from Montana to Ohio on bicycles instead of steeds. Testing the feasibility of using these bicycles versus horses as a mode of military transportation, the mid-18th century journey was just as challenging as it sounds. Like the equestrian accoutrements used by the New Buffalo Soldiers, the bicycles ridden by the cyclists are replicated with careful authenticity. Additionally, two of the New Buffalo Soldiers are descendants of their original namesakes. There are also, of course, still actual horses, including Tennessee Walkers and Missouri Fox Trotters.
Shadow Hills, California
Marshal: August Simien, Jr.
THE NORCO COWGIRLS RODEO DRILL TEAM
The Norco Cowgirls Rodeo Drill Team was founded in 2008 and have quickly become known as a rodeo specialty act performing dangerous, high speed, precision maneuvers at a gallop to thrill screaming rodeo fans. The 12 dedicated horsewomen riding American Paint and American Quarter Horses and their team are proud to be positive role models for America’s youth and to support our veterans, Challenged Children’s Rodeo, and the “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” breast cancer campaign. The youngest rider on the Norco Cowgirls Rodeo Drill Team is just 16, yet it’s not her first time at the rodeo, as she’s been riding her mom & Drill Captain, Mychon Bowen, for ten years. Wearing matching sterling silver and rhinestone tack and custom-made team saddle pads with even more crystals, the unit hopes their performances help keep the spirit of Equestrian Drill alive, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps – maybe even one day down Colorado Blvd.
Norco, California
Marshal: Mychon Bowen
PAINTED LADIES RODEO PERFORMERS
The Painted Ladies Rodeo Performers are not your ordinary drill team. This group of extreme equestriennes bring breathtaking, rodeo horsemanship to a new level of spectacle. With a patriotic flashiness of red, white and blue costumes, the ladies entertain crowds on their equally flashy American Paint horses. They set aside their work weeks, motherhood and daily responsibilities to pull on their chaps, strap on their spurs, and delight audiences with their horse shows. After 29 years, many Painted Ladies Rodeo performers have handed down the love for what they do to the next generation. Not only are there several mother/daughter riding pairs, but there’s also a mother/daughter/granddaughter trio. This year, the Painted Ladies proudly started a non-profit for people grieving the loss of a parent, providing horse therapy to facilitate their healing. Handmade, royal blue show shirts with red, blue and silver sequins, as well as silver stars on their waving arms, are offset by white hats with rhinestone tiaras. Painted Ladies belt buckles are worn with white, leather chaps sporting long fringe down the leg. Matching tack dresses the Ladies’ horses, including bright white chest straps, bridles, reins, and nose bands partnered with bright, red saddle blankets and rhinestone polo wraps on their legs.
Citrus Heights, California
Marshal: Jennifer Macias-Sweeney
RAMONA, CALIFORNIA’S OFFICIAL STATE OUTDOOR PLAY CELEBRATING ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY, PRESENTED BY THE RAMONA BOWL AMPHITHEATER
These talented equestrians are just some of the 300 actual actors and performers from The Ramona Outdoor Play. Adapted from Helen Hunt Jackson’s groundbreaking late 1800s novel, Ramona, this play has been continually presented out of doors on Hemet, California’s spring evenings since 1923. The book served as an outcry across the nation calling for changes in government policies concerning native tribes. Now 99 years later, the communities of Hemet and San Jacinto continue to tell this important story of mid-19th century California history. It was only one year after their first outdoor production that Ramona riders and their horses made their first appearance in the Rose Parade. This year they turn the corner into another century of presenting this enduring message. The group includes the cowboys and Spanish riders portrayed in the play riding a variety of horse breeds, including Quarter Horse, Molly Mule, Fox Trotter and Thoroughbred.
Hemet, California
Marshal: Dan Ferguson
RIVERSIDE COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT MOUNTED ENFORCEMENT
Established in 2021, this is the Riverside County, California Sheriff’s Department Mounted Enforcement Detail’s first appearance in the Rose Parade. Their specially trained, sworn personnel complement the Sheriff’s Department in supporting civic activities and charity events, but also assist in tactical rescues and memorial & honor deployments. One of their most important goals is to work toward building and nurturing strong and trusting relationships between civilians and law enforcement. Their high visibility via being on horseback gives them a leg up on promoting law enforcement’s commitment to providing a safe place for all.
Nuevo, California
Marshal: Sheriff Chad Bianco
SCRIPPS MIRAMAR RANCH
Scripps Miramar Ranch invites you to step back in time when knights in shining armor wooed their fair ladies. Riding atop Pinto American Saddlebreds, riders are dressed in velvet robes in rich shades of seafoam green, aqua, midnight blue, crimson and plum. Wearing gold crowns inlaid with faux gemstones, the horses and their riders are attired for medieval pageantry. Led by Michele Macfarlane, who has ridden in the Rose Parade since she was 10 years old, Scripps Miramar Ranch’s horses are trained all year to handle the sights and sounds of their once yearly parade down Colorado Blvd. They listen to John Philip Sousa to acclimate to marching bands. They’re ridden near the 18-lane I-15 freeway to get them acclimated to traffic noise. And their stalls are set up with visual patterns of nearby trails, so they won’t be confused by pavement variations. Miramar Ranch Saddlebreds are standouts with their alert, expressive faces, arched necks, proud bearing and showy, animated trot. Their tack consists of custom-made saddles of crimson and gold leather, and their saddle blankets are made of brightly hued, tasseled velvet and woven damask. Much of their tack is bedecked with faux, precious stones to match their riders.
San Diego, California
Marshal: Michele Macfarlane
SPIRIT OF THE WEST RIDERS
The Spirit of the West Riders pride themselves on presenting a historical look at America’s western heritage through the authentic dress and gear of our forebears. They’re proud to ride on behalf of the John Wayne Cancer Foundation this year and share a passion for the work the foundation does in cancer research, finding cures, and providing in and outpatient care. Each of the 12 Spirit of the West riders and their horses depicts a different type of Old West equestrian. They include working cowboys of the 1870’s, ‘80s and ‘90s with saddlery nuanced to the decade. There are cattlemen of the early 1900s, blue-uniformed cavalry troopers, sidesaddle ladies and ranchers, Wild West cowgirls, a mountain man, a California vaquero and a Buffalo Bill-inspired showman represent this living history of western personas.
Arcadia, California
Marshal: Douglas Larner
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS MOUNTED COLOR GUARD
The United States Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard (USMCMCG) is the only equestrian unit that carries the American flag. Formed in 1967, they are the last remaining mounted unit in the Marine Corps and play a key role in recruitment for the nation’s premiere force-in-readiness. Their beautiful palomino mustangs are adopted from the Bureau of Land Management’s Adopt a Horse and Burro Program. Their McClellan black saddles are dramatically set off by red pads with gold trim while a silver eagle globe and anchors adorn the saddle pad, bridle and breast collar.
Barstow, California
Marshal: Christian Drumheller
THE VALLEY HUNT CLUB
Back in 1890, it was the Valley Hunt Club that began the legacy of the Rose Parade. Sponsoring the very first one more than 130 years ago, today the Valley Hunt Club honors the history of Pasadena and this extraordinary piece of history by dressing in period attire as they make their way down the parade route in carriages drawn by Friesian horses wearing traditional English show leather tack. This year, Valley Hunt Club president Diana Nixon can be seen riding with her family in a Leyendekker carriage. Decorated by club members in stunning florals it’s a true legacy of Pasadena’s heritage.
Pasadena, California
Marshal: Sarah Babcock
2023 Lineup Equestriansadmin@TOR2023-03-08T12:59:13-08:00
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