Riding in the Rose Parade for more than 20 years, the U.S. Army’s First Cavalry Division Horse Cavalry Detachment preserves the rich history and traditions of America’s mounted cavalry. Known for its legendary horses and precision drills, the unit rides in period-correct uniforms and tack, demonstrating weapons handling and equestrian skills for modern audiences. The Detachment serves as a living tribute to the bravery and discipline of the U.S. Army cavalry. Fort Hood, TX1ST CAVALRY DIVISION, HORSE CALVARY DETACHMENTThe Arabian Horse Association returns with the world’s oldest and only true purebred horse, a breed whose lineage can be traced to every corner of the globe. Known for their beauty, stamina and sensitivity, Arabians and Half Arabians forge powerful bonds with their riders, embodying this year’s Rose Parade theme, The Magic in Teamwork. This year’s unit features riders representing generations of Arabian equestrians and includes past and present leaders of the Association. With their dazzling costumes and versatile performances, the group showcases why the Arabian horse has inspired legends for centuries. This is the Arabian Horse Association Versatile Arabians’ ninth Rose Parade appearance. Greenwood Village, Colorado ARABIAN HORSE ASSOCIATION VERSATILE ARABIANSFounded in 1957, the Blue Shadows Mounted Drill Team teaches horseback riding, mounted drill and leadership through discipline and teamwork. The team encourages young children to engage in horseback riding, with a special focus on the mounted drill team. The group takes pride in its inclusiveness, welcoming members who don’t need to own horses. Instead, they ride at facilities where rental horses are available. With signature turquoise sequin vests and precision routines, the Blue Shadows have brought joy to parades across California and beyond. Their competition team has claimed the California State Horsemen’s Association Drill Team Championship title for 14 consecutive years, and 2026 marks the group’s seventh Rose Parade appearance, continuing their mission to inspire young riders and celebrate the spirit of teamwork. Lake View Terrace, CaliforniaBLUE SHADOWS MOUNTED DRILL TEAMThe world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales have been a Rose Parade favorite since their first appearance in 1953. Known for their towering size, strength, and gentle temperament, these bay-colored horses stand 18 hands high and weigh about 2,000 pounds each. With their signature white stockings, blaze of white on the face, and flowing black manes and tails, the iconic eight-horse hitch delights millions of spectators each year. Raised at Anheuser-Busch’s Missouri farm, the Budweiser Clydesdales remain a beloved symbol of tradition and pride, showcasing both the majesty of the draft horse and the timeless spirit of the Rose Parade. St. Louis, MissouriBUDWEISER CLYDESDALESFounded in 1981 by John and Lita Cook, the Hawaii Pā‘ū Riders showcase the colorful Hawaiian art of equestrian riding, representing the 10 Hawaiian Islands in flowing satin skirts adorned with fresh floral leis. Each rider and horse are draped in lei crafted in the traditional style of Hawaiian lei-making, continuing a practice that celebrates heritage and beauty. The group has appeared in parades across the mainland, including Fort Worth, Portland, Las Vegas, and Seattle, while proudly sharing the aloha spirit worldwide. Riding with pride and grace, the Pā‘ū Riders honor Hawai‘i’s equestrian traditions and return to the Rose Parade with fresh floral elegance and island spirit.Waimānalo, Hawai‘iHAWAII PA’U RIDERSThe LAPD Metropolitan Division Mounted Platoon is a full-time mounted unit dedicated to crime suppression, community engagement and ceremonial duties across Los Angeles. Comprising of sworn police officers, the unit patrols city streets, supports crowd management at large-scale events and participates in public demonstrations of horsemanship and discipline. With a stable of Quarter Horses and Friesians trained for mounted deployment, the Platoon is recognized for its professionalism and service. The unit previously appeared in the Rose Parade in 2012, 2014, and 2018, and returns in 2026 to showcase the partnership between officer and horse while honoring their commitment to public safety and community trust. Los Angeles, California LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT: METROPOLITAN DIVISION MOUNTED PLATOONFounded in 1995, Los Hermanos Bañuelos Charro Team is a celebrated group of horsemen dedicated to preserving the rich traditions of charrería, Mexico’s national sport. Based in the San Gabriel Valley, the family-led team has passed down horsemanship skills through generations. Riders wear custom-made charro suits embroidered with silver and ride on handcrafted saddles stamped with the team’s logo. Known for their artistry and pageantry, the Bañuelos family unveils a new suit design each year, giving fans a fresh look while honoring their heritage. Returning proudly to the Rose Parade, Los Hermanos Bañuelos share Mexican culture and equestrian tradition with audiences from Pasadena to the world. Altadena, CaliforniaLOS HERMANOS BAÑUELOS CHARRO TEAMEstablished in 1948, the Merced County Sheriff’s Posse serves as goodwill ambassadors for Merced County, the Sheriff’s Office, and the State of California. The Posse is known for its striking golden Palomino horses and vintage rose red and crème uniforms, elaborately embroidered and adorned with rhinestones. Each rider carries on a tradition of community service, volunteering at local schools, supporting holiday toy drives and serving as a mounted Search and Rescue Team. With more than 25 members, the Posse travels thousands of miles each year to represent Merced County in parades across California and beyond. Returning to Pasadena, they proudly share their motto of service, horsemanship and community pride with Rose Parade audiences worldwide.Merced, California MERCED COUNTY SHERIFF'S POSSEFounded in 2008, Mini Therapy Horses is a Southern California nonprofit that brings comfort and joy through the gentle presence of miniature horses. The group of nine tiny horses is trained to perform tricks such as smiling, bowing, and even playing keyboards, bringing laughter and encouragement to people of all ages. Their therapy work extends to hospitals, veterans’ programs, schools, and crisis response efforts across Los Angeles, including the Mayor’s Crisis Response Team. A crowd favorite in the Rose Parade, the group returns for its eighth appearance in 2026, continuing its mission to inspire compassion, resilience, and healing—one miniature horse at a time. Parade audiences worldwide.Calabasas, CaliforniaMINI THERAPY HORSESThe Painted Ladies Rodeo Performers are more than a drill team. They are a dazzling equestrian showcase blending artistry, unity, and tradition. Known for their striking red, white, and blue attire adorned with Swarovski crystal belts and rhinestone tiaras, the team captivates audiences with precision routines performed on uniquely patterned American Paint Horses. Beyond the arena, the Painted Ladies Foundation provides support to grieving children and young adults, reflecting the team’s mission of strength, resilience, and community service. Returning for their 11th Rose Parade appearance, the Painted Ladies embody beauty, heart, and a deep connection between rider and horse, inspiring audiences with every stride. Sacramento, California PAINTED LADIES RODEO PERFORMERSScripps Miramar Ranch Saddlebreds return showcasing its celebrated Steam Fire Pumper Unit, led by Michele Macfarlane and her acclaimed equestrian team. Known for dazzling performances from the Olympic Winter Games to Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee Pageant, the group has appeared in more than 40 Rose Parades, carrying on a rich family legacy. This year’s unit showcases horses hitched to an antique steam fire pumper, honoring early volunteer fire departments and the courage of first responders. Alongside Michele rides television personality Carson Kressley and a talented team of equestrians, inspiring audiences with their passion, tradition, and commitment to preserving equestrian history. San Diego, California SCRIPPS MIRAMAR RANCH- STEAM FIRE PUMPER UNITThe Spirit of the West Riders are dedicated to preserving the legacy of America’s frontier horsemen. Clad in vibrant Old West period attire, the group presents a living history tableau with riders portraying cowboys, cavalry troopers, and sidesaddle ladies, all using historically accurate saddles and tack. Their unit also features a restored chuck wagon pulled by a mule team. Riding on behalf of the John Wayne Cancer Foundation, the Spirit of the West Riders hare stories of courage, grit, and exploration while honoring the enduring traditions of the American West. Arcadia, California SPIRIT OF THE WEST RIDERSThe New Buffalo Soldiers honor the legacy of the 10th Regiment, Company H of the U.S. Cavalry, portraying the history of Black American soldiers from the Civil War through World War I. Founded in 1992, the group combines authentic and reproduction military uniforms and tack from the Civil War, Indian Wars, Spanish-American War, and WWI, creating a powerful and historically accurate presentation. Riding American Quarter Horses and gaited breeds, the unit also highlights the story of the 25th Infantry Bicycle Corps, whose 1,900-mile ride from Montana to Missouri showcased the strength and resilience of Black soldiers. Through their performances, the New Buffalo Soldiers educate audiences about the significant contributions of Black Americans in U.S. military history. Shadow Hills, California THE NEW BUFFALO SOLDIERSThe New Buffalo Soldiers honor the legacy of the 10th Regiment, Company H of the U.S. Cavalry, portraying the history of Black American soldiers from the Civil War through World War I. Founded in 1992, the group combines authentic and reproduction military uniforms and tack from the Civil War, Indian Wars, Spanish-American War, and WWI, creating a powerful and historically accurate presentation. Riding American Quarter Horses and gaited breeds, the unit also highlights the story of the 25th Infantry Bicycle Corps, whose 1,900-mile ride from Montana to Missouri showcased the strength and resilience of Black soldiers. Through their performances, the New Buffalo Soldiers educate audiences about the significant contributions of Black Americans in U.S. military history. Shadow Hills, California THE NEW BUFFALO SOLDIERSThe Valley Hunt Club of Pasadena holds a special place in history as the original sponsor of the first Rose Parade in 1890. With more than a century of tradition, the Club continues its beloved custom of decorating a carriage each year to carry its president and family down Colorado Boulevard. The VHC President and their family ride in the carriage, honoring the legacy of the Club’s founders who helped establish what has become one of the world’s most iconic celebrations. The Valley Hunt Club’s enduring presence in the parade is a living tribute to Pasadena’s heritage and the timeless spirit of the Rose Parade.Pasadena, CaliforniaTHE VALLEY HUNT CLUBThe United States Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard proudly carries the American flag as the only equestrian unit in the Rose Parade, a tradition since 1985. Based out of Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, this historic unit is the last remaining mounted color guard in the Marine Corps. Riding palomino mustangs adopted through the Bureau of Land Management’s “Adopt a Horse and Burro Program,” the Marines showcase precision, honor, and pride. Their presence embodies the Corps’ legacy as “America’s 911 Force,” representing the values of duty, discipline and service to country.Barstow, CaliforniaUNITED STATES MARINE CORPS MOUNTED COLOR GUARDThe Victorian Roses Ladies Riding Society brings the elegance of the 1880s Victorian era to life, showcasing riders in custom-made, one-of-a-kind period dresses astride and driving a variety of horses. Dedicated to preserving history through performance, the group also raises awareness and funds for horse rescue organizations, having generated more than $50,000 to date. With their striking rose-colored gowns, parasols and historic tack, the Victorian Roses create a living portrait of the upper-class ladies of the past while celebrating equestrian diversity with both ridden and driven horses.Alpine, California VICTORIAN ROSES LADIES RIDING SOCIETY
