[Midnight Felicity]

I am taking Felicity in a parade at the end of the month and would appreciate any advise or suggestions. Thanks.
Oh and it's for school....my horse is going to have some sort or banner on showing Truman pride LOL...it's gonna be great. Oh and she is going to be in it with another horse so i think she will be calmer that way.

[Cowgirl2135]

I took my mare to her first parade, and she is very good. It was a LARGE parade. Just make sure your horse is bombproof. My mare was nervous at first, but I walk around, and settle down, and just calm down. Also ride around in a area that is quiet enough to settle in.
The only thing she didn't like was this one band, it was LOUD! There were lots of other band that she didnt mind. Another thing that made her alert about was when the balloon guys keep passing by. She did GREAT, better than any horse there that I knew of.

Yes, taking other expericne enough horse would do good. Make sure you got her favorite treats, it usually calm them down and happy.

Try to get your radio and tune it up LOUD, just to get used to it. And tie some balloons to the rail and let it fly.

[Lil_Ladie0027]

Bombproof is exactly right. You have to take in to consideration what all new things your horse will be seeing. There are MANY loud noises, children running around,and flags of all shapes and sizes flapping around. I think it's wonderful to take horses in a parade, for many people that is the highlight of the parade. Just watch your horse for signs of nervousness and talk to him/her. Let him know that he's ok. The first time I took my horse in to a parade I rode her in the back of all the other horses. Alot of times a horse will see this and it other horses are ok with it they will be too! Good Luck!

[minilove]

there right and mabey if u found away 2 avoid or stay ahead of any clowns ect. it might be less distracting

[equestriansport]

I toke my 4 year old mare in a parade and she was great. Just make sure you have other horses infront of you.

[1rish]

The first, last and only time we were in a parade they had us 1 or 2 groups behind an elephant. BIG MISTAKE! My mare was scared to death of the thing and spent the entire parade dancing sideways and popping up. She would not even come near the elephants Doo!
After being on the show circuit steadily for 4 years I thought she would take it all in stride but it wound her up like a racehorse and though she kept it all together as far as control there wasnt a time on the trip that more than 2 feet were on the ground at one time.
Good Luck with yours! I would make sure that your horse was really good friends with that banner before you go. You may end up looking like Superman and his cape flying down the street if she's not.

[Cyn]

Parades, YES!!! I love parades. I do them as well as my 5 year old son. On the parade form there should be a place where it asks about being near loud entries. Also beware of being dead last. Usually the street sweepers follow the parade line. They are scary to any horse not being used to water spraying and big huge round brushes twirling.

Most parades are judged. Judging for equestrian entries is usually done pre parade so get there early. Be sure you and your horse are clean and uniform. Polish your boots. During the parade you always want to stop and wave or somehow aknowledge the judges and announcer.
Beware of that adorable little kids who has never seen a horse and whose parents aren't watching them. They WILL run out to pet them. It is a good idea with it being your first time to have someone walk along the route with you just for that reason. Go the the store and buy BALLOONS. THey are always at parades. Get your horse used to them now. Bounce them around as if you are an excited 3 year old.

Go have fun and be safe. It's a real enjoyment. Have some one take pictures. I can't wait to see!!!

[wyldterv]

OH our 4-H group used to ride in our local parades in Arabian Costume it was a BLAST! I agree that you should really get her used to balloons, loud noises, cars and strange looking vehicles, and people rushing up towards her.

The first time I rode King in a parade he was only 3.5 yrs old and after a bit of practice out in a SOFT field with balloons tied off everything in sight and some "floats" (we put crepe paper all over a horse trailer with balloons on it and also on a wheel barrow, lol, for 'floats) he was surprisingly calm when partnered next to a well seasoned horse.

Remember to SMILE, and then SMILE SOME MORE, when you're out there, people want to see HAPPY participants! Besides, if your horse does jig a bit and act up a bit and you're SMILING people will think it's SUPPOSED to act like that in order to seem 'showy', LOL.

Have a great experience!

[Midnight Felicity]

lol good point wyldterv...about the smiling thing...my horse will prolly do a little jig just to show off lol. I will try the baloon thing and i have already cranked the radio up and did some jumps at the same time and she is okay with that...and we were alone in the arena! Sometimes she really surprises me (meaning she acts better than i think she will) but i am still going to find another horse to be in the parade with me. Thanks for the suggestions ya'all and keep em coming!!!

[cassidy]

aww how sweet i hope it all goes well dont forget to get someone to take pics so we can see you in action!