Rose Parade 2024: Equestfest thrills thousands in parade prelude
Thousands of horse fans got a sneak peak of the 135th Rose Parade equestrian units as they strutted their stuff and showed off their unique talents at Equestfest, presented by Santa Anita Park, on Friday, Dec. 29.
The annual Tournament of Roses event, hosted at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank, showcased the many talents of the horses that will trot down Colorado Boulevard on New Year’s Day, honoring the important and longstanding role they play in the flower and float focused Rose Parade.
The event featured cannon fire, hurdle jumping, balloon popping, and even an appearance from Smokey the Bear. Before the start of the show, attendees got a chance to meet the horses and riding teams, a highlight for many audience members like Taylor Hoover.
“I love horses so I take any opportunity I can to see them up close and pet them,” Hoover, an Azusa resident, said. “I rode a little as a kid and it just never left me.”
In addition to the riders performing precision drills, thrilling trick riding stunts, dazzling dance routines, and amazing roping skills, the event offered musical performances and a vendor court before and after the show.
Many in attendance, like Corey and Samantha Ludwig, said they’ve attended for years to get a preview of the parade.
“It’s like our warm up routine,” Samantha said. “We’ve been here in person more often than the Rose Parade.”
Here are the equestrian units people can catch at the 135th Rose Parade:
1st Cavalry Division Horse Cavalry Detachment – Fort Cavazos, TexasArabian Horse Association Versatile Arabians – Greenwood Village, ColoradoBlue Shadows Mounted Drill Team – Lakeview Terrace, CaliforniaBudweiser Clydesdales – St. Louis, MissouriCalifornia Cowgirls Drill Team – Wilton, CaliforniaLong Beach Mounted Police & Kings County Sheriff’s Posse – Long Beach, California and Kings County, CaliforniaLos Hermanos Banuelos Charro Team – Altadena, CaliforniaThe New Buffalo Soldiers – Shadow Hills, CaliforniaThe Norco Cowgirls Rodeo Drill Team – Norco, CaliforniaOrange County Regional Mounted Enforcement Unit/Western State Mounted Officer Association – Orange County, CaliforniaPainted Ladies Rodeo Performers – Sacramento, CaliforniaScripps Miramar Ranch – San Diego, CaliforniaSilver Spurs Riding Club Quadrille – Kissimmee, FloridaSmokey Bear’s 80th Birthday Celebration – Washington D.C.Spirit of the West Riders – Arcadia, CaliforniaValley Hunt Club – Pasadena, CaliforniaVictorian Roses Ladies Riding Society – Alpine, CaliforniaUnited States Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard – Barstow, California