Coming Up Roses

By Stephen Ford February 1, 2011

The mud was so thick at Equestfest on Dec. 29 that both the fire trucks and Budweiser wagon had to bow out of the show for safety reasons. The turn into the arena followed by the steep grade of the ramps at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center made it unsafe for the larger wagons to take a chance entering the Equidome. That didn’t prevent the crowd—sizable for a wet Wednesday—from enjoying to the contingent of Rose Paraders providing a sneak peek of their acts.

Three days later, as if on cue from a Hollywood director on high, the clouds from Southern California’s record rain deluge parted, and the sun poured through for the 122nd Rose Parade. An estimated 700,000 people lined the streets of Pasadena to view the two-and-a-half-hour pageant. Twenty-two equestrian units took part in the show, themed “Building Dreams, Friendships & Memories.” Celebrity chef Paula Deen served as Grand Marshal.

Equine Extremist Tommie Turvey and the All American Cowgirl Chicks were by far the two most unique and spirited entertainers of the event. Turvey rode the parade route atop two horses, standing upright with a foot on each one’s back (at Equestfest, he rode them this way over a flaming jump!). The Cowgirl Chicks also thrilled with their high-speed acrobatic antics. The kind of gymnastics they performed at Equestfest are normally showcased in competition on a standing horse, not a horse at full gallop, as was their style.

The 1st Cavalry Division turned out a full troop. But Doug Rogers, on his trained-to-ride 2,800-pound Brahma steer, Wild West Willie, was probably the most unusual addition to this year’s event. Apparently, Willie underwent extensive training for his amble down the five-and-a-half-mile mile parade route, and he needed special paperwork to bring him across the border from Alberta, Canada, to show him off. Bystanders actually commented on how placid the parading Willie appeared, compared to the rodeo bulls with which the public is more familiar.

The Saving America’s Mustangs float, with its theme of preserving wild horses on the range, made its debut at the parade this year and was a huge hit, as it coasted along, with its oversize Paints, Palominos and chestnuts—all made from flowers and organic materials, with Native American touches.

One float sure to delight equestrians was that offered by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation. Reagan was an avid equestrian throughout his life, though the float did not feature horses but rather a giant eagle and large floral portraits of the President and First Lady Nancy Reagan. Jelly Bellies, the President’s favorite snack, sponsored the float, which is the Rose Parade’s first ever with a Presidential theme.

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