Equestfest takes center stage at LAEC

By Staff Report November 30, 2011

It’s that time of year again! The Los Angeles Equestrian Center welcomes Equestfest 2011, an extravaganza of equine entertainment that precedes the 2012 Tournament of Roses Parade, which features 27 equestrian units. The majority of them will be on display at the Dec. 30 Equestfest, which features 23 acts beginning at noon and running to 2 p.m.  Gates open at 11.

The event has become an esteemed tradition eagerly awaited by Southland horse fans, and a destination for those who travel into town for the big event. “If you look up the word tournament it specifically refers to horses, so equine has always been an integral part of the Rose Parade,” Equestfest captain Tom McEntee said, noting that that whole thing started in 1890 with horse-drawn carriages.

Even the dates were dictated largely by the hoofed contingent, said McEntee, noting, “The Rose Parade by tradition is held on New Year’s Day, except when it falls on a Sunday like it does this year. Then it’s held on a Monday. Again, that has to do with the horses. When the parade started, there were many churches along the Colorado Blvd. route, and the local residents didn’t want the parade spooking the horses parked outside the churches. People joke that we’ve made a pact with higher powers―we won’t have a parade on Sunday and you won’t rain on our parade!”

Nestled within the LAEC’s roofed Equidome, Equestfest will take place rain or shine. Food, jousting, costumes and an open paddock that allows guests to get up-close to the horses are all part of the fun.

Among the highlights of this year’s big show: a salute to the 100th Anniversary of Roy Rogers. A float sponsored by RFD TV will be accompanied by 100 Palominos, a nod to Trigger. “This year, there will be about 350 horses in the Rose Parade, the most horses they’ve had in a long time, largely because of the 100 Palominos,” said Montie Montana Jr., producer of Equestfest, noting that there will be nearly 300 horses in Equestfest.

Blonde horses from the Santa Rosa Palomino Club, the Roy Rogers Riders of Merced County, the Long Beach Mounted Patrol and the Al Malaikah Shriner Group are among the participants. “Roy was a Shriner and he used to ride with them in the Rose Parade,” said Montana, who has spent time in the saddle with Rogers.

“My dad rode in the Rose Parade for 60 years,” said Montana, who made his debut “in 1949 or ’50”  and has participated, as support staff or rider, every year since. “I’ve only been to one New Year’s Eve party my entire life, because you’re up at midnight to get down there with your horses by 5 a.m. The coffee and donuts smell so good! But that’s the worst thing you can do. My advice to the riders is don’t drink anything after midnight. It’s a long parade and there are no rest stops!”

Among those making the trek: a full contingent of military riders — the Buffalo Soldiers, the War Horse Foundation, the first Cavalry from Ft. Hood — along with populist entertainment like the trick riding troupe the All American Cowgirl Chicks, the Cowgirls Historical Foundation, the Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament riders, the Hermanos Banuelos Charro Team and the Broken Horn Ropers.

The Scripps Miramar Saddlebreds will be back with their circus presentation, including a calliope and a swan float. “These horses are breed champions and have successfully competed all over the US and Canada,” Montana said.
The Wells Fargo Wagon is always a crowd-pleaser, and seven majestic Friesians will be the centerpiece of the Valley Hunt Club, based in Pasadena.
“I think people will really enjoy the mini-Mystiques from Arizona. They’re miniature horses of 29.5-34” tall that pull carts,” Montana said.

General admission $15; under 11 free; parking $5; doors open at 11 a.m., program begins at noon. To purchase Equestfest tickets visit www.sharpseating.com; for general information about the Tournament of Roses Parade, visit www.tournamentofroses.com.

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