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What is a Parade Horse?

C.S. Lundgren
C.S. Lundgren

Historically, parades both large and small have featured horses wearing elaborate accessories and gear. It takes a calm, highly trained horse to be able to walk the length of a parade without being spooked by crowds of people, sudden noises, marching bands and all of the other distractions at such an event. Over time, the term "parade horse" has evolved to mean not only a horse decorated to walk in a parade, but also a certain type of Western show horse trained to compete in this discipline.

Horse riders, particularly in the Southwestern U.S., Mexico, and areas with a strong Hispanic influence, developed the type of parade horse we recogonize today — the ones that compete in designated parade horse shows. These types of elaborate Western parade horses are still common in local parades in some areas. Training a horse to walk in a parade is difficult, and parades might not be suitable to very high-strung horses. Trainers sometimes acclimate their horses to parades beforehand by having them walk in "all-horse" parades, and having someone lead them through any possible distractions. Parade horses often start out in small, local parades and work up to larger ones.

Parade horses are trained to walk in parades without being spooked by large crowds of people.
Parade horses are trained to walk in parades without being spooked by large crowds of people.

According to the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), the organization that sets the standards for different disciplines of equestrian competition in the U.S., the finest parade show horses are flashy, stylish and elegant. The mane and tail are long, natural, and often elaborately braided. The horses are decked out in stock saddles and elaborate silver and gold equipment, which often has a Mexican, Spanish or Southwest flare to it.

It takes a calm, highly trained horse to be able to walk the length of a parade without being spooked by crowds of people, sudden noises and other distractions at such an event.
It takes a calm, highly trained horse to be able to walk the length of a parade without being spooked by crowds of people, sudden noises and other distractions at such an event.

A parade horse may be any color, breed, or gender, although appearance is judged more than anything in a parade class, so the horse must be without physical flaws. USEF classes for parade horses include separate divisions for pintos, palominos, ponies, and Golden American Saddlebreds. The rider of a parade horse is often dressed to match in colorful Old Western gear that may include shiny spurs, serapes and ornamental guns.

One of the most important characteristics of a parade horse, aside from its appearance, is the gait at which it moves. Parade horses are trained to walk at the pace of the rest of the parade, so the gait isn't usually faster than 5 miles per hour. In parade horse shows, horses perform two gaits, an animated walk that is a brisk and graceful four-beat movement, and a parade gait that is a square, high-prancing movement. Both are showy gaits appropriate for the festive atmosphere of a parade.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a parade horse?

A parade horse is a type of horse that is specifically trained to participate in parades. These horses are known for their calm demeanor, patience, and ability to handle the noisy and chaotic environment of a parade. They often have striking appearances, with elaborate decorations and grooming to catch the eye of spectators.

What breeds make the best parade horses?

While many breeds can be trained as parade horses, some of the most popular include the American Quarter Horse, Arabian, and Andalusian due to their beauty, grace, and trainability. Draft breeds like the Clydesdale and Percheron are also favored for their impressive size and calm nature.

How are parade horses trained?

Parade horses undergo extensive training to desensitize them to loud noises, sudden movements, and crowds. This includes exposure to music, flags, and other stimuli they might encounter during a parade. Training emphasizes obedience and a steady temperament to ensure they can safely navigate the parade route.

What kind of equipment is used on parade horses?

Parade horses are often adorned with ornate tack, including brightly colored saddles, bridles, and breast collars. They may also wear plumes, flowers, and other decorations. The equipment is designed to be comfortable for the horse while also being visually appealing for the event.

How do you care for a parade horse?

Caring for a parade horse involves regular exercise, a balanced diet, and meticulous grooming to maintain their health and appearance. Before a parade, special attention is given to their coat, mane, and tail to ensure they look their best. After events, they require proper cool-down and care to recover from the day's activities.

Are parade horses used for other activities?

Yes, parade horses often participate in other activities outside of parades. Many are versatile and can compete in horse shows, perform in rodeos, or work in therapeutic riding programs. Their training and temperament make them well-suited for a variety of roles beyond just parading.

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    • Parade horses are trained to walk in parades without being spooked by large crowds of people.
      By: Mikhail Kondrashov
      Parade horses are trained to walk in parades without being spooked by large crowds of people.
    • It takes a calm, highly trained horse to be able to walk the length of a parade without being spooked by crowds of people, sudden noises and other distractions at such an event.
      By: Alexia Khruscheva
      It takes a calm, highly trained horse to be able to walk the length of a parade without being spooked by crowds of people, sudden noises and other distractions at such an event.