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The Pasadena Tournament of Roses announced the selection of 18 equestrian units to participate in the 136th Rose Parade presented by Honda on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.
The parade, themed “Best Day Ever!” will feature a variety of horse breeds and riding styles along the 5.5-mile route on Colorado Boulevard. Equestrian units have been a key component of the parade since its inception in 1890.
Sixteen specific groups were named, including the Budweiser Clydesdales, the First Cavalry Division’s Horse Cavalry Detachment, and the United States Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard. Local units such as the Spirit of the West Riders from Arcadia and Los Hermanos Banuelos Charro Team from Altadena will also take part.
The Tournament of Roses, an organization with 935 members supplying more than 80,000 volunteer hours, stated in a press release: “Each unit promises a unique blend of skills and dazzling costumes, adding an extra layer of charm to the festivities.”
Participants will showcase various equestrian talents, including square dancing horses and precision drills. Some units, like the Mini Therapy Horses from Calabasas, highlight community service work.
Prior to the parade, equestrian groups will perform at Equestfest on Dec. 29, 2024, at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. The event will feature trick riding, dance routines and roping demonstrations.
The Rose Parade is part of Pasadena’s annual New Year’s celebration, which also includes the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the 111th Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential.
Here is a full list of participating equestrian units for 2025 Rose Parade Equestrian units (listed alphabetically):
Arabian Horse Association Versatile Arabians – Greenwood Village, Colorado
Blue Shadows Mounted Drill Team – Lake View Terrace, California
Budweiser Clydesdales – St. Louis, Missouri
First Cavalry Division, Horse Cavalry Detachment – Fort Cavazos, Texas
International Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association– Birmingham, Alabama
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department – Sheriff’s Museum Foundation – Los Angeles, California
Los Hermanos Banuelos Charro Team – Altadena, California
Mini Therapy Horses – Calabasas, California
Northwest Spotted Drafts – Ferndale, Washington
Painted Ladies Rodeo Performers – Sacramento, California
Scripps Miramar Ranch – San Diego, California
Spirit of the West Riders– Arcadia, California
The New Buffalo Soldiers – Shadow Hills, California
The Norco Cowgirls Rodeo Drill Team – Norco, California
The Valley Hunt Club – Pasadena, California
United States Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard – Barstow, California
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