Rain Won’t Dampen Spirits As Rose Parade Horses and Riders Perform at Equestfest Friday

Each year, the Rose Parade’s equestrian units showcase beautiful horses and talented riders at Equestfest — rain or shine.

This year, it might be a bit wet and chilly.

Held at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, the event on Friday, Dec. 30 will run from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. featuring a variety of horse breeds and riding disciplines.

Performers for this year include: 1st Cavalry Division Mounted Horse Cavalry Detachment, Alameda County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse, Blue Shadows Mounted Drill Team, California Cowgirls Rodeo Drill Team, California State Guard 26th Mounted, Operations Detachment, Compton Cowboys, Express Clydesdales, International and Andalusian and Lusitano Association.

Joining the list are Los Hermanos Banuelos, Marine Corps Color Guard, Norco Cowgirls Drill Team, Painted Ladies Rodeo Performers, Ramona California Outdoor Play, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Mounted Unit, Scripps Miramar Ranch – American Saddlebred Horses, Spirit of the West Riders and The New Buffalo Soldiers.

The event will also feature musical performances, and a food and vendor court. Attendees can stroll through the stables, talk to riders and learn about the various tack and the many different breeds through interactive exhibits. 

Tickets to Equestfest are $20 General Admission, and $45 VIP Admission. Children ages 5 and under can enter for free.

To get tickets visit, https://tickets.sharpseating.com/p/tickets11/events/equestfest

Horses are as important to the Pasadena Tournament of Roses as the men and women who have worked individually and as organizations to keep the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game tradition going strong through the decades.

First staged in 1890 by Pasadena’s own Valley Hunt Club, the Rose Parade has always had horses running or striding the five-and-a-half-mile route with their riders and carriages.

This year, 16 equestrian teams are taking part in the 134th Rose Parade, the Tournament of Roses Association said.

The Los Angeles Equestrian Center is located at 480 W. Riverside Dr. in Burbank.