First of all, this event was enjoyed by myself and my family. If you were a participant of Equest Fest 2015 and you don’t see any photos here, I am so sorry. I try to get everyone, but sometimes my photography skills are lacking, hopefully next year I will have a better camera and perhaps a better seat.
Equest Fest is held the week of the Rose Parade and showcases most of the equestrian units that will be riding in this years Rose Parade in Pasadena.
Equest Fest is held at the beautiful Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank California. If you have never been, it is a real treat in itself.
You can go online or get your tickets at the event, it is best to order in advance online but you will be charged a service charge. If you wait and get tickets the day of, the event could sell out. You get to make your choice.
I wanted to share some of my photos so you can get an idea of how fabulous this event is, again, the quality of my photos are not perfect but I think you will still enjoy them, here goes. Hold on to your hats! Yee Haw!
These are the Norco Cowgirls, aren’t they the cutest? And man can they ride!
Next here are some of the horses from Medieval Times
and more
Next was Dakota Thunder Shires, these gentle giants where amazing, I wish my photos were better. After the show you can go to the barns and met horses, riders, grooms, truck drivers and stable hands. Everyone is so friendly. We were fortunate to talk to Missy and Carol of Dakota Thunder Shires. Carol has a blog that you can check out at DakotaThunderRoseBowl to learn more about the horses and their travels all the way from Minnesota. What an incredible journey! A big THANK YOU to Missy and Carol for talking to the kids, they know what a Shire…
After the Dakota Thunder Shires, the Calizona Appaloosa Horse Club entered the arena with their beautiful horses and costumes.
The next group of riders hold a very special place in my heart, The Long Beach Mounted Police. They have been in the Rose Parade since 1946 and are known for their classic 1940 50’s parade costumes. The horses are different breeds of horses but all are Palomino in color. Our horse Partner, that passed away in July from colic was a former Rose Parade horse that rode with The Long Beach Mounted Police before we owned him. Seeing these horses reminds me of the wonderful horse we were so fortunate to have. I never got to ride him in the Rose Parade, but I did manage to ride him in my home town parade in Agua Dulce California…I think he was bored after being in the Rose Parade. RIP Partner, you are missed.
The next group really shined in my eyes, the Scripps Miramar Saddlebreds were flashy, fun and colorful, just what I love to see during a parade. I mean if you are gonna be in a parade have some fun and by the looks of these folks, they were having a ball.
I love the cowgirls with their fancy saddles, big smiles, Rose Parade waves and flashy horses. I have never ridden a Saddlebred but they sure look fun!
Moving on, this year marks the 100th year anniversary of National Parks, and if you follow My Western Heart on Facebook you know I LOVE National Parks. I am constantly reposting beautiful photos from Yosemite, Glacier and The Grand Canyon just to name a few, head on over and like us on Facebook if you have not done so already Facebook/MyWesternHeart. 
And…don’t forget to #FindYourPark, the rangers from Yosemite were on hand to take photos and talk to guests about the upcoming centennial.
Besides a great show at Equest Fest, there are some really cool vendors with awesome treasures if you like to shop. I met this adorable gal while I was out checking out the shops. I stopped and asked if I could take a picture of her beautiful outfit!
Once again, the Norco Cowgirls!
After seeing these gals ride you need a big follow up…cuz they are a hard act to follow but if anyone can do it, it is these big guys!
The Budweiser Clydesdales!!!!
Lastly the 1st Cavalry Division Horse Cavalry gave a wild special performance, take a look
The crowd really seemed to be enjoying themselves at this years 2015 Equest Fest. I spotted these little cowgirls watching
Over all a great day, some new participants as well as some old ones. If you are ever in the Los Angeles area the week of the Rose Parade, look up this event if you want to learn more about the horses of the Rose Parade.
Thanks for riding along! Until next time happy trails…
Next time I will be sharing more photos from my England trip…stay tuned
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I experienced this fest thru your photos & description. Visited & fell in love with Pasadena. Would have loved to be here with you. Looks like so much fun & a different kind of festival.
Hi Roslyn~ The Equest Fest is so much fun, for me it gives the parade so much more meaning, to meet horses and riders. We were especially fond of the Dakota Thunder Shires as we got to meet not only the horses but the people behind this wonderful team. We were actually cheering in a our living room when we saw them on TV, what a thrill. Thanks for coming along today! Until next time, happy trails!
I remember learning to horse ride as part of our school curriculum for 1 term and still remember being kicked by a horse and being thrown literally a foot away because I walked behind the horse! The lesson of that training to love and respect animals was supplemented with not taking any animal by surprise. Lovely photographs, Lisa.
Vatsala first of all ouch! Yes, horses do dumb things and one can get hurt, you were lucky to be ok. I enjoyed taking the photos, photography and horses are my passions. Thanks for stopping by! Happy New Year
My oldest daughter is quite the equestrian and would really enjoy something like this!
Hi K. Lee Banks thanks for stopping by MWH. Yes the Equest Fest is a lot of fun! I love that when I see the parade I have a little history of the horses and riders, makes it so much more fun!
Cheers! Come back again and please share my post with your daughter!
So cool love bud wiser Clydesdales
So do I! They are so cool!