If you and your horse have signed up for, or are considering entering, a parade, there are some things you need to consider.

Crowds can be scary, and spontaneous. In some parades candy is thrown into the crowds, causing children to dash out at any moment. Some times crowds are armed with water pistols, and although they should not direct these at horses, it does happen. Noises can erupt, and let us not forget the hard cement surface can be slippery and dangerous in itself.

-Desensitizing your Horse.

Whether you are riding or driving, you must make sure your horse is 100% quiet. This means exposing him or her to new and potentially scary situations. Most horses who have attended horse shows will be familiar with noise, but unfamiliar with people jumping out into the street. Similarly they wont have a clue about the parade float in front of them.

For the most part having a friend help to simulate possible parade events will help train the horse not to flinch or jump when something unexpected happens. Make sure the horse sees a balloon as a non-threatening object.

Ignite firecrackers, the kind that are thrown into the streets, at a safe distance from your horse, so it is familiar with loud sounds. Speak kindly to your horse and offer it treats while the scary things are going on.

If your horse is going to be wearing a costume in the parade, make sure it has worn it before, and is use to the way it hits against its body and legs. If it is going to be ridden with other costumed horses, it should see them ahead of time as well, so it does not spook at their unusual look.

-Be Realistic

If your horse is still a nervous wreck do not take it into the parade, this could be traumatic on the horse, and could result in injury to you or it. Drugging a horse to be quiet during a parade event is not sensible and could even have adverse reactions. Over exercising it before the parade to settle it down will only make the long parade route harder on its legs.

Even if you start the parade, be prepared to dismount and either lead the horse the remainder of the route or return to the start and go home.

-The Buddy System

Horses do best when with a seasoned parade horse. It would be unwise to enter a parade with a group of horses and riders who have never attended a parade or busy outdoor event. If you enter a parade with other horses, but the most nervous, newest, horse in the middle to see how well it does.

-Take Care of the Feet and Legs

Before entering a parade, talk to your farrier about protecting the horses feet and legs from the stress of walking on cement. Most farriers will offer a rubber cushion to be placed between the shoe and the hoof for cushioning. You may also want to wrap or otherwise protect the horses legs.

-Have Fun

If the horse is not going to have fun, withdraw.

Learn more about this author, Brenda Nelson.
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