Amazing Gaits Equestrian Center rode in 2 of these parades. The first was a
really cool 4 mile island day parade with the Krewe de la Dauphine and
30,000 spectators on Dauphin Island on February 2. The second was a
traditional night parade in Historic Downtown Mobile with
the Pharaohs Mystic Society and 101,000 spectators on
February 16. It was a great opportunity to show off our
beautiful gaited horses and their superb temperaments.
They did not let us down! Despite the loud noise of the
cheering crowds, calls of “Throw Me Something”, marching bands,
live bands, majorettes, floats, firetrucks, motorcycle police with
flashing lights and a sea of waving arms they walked along in
perfect formation.
Our Krewe of Amazing Gaits works on formation riding pre-parade
season to be able to move in and out of columns of two to three
across then back to two, changing directions
backwards then back to forward facing and simple
routines to keep the crowd entertained and
demonstrate the versatility of our breeds. We also train with our
law enforcement mounted unit exposing our horses to smoke,
flares, lights, sirens, booming bass music and lots of flapping
sensory items as a team building exercise. This prepares our
horses for the parade festivities and keeps them looking to us
for direction while ignoring everything around them.
So whether it is a neighborhood parade, a trail ride, a horse
show, a camping trip or sorting cows, we encourage you to
make a goal for 2019 to find avenues to enjoy your horse in new
and exciting ways!