Since 1890, horses have been part of the Rose Parade, with equines pulling flower decorated carriages more than 127 years ago. Even with the advent of motorized vehicles in the
parade, equestrian units have remained a big part each year, highlighting a wide variety of breeds including graceful Andalusians, striking Percherons, and elegant Saddlebreds. Skilled riders, eye-catching costumes and hand-crafted tack add to the appeal year after year. Fans have an opportunity to see the 2017 Tournament of Roses equestrian units at the Equestfest, sponsored by Wells Fargo and held at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center Friday, Dec. 30. Twenty equestrian groups this year will include:

* 1st Cavalry Division Horse Cavalry Detachment (Fort Hood, Texas)
* Backcountry Horsemen of California – Mid-Valley Unit (Sonora)
* Budweiser Clydesdales (St. Louis, Mo.)
* California Highway Patrol Mounted Patrol Unit (Sacramento)
* Kern County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse (Bakersfield)
* Los Hermanos Bañuelos Charro Team (Altadena)
* Mane Attraction Equestrian Drill Team (Riverside)
* Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament (Buena Park)
* The New Buffalo Soldiers (Shadow Hills)
* The Norco Cowgirls & The Little Miss Norco Cowgirls Rodeo Drill Team (Norco)
* Philippine Scouts Heritage Society – U.S. Army’s 26th Cavalry Regiment (Los Angeles)
* Santa Barbara County Sheriff Mounted Enforcement Unit (Santa Barbara)
* Scripps Miramar Saddlebreds (San Diego)
* Seven Oaks Farm Miniature Therapy Horses (Hamilton, Ohio)
* Spirit of the West Riders (Leona Valley)
* Union Rescue Mission – Los Angeles (Los Angeles)
* U.S. Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard (Barstow)
* Valley Hunt Club (Pasadena)
* Victorian Roses Ladies Riding Society (San Diego)
* Wells Fargo Stagecoaches (Los Angeles)
Gates open at 10 am. and the two-hour show begins at “high noon” in the Equidome, rain or shine. Get up close and personal with the 2017 Rose Parade equestrian units and watch beautiful horses and talented riders perform drills and dances and demonstrate trick riding and roping. Attendees can stroll through the stables, talk to riders and learn about the various tack and the many different breeds while enjoying the vendor court, displays, great music, food and drinks.

Medical research shows that extremely weak pulsed radio frequency signals are more effective and more versatile than other signals on the electromagnetic spectrum (i.e. light therapy, ultrasound) in treating a wide range of acute injuries and chronic conditions. HealFast is the animal label of an FDA-approved device for the reduction of pain, swelling and inflammation following plastic facial surgery in humans. It is being used off label by other medical specialists for various soft tissue injuries. Arthritic patients and people with neuropathic pain experience marked relief using this drug-free technology. HealFast is so effective, safe, user friendly, light and inexpensive that it makes sense to keep a couple on hand or to give one as a caring gift.

Mac Stein is an experienced physical therapist specializing in orthopedic manual therapy and PEMF therapy for humans and horses. Mac is the West Coast distributor of HealFast. He is also a non-pro rider showing reined cow horses. Call (805) 714-3351 to learn more about year-end specials!

Western States Horse Expo Pomona is fast approaching — and very soon, the people will be, too! Folks are attracted to Horse Expo Pomona for various reasons. Some come for the demonstrations (all that talent for just gate admission!), some come to listen to veterinarians talk about horse health and crisis management, others want to listen to trail experts, or cheer for their favorite contender in the Ultimate Super Horse Challenge. But there’s one common thread for everyone who attends the Expo, Feb. 3-5 at the Fairplex in Pomona, and that is shopping! Even if attendees don’t think they’re going to shop at the Expo, well, think again! They just can’t help themselves. Western States Horse Expo Pomona is the ultimate shopping fix for horse people — all in one place. It’s hard to stroll through the aisles and not try on a bracelet or western hat, or run your hand over a beautifully tooled Western saddle. You can’t do that online! And who doesn’t want to check out the latest in horse trailers with living quarters. Go ahead –kick the tires. Always trying to please attendees, WSHE Pomona consistently invites a variety of vendors to participate in this unique event. Attendees can visit their favorite vendors from years past, and visit the new ones too, like Kristin Lee Photography, Banixx, Patchwork Pig, Gold Fields, and Kuzma Designs.

Jason Tucker, president of All American Trailers, has attended Horse Expo Pomona from the very start. “We do great business there. Our trailers attract a lot of repeat customers as well as new customers,” says Tucker. “We take a variety of our late model trailers to the Expo and price them very attractively. I mean really attractively — I sure don’t want to haul any trailers home!” When asked if he’s bringing anything new to the Expo, he replied, “You bet. This year we’re bringing Elite Trailers, which is a brand we’ve never brought before.”

Western States Horse Expo invites horse enthusiasts to experience this incredible event and enjoy all the aspects of the Expo, from shopping to competition to demonstrations. For more information and schedule updates, visit horseexpoevents.com.