Does this sound like a good idea to you?

There is a horse parade about 15 min. away from where I live and I really want to go to it. My horse is really calm and doesn't spook, but he's only four. Do you think it would be a good idea to take him. My trainer would be with me if I had problems. Also, if I go, I would compete in "best in parade ridden." Should I go to this parade with a young horse? I would just like opinions from some other educated horse people. Thanks in advance!

Well, make sure you're very well prepared. Take your horse for rides all over the place in preparation - I know people who have even taken their horses through the McDonald's drive-thru. Make sure he's completely bomb-proof of everything from plastic bags to honking horns to flashing lights to waving flags to screaming kids, popping umbrellas, runaway dogs, tooting horns, and everything in-between. Parade preparation takes a LONG time, so make sure you're ready to make that commitment. Your trainer should be able to give you a good idea of whether or not you're ready. Age has little to nothing to do with this - it's age of the mind, and of the soul, rather than the body, that makes a horse good. A six-year old horse can have a one-year old mind, and be terrified of everything, or a two-year old horse can have a twelve-year old mind and be as safe and calm and trustworthy as any old Cob in the pasture. It all depends on the horse and how he or she thinks.

Also, make sure to get with your farrier. Walking on pavement for that long is going to ruin your horse's hooves if he does not have the right shoes. Make sure your farrier is aware that you want to go to the parade, so he can prepare your horse's hooves.

Also, make sure your vet is up to date on the idea. Your vet may think it's a good idea to give him a vaccine that he wouldn't need just hacking around on the farm, if he's going to be out and about.

Last but not least, have fun. :) Going out and riding in the parade is great fun, and you'll remember it the rest of your life.

I ride my horses in a local parade every year. They have all done fine. Some really like it. I live 4 miles from town and ride from home to the parade. This gives young horses a chance to settle down by the time the parade starts. If you trailer your horse, find a place away from the crowds to unload him. Also if there is a school or playground, you should work your horse before the parade starts so he can calm down from the trailer ride. My gelding Hoksheena, doesn't like kids, but let kids pet him at the parade. It also helps if they are with another horse they know. Riding in a parade is fun and don't forget to bring candy to throw to the kids. Everybody likes horses in a parade, so you will be one of the stars.

It is a great idea! Also if u don't feel confident you can be "ponied" by someone (have an experienced horse and rider take a longer rope and clip to bridle) I took my 2 1/2 - 3yr old QH to a parade and did the same thing! She is almost 5 now and she is doing well! My trainer also said it is a very good idea and good experience for both horse and rider!

Good Luck!!! And have fun

Personal experince and only 14

Well I would as long as your trainer was there making sure everything was alright before getting on. So if you do go a littler earlier and see how he'll react to all the activity around him and if it's fine I don't see what would be bad about going on and having fun(:

I've been in many parades on a horse that's six and very spooky and I've gone with a horse that's three and didn't spook once, haha.

GO! If you and your trainer feel you can do it, then DO IT! I love riding in parades. They are so much fun to just sit up there and wave and the little kids as you go by. I have ridden in parades with 3 y/o horses. Some horses can handle it young others can't. If y'all feel your horses can handle it. By all mean go and have a good time.

27 years training/showing horses

Every horse is an individual and has to be treated as such. You know your horse, surely you have ridden him on streets and roads and in traffic and around noise. If you haven't, then you don't know how your horse is going to react and someone, you, your horse or someone else could be injured. So, like I said, make sure you have already put your horse to the test when you weren't in a parade and they he is mentally capable of putting up with the noise and all the goings on in a parade, before you even consider. Make sure that you have plenty of help, a buddy horse that can be ridden beside him, etc. For the first time, you may want to leave a small halter on under the bridle, attached to a lead rope in case you need to depend on someone else to get you out of a jam or provide security for your horse, all you have to do it toss the end of the lead rope to your buddy and you should be able to prevent anyone from getting hurt.

If you and other experienced horse people (ie: your trainer) think he is suitable, go for it! I know he's young, but if he's been "outside" a lot and doesn't have any problems, the parade shouldn't be scary!

If this is his first time REALLY out of his environment, be prepared to call it early if necessary, but try to make it a positive experience.

good luck!

That's sounds like a good idea. It would be a great experience for your horse. All the cheering people could also help with shows that have lots of people cheering. If you had any problems, your trainer could help you, but if he is calm, he should be fine.

I did with my young 5 year old palomino QH and he and I did great. It will be a great new experience for you and your horse. Plus if your trainer will be there, I give it a good to go.

Have fun!

17 years experienced

yes, by all means go =]
your trainer would be there, it'd be great practice for you and your horse, and i'm sure your horse would enjoy itself!
If i had that opportunity, i wouldn't give it a second thought! =]

yes i think its a good idea as it will give your horse experience it needs and adds to his/her list of achievements

personal experience

i would go with my horse if it was four to. cause it would be a good for him to get used to if you go to another parade.

If the horse has been sacked out good, so he does not spook at noises and balloons, etc go for it!! It is fun and a great way to get your horse acquainted with several new things at once.

i don't think you should take her. Because she is still young and around other horses and she might fell uncomfortable and lash out, but its your chose and i don't know your horse or how good of a owner you are so good luck.[= D}-->---<.