Looking for ideas for the Christmas parade that we are attending this Saturday.
Finders Keepers and I have been working on getting the horses prepared. My mare has been in several parades and has been trailered countless times however the only time her mare has ever been trailered was to move barns and they were usually always terrible experiences.
Another incredibly amazing friend (who just purchased two Gypsy Vanner filles this past weekend -ADORABLE- just had to get that out!) has allowed us to ride over every weekend and practice loading and tying as she has standing stalls (FK's mare didn't tie well as she's trained to "ground tie") I farm sat Friday night and Willow and Flicka slept over - We had her tied in the stall for 2 hours without an issue.
So! After three weekends of gradual process - no pushing, pulling, whipping, yelling. Simply praise, reward and no pressure we've got the big girl loading on to a 2 horse bumper pull. My girl has been self loading and has been super patient while we practiced getting Flicka on. After our 15KM ride Sunday, our friend trailered us home (all of 5 driveways but still, positive experience) and left us the trailer so that we can practice loading in the dark.
SO! back on topic, sorry!
My question is what do you think would look nice for decorations on at the parade? I know we are cutting it close time wise but I've been googling all sorts of things - the majority tacky.
This was our idea:
- Red & Green polos
- Dollar store dog collars (red*white) with bells that slide over their hooves and rest at the top of the polos.
- Crimpy mane & tails (we have braided them alllll up)
- small red sparkly bow on forelock
- A large red bow on their breast collars
There is going to potentially be 12 horse/rider combos. Initially the theme was "reindeer" as one girl is riding in front with a red flashing nose on her mare.... but they have tinsel on the bridles and tie downs made of tinsel as well has reindeer antlers taped to the crown piece of the bridle. We had a meeting but it was not very organized and only 4 people showed up so I would imagine every horse will be dressed differently.
I don't want to be tacky.
She should be pretty curly! Her tail is a 20+ small braids braided into one as well.