Hundreds of equine enthusiasts got an early look Sunday at the 2009 team of horses set to march in January’s Tournament of Roses Parade.
Equestfest, at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank, allowed many to catch a sneak peek of the horse teams slated to march down Colorado Boulevard on New Year’s Day during the annual parade.
“This is great for him,” Giovanni Arevalo said of his 17-month-old son.
While his son stared at the Long Beach Mounted Police squad, sitting atop Grand palomino horses, Arevalo, 28, also reveled at the chance to see the fanciful assortment of equines for himself. The Bakersfield resident trains horses professionally but does not usually get the chance to watch palominos, Spanish Andalusians and other breeds in such a fashion.
“It’s very pretty,” he said. “I came here to enjoy myself.”
Eighteen units performed Sunday, walking the track inside the Equestrian Center while hundreds in the stand cheered, oohed and aahed at the creative mix of horses selected to perform in the Rose Parade.
Among them was a team of six miniature donkeys hitched to a wagon designed specifically for their small frame. Each donkey was outfitted with a handmade harness adorned with 350 brass spots and additional brass trim. The squad will make its Tournament of Roses debut next week.
“I think they’re really cute,” said Lynne Jackson, a Sacramento resident in town to visit her parents. Jackson owns horses, giving her a greater appreciation for all types of equines — even donkeys that are less than 3 feet tall, she said.
“Nothing surprises me anymore,” Jackson said of the miniature animals. “I think they’re really cool.”
Others got a close look at the California State Firefighters Assn.’s five old-fashioned fire engines, including a 1902 fully restored horse-drawn car with firedog Blaze riding shotgun.
“Women and kids love the dog, and men love the machinery,” said George Toussaint, a retired firefighter who helps run the “Steamer Team” squad of restored engines.
Toussaint’s team also included a fully restored 1899 Allan Hose Wagon, a 1900 Fire Chief’s Buggy, 1901 American La France Chemical Wagon and a 1905 Seagrave Hook & Ladder.
