Pasadena and the Tournament of Roses have been pretty hand-in-glove -- or petal-in-flower -- for nearly 125 years.
Yet one of the Rose Parade's most beloved events happens in Burbank, at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. The name of the location is the giveaway; the event is Equestfest, which is all about the horses of the parade and the people who ride and train them.
This year's Equestfest presented by Wells Fargo is set to clip-clop on Saturday, Dec. 29.
"Drills and dances" are on the program of the pony-centered spectacular, as are opportunities to chitchat with the riders themselves. Questions we might arrive with include: How hard is it to lasso and trot at the same time? How do you prepare the ponies for the thousands of cheering spectators? And what does one do to get ready for one of the world's most well-known parades?
And lassos remind us: Trick roping will also be on display. Breeds and tack also will be discussed. You can bet the best saddles and the best bits are on display on New Year's Day. We like the tack that has a floral theme the best.
A general admission ticket is $15 and parking is $15.
Burbank is indeed a short haul from the Crown City, but we like to see some of the rosy goodness shared ahead of the big day. Especially when ponies are the center of attention.
