Horse Parade

 My favorite thing about growing up in Salinas was the Horse Parade.  As a horse crazy girl...this was always looked forward too!  It's been a few years since I've been to one...so Thing 2 and I headed out to watch the parade.

Marine Color Guard

Miss California Rodeo 2012

Monterey County Sheriff's Posse

Caisson was pulled by a six horse hitch 

Her dress was gorgeous!

Vaquero!  It is Fiesta day at the Rodeo

Never have a horse parade without the street sweepers!

We had a great time and saw some beautiful horses and some great groups.  Sunday  is Fiesta Day at the Rodeo...so lots of Vaqueros.  Now on a sad note...I did notice at least one maybe two Andalusian who had raw looking hocks that seem to point to weighted chains used to create the exaggerated motion in their movement.  Wish the Rodeo committee would have a vet inspection & excuse anyone whose horse showed evidence of this type of abuse.