Could Use Some Suggestions For Next Year's POP

[SQUEAKS]

I am already getting ready for the 23rd Annual Greenville Country Christmas Parade next year. I would like some suggestions from everyone who may want to post them. First of all I started Pasos On Parade 5 years ago. The local merchants have supported it, paso fino owners and riders have supported and the community loves the Pasos in the parade, SO,here are some suggested changes for next year.

1. Have at least 6 to 8 volunteers walk along the parade route with 3 to 4 on each side of the horses.Some could carry their cameras to get pictures of anything potentially dangerous to riders.
2. I will have Sandy Mixon print up some shirts or jackets with the "Pasos On Parade" on the back in 6 inch or larger letters for these volunteers to wear..

Basically we are providing our own security and these folks could watch for anything that might spook or harm the horses. With just the POP name and logo on the backs of the shirts or jackets will be a promotion for Pasos On Parade and not present the impression we are some kind of professional security. Just members protecting those horses and riders in the parade.

If you have any additional suggestions please post them or send me an e-mail.

I will not give up because some people do not like me. This means too much to me. I have made some mistakes in reporting the problems we had this year, but everything has been corrected so it can be better understood. Please understand this was a very hectic day and a lot of pressure was put on me. That is not an excuse but a fact. But somehow we made it through it all. My sincere Thanks to everyone who supported me on this board and those participating in the parade.

Happy Holidays To All

Bob:v:

[Bonnie M]

Not a suggestion but a question since I'd like to maybe try and attend next year.

Do you have to go through any certification to be in a parade with your horse? I had mentioned it to my farrier and he told me that the state requires you and your horse to attend a class to get certified so you can be in a parade.

[moonrize]

No Bonnie, no certification needed. I've ridden in countless parades and never even hear of this...

Bob, we had fun. The biggest thing that helped was having Grace come over to the field to give us our numbers, instead of having to go to the judge's stand. Also, some better time guidelines (be where exactly when) and perhaps reminding folks to decorate themselves or their horses?

The walkers are a SUPERB idea.

I also think that maybe we could bring some side dishes so you and Grace don't get stuck with all the cooking.

Plus Rev says he would like a bale of Alfalfa when we get to your place :biggrin:

[SQUEAKS]

Sally, Your horse's wish is granted but you know FF&F charges $16.00 a bale for it. But we won't charge you anything. Consider it as our Thank You for attending.:v:

Happy Holidays

Bob:biggrin:

[SQUEAKS]

Bonnie

I have no knowledge of any state requirements in Florida for certification. But you raised an interesting question I will get you the answer to.

Happy Holidays

Bob

[Kerry W]

.....

[SQUEAKS]

Kerry

That is a great idea. That will be number 1 on the list for the best decorated helmet. We could have a couple of classes for them. Best Christmas decorations and Best Spanish class.

That is exactly what input I am looking for things to make the parade safer and better. Thanks

Bob:v:

[Monty]

Actually - considering the nearly losing Leila - make helmets mandatory - You can get cowboy shaped helmets - I remember seeing them somewhere !

[Soltera]

http://www.tasco-safety.com/hhats/Cowboy-hard-hats.html#15256

ANSI certified but "not recommended for riding", especially since the brim appears to be solid - that's a neck breaker for sure!

Here's anothe place to see it:
http://www.random-good-stuff.com/2007/05/14/cowboy-safety-helmet/
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About 15 years ago I worked at a camp that had bona fide western helmets available, but they never did fit quite right, and stuck WAAAAAY up off the head. We call cheap english helmets "tomato heads", and the those western units were like "smokestack heads"! I've never seen them since. I think they must have been dangerous and taken off the market....?
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The Troxel Sierra is very attractive, but still looks like a helmet:

http://www.troxelhelmets.com/products/features.php?ProductID=31

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MGs has designed a lovely brim for their helmets. She has told me how she did it, and over the Xmas break I plan to try to make one, using the Cashel wide brim as a template. I'll let you know how it goes.

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One might also buy a cheap (thin) leather or felt hat (if you can find one big enough!!); wet it, and smush it down on the helmet to dry..... Believe I might try that, too. Will let you know!

[sporthorse]

Try the Tipperary Sportage helmet. Jeffers sells it. It's the only one I've found that doesn't give me a blazing headache or flop around too loose. I actually forget I have it on most of the time, even in hot weather. It could easily be decorated to match most any costume, Spanish, Western, whatever. Those flowing headresses so popular with the ladies would easily cover it. Ribbon or a high collar could cover the chin strap. I like the idea of making helmets mandatory. The walking brigade is a good idea, too. To make them seem less like a "guard" you could have them carry small flags of the countries of origin of the PF like they do at shows sometimes.

[tinomino]

I also like the idea of walkers and either mandatory helmets or a prize for most creative helmet. It's so scary to think about. I have done so many parades and never wear a helmet. I know I'm horrible. I wear a helmet every other time I ride. I have never thought about any mishaps happening like Leila's. I know Tino doesn't care about just about anything. But I can assure you he'd have a problem with a bb being shot at him.

If I think of anything else I will let you know :)

[Soltera]

I heartily endorse sporthorse's suggestion about the Tipperary Sportage. Brenda Sparks and I have been wearing them for over a year now, and truely, you can forget you are wearing it. Brenda never wore a helmet before, but swears by this one.

I bought mine at first because they cover more temple area, and come much farther down in back (in case of a backward "landing"), but they look much less helmet-y, have the lowest profile of any helmet I've ever seen and just fit great. The only drawback is that you can't get a cell phone to your ear - have to use speaker phone.