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Tierra Del Norte Arabians and Friends Rock at the 2010 Rose ParadeBy Jan Austin The Annual Rose Parade in Pasadena, California is one of the most popular and spectacular parades seen around the world. So one can imagine that to become a participant takes a very special group. This year The Region One Versatile Arabians applied and were accepted on their very first try. Chosen out of 42 entries, this was amazing and they became one of 23 equestrian groups who marched in the parade. Eleven riders from Region One participated, including two from our own club, each one showing the versatility of the Arabian horse. This contingent also included three outwalkers, grooms, a farrier, and a cook. Of course, we TDN members already know how versatile our Arabs are, but it was great to show the whole world. In fact, I know of no other breed that can do as much as an Arabian Horse. Tierra Del Norte Club Member Debra Duncan-Montoya was one of the lucky riders. In her own words, here is her account of the experience. The pictures are courtesy of Angelique who owns Russian Roulette.
"My motivation started a long time ago as a
little girl watching the parade. I always wanted to have a horse and dress
up and look pretty in the parade. I couldn't afford a horse, but I had been
taught at an early age from someone to dream BIG. Also that dreams DO come
true if you wait long enough and don't give up. I have reached goals that I
set and some I didn't plan on, but this was different. Owning a horse was
my first dream come true and being in The Rose Parade was the icing on the
cake. When I found out I had Stage IV Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer, I
realized that life is shorter than you think. I wanted to present myself to
the world as a Survivor and someone that wouldn't give up on anything.
I applied in May and found out in August that I
had been selected from a large amount of people to ride in the group. I
think I had my trailer and outfit ready the day after I got the
conformation. My horse has done the Rose Parade before, someone else rode
him. But it isn't the same as mom and son doing it together. My horses are
my boys. I had the shoer come a few weeks before the parade and put the
borium on his shoes for the asphalt so he wouldn't slip. The group met in
July or August for a picture of us to send to the Tournament Committee. It
was horrible! It was so hot! But we got through it. Glad that part was
over.
Everyone in this group was as important as the next. However, between Nancy Harvey and Jan Roeder, my dream would have never come to be. I keep telling them I still feel like a princess. I wore a beautiful Hunter Green and Gold Native Costume. I represented the breed from the beginning of time of the Arabian Horse. I let everyone know as I was going down the parade route what a proud rider I was. I know people were impressed with our group.
This was an experience I will never, never
forget. I still go to bed at night dreaming of it. I tell myself once in
awhile that if I don't accomplish anything else in life, it's okay. As far
as I'm concerned, nothing can top this. (Well, maybe to ride in it again
next year!)
The most memorable part and biggest adrenalin rush was when we turned onto Orange Grove Blvd. from our staging area and at that time I realized this was for real. When we turned onto Colorado Blvd. and our Marshall said, "This is it!" I thought I was going to pass out. I had no idea what was ahead of me. The roar from the crowd sounded like I was at a home pro football game. It was unbelievable! You could have gone deaf! Between the two Rose Bowl rivalries, you had to root for both teams. I have never had so much fun in my entire life. From the adults waving at you and wishing you A Happy New Year to the little ones waving as hard and fast as they could. Horns blowing, poppers popping, balloons flying everywhere and seeing the people camped out on the street, knowing that they were waiting to see you come by and wave at them was the biggest thrill ever!! At the end of the parade I was ready to turn around and do it again. My horse was ready as well. I have not stopped talking about this highlight in my life.
A lot of people that know me knew that physically this would be challenging for me to do. But these same people knew that this meant the world to me and I would overcome any obstacles to get there. The adrenalin kept me going for the next five miles. I never stopped smiling and tried to wave to every single person there. My horse loved the attention. He would have liked to visit with everyone. He thought he was "hot stuff" out there showing off.
I know the Tournament had a difficult job
selecting the equestrian groups for the parade, so we as a group made sure
we had EVERYTHING to them that they asked for. I know Nancy Harvey put all
of her attention into this. She was the best Marshall!
Being that the Arabian horse is so versatile, I
know that played a big part of us getting into the parade. I hope we proved
to the Tournament people that we belonged there in the parade."
Debra Duncan-Montoya
The Region One Versatile Arabians were also featured in
several publications, including local papers, the Horsetrader, Modern Arabian
Horse, and The Arabian Horse Times. For information, click on the links
below:
http://news.horsetrader.com/2010/01/21/rose-parade-dreams-come-true-for-california-arabian-group/ http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_S_rose01_.4593bfe.html http://www.pe.com/localnews/rivcounty/stories/PE_News_Local_E_horse04.458706e.html
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