Rose Parade 2007 Equestrian Units

Medieval Times is one of the largest single owners of Andalusian horses in North America. It operates the Chapel Creek Ranch in Sanger, Tex., home to more than 130 Andalusian horses and the company's Andalusian breeding program. This is Medieval Times' 20th consecutive Rose Parade appearance. Riders wear authentic medieval-period costumes and carry authentic Spanish swords. The horses wear color-coded, medieval-period costumes that signify the strong relationship between rider and horse.

The Andalusian horse, known as the "horse of kings," is one of the oldest pure breeds of horse in the world. It was the first horse brought to the Americas by the conquistadors. The Andalusian has a proud but docile temperament, is sensitive and intelligent, responsive and cooperative, and learns quickly and easily when treated with care and respect.

The New Buffalo Soldiers (#30)
Marshal: C. F. Brown

The New Buffalo Soldiers are a historical re-enactment group formed of a diverse team of men with a common passion: to educate the public on American history. Organized in July 1992 to be a living historical education organization, they strive to educate and enlighten the world about the contributions of black men on the American Western frontier. The group re-creates the lives of Co. H Tenth Regiment of the U.S. Cavalry between 1866 and 1871.

The group has ridden in the Tournament of Roses Parade for the past 12 years. The soldiers wear authentic uniforms and carry a saber, canteen, carbine and pistol. They are riding Tennessee walking horses and Missouri fox trotters.

Painted Ladies Rodeo Performers (#69)
Marshal: Jennifer Macias/Sweeney

Painted Ladies Rodeo Performers have been together for 13 years. Riders sing the national anthem, trick ride and perform flag drills at events. They wear several different costumes throughout the year, all handmade by marshal Macias/Sweeney. The Rose Parade costumes feature white felt hats with rhinestone tiaras, red velvet shirts with glitter and white fringe, red pants, white chaps covered with red, white and blue stars, white boots with flashy spurs, red satin gloves and rhinestone earrings. Horses are decorated with white bridles and breast collars, red leg wraps, lights and roses.

The Painted Ladies ride paint horses, which are either a quarterhorse or a thoroughbred. Cowboys loved these horses for their great sense in working with ranch cattle, and Native American Indians loved them for their hunting endurance. Painted horses have many skills: reining, cutting, team penning, roping, Western pleasure, trail riding and trick riding. They form a special bond with their owners and have a friendly disposition.

Petite Elite Precision Driving Team (#47)
Marshal: Ron Souza

The American miniature horse measures no more than 34 inches in height, and every conceivable color coat and pattern are evident. They exhibit symmetry, strength, agility and alertness. Miniatures tend to be affectionate and easy to handle. Contemporary historians believe that the miniature horse is the result of nearly 400 years of selective breeding, drawing upon the blood of English and Dutch mine horses, as well as the Shetland pony. They were brought to the United States in the early 1900s and were used to pull coal from the Appalachian mines as late as the 1950s.

The Petite Elite is a miniature horse precision driving team, made up of volunteers that are all members of the Miniature Horse Association of Arizona. The group's routine consists of eight drivers and horses pulling two-wheeled carts, doing close order drills such as pinwheels, spins, passthroughs and diamonds. These maneuvers are done to the music of Glenn Miller and the Big Band sound.

Scripps Miramar Saddlebreds (#93)
Marshal: Michele Macfarlane

These seven Champion American Saddlebred pinto horses are ridden by National Champion equestrians. American Saddlebreds are known as the ultimate show horse — high-stepping and elegant. They trace their roots to the natural gaited horses that came from the British Isles in the 1700s and later were crossed with thoroughbreds, Arabians and Morgans.

The horses are all registered American Indian Horses. The riders' costumes are Native American made, fully beaded, traditional styles, including buckskins, headdresses, war shirts adorned with ermine skins, hair locks and moccasins. Scripps Miramar Saddlebreds have participated in the Rose Parade since 1962.

Spirit of the West Riders (#81)
Marshal: Phil Spangenberger

As in the Old West, the Spirit of the West Riders rely on a variety of horse breeds including quarterhorses, thoroughbreds, paints, mustangs, Missouri fox trotters, Arabians and other popular breeds of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They are a unique horse group that blends American history and entertainment in their representation of the men and women of various ethnic backgrounds who tamed the wild frontier of the 1840 to 1920 period. Each of these equestrians embodies the spirit of the American frontier with their colorful old-time outfits, period saddles and other historic gear.

All dedicated historians and top horsebackers, many Spirit of the West Riders appear frequently at charitable functions throughout southern California and in professional productions, movies and television. They are riding in the Rose Parade on behalf of the John Wayne Cancer Foundation. Shunning the popular Hollywood Western film image, this equestrian unit offers a realistic, yet flavorful, glimpse of America's past.