Jousting Before the Parade

Though many of the equestrian riders in the Rose Parade are dressed in fancy duds and their mounts prance proudly to the music, parade viewers “never get to see how talented these folk are by watching the parade,” says George Chatigny of the L.A. Equestrian Center.

But Sunday, the public can see jousting by Medieval Times knights, the Galloping Gossips square-dancing on horseback and some fancy roping by Montie Montana at the second annual Tournament Equestrian Festival, says Chatigny, coordinator of the event.

“It’s a variety show with horses. Here, (the Rose Parade equestrians) will get to do a 5- or 10-minute show, doing what they do best.”

The two-hour show begins at 2 p.m. at the center, 480 Riverside Drive, Burbank. Early arrivals, or those who don’t want to pay the $4 admission to see the performance, can tour the stable area, where horses and riders will be preparing for the ring, from noon to 2 p.m.

Other performers include mounted drill teams, the Miniature Horse Group, Ceremonial Indian Crown Dancers, Apache Warrior Dancers, the Long Beach Mounted Police and others.

Celebrities scheduled to attend include parade Grand Marshal Shirley Temple Black (who will lead the grand entry), Zsa Zsa Gabor, jockey Eddie Delahoussaye and actor Richard Farnsworth.

Admission is $4; children 3 and younger free.