RHPC Parade Participation & Guidelines
Parades are one of the most exciting ways to enjoy Red Hats & Purple Chaps! Whether you're riding, walking, or helping behind the scenes, there's a place for every paid member.
Any current, paid RHPC member may participate in a parade by riding, walking, riding in a vehicle, or volunteering to help on parade day.
Horse & Rider Requirements: To ride or drive a horse in an RHPC parade, the horse-and-rider (or driver) team must successfully complete the required annual qualifying clinics:
Once you've successfully completed both clinics, you and your horse can determine whether you're comfortable and ready to participate in parades. Parade readiness and safety are always the priority.
2. Parade Clothing & Attire
Our signature colors are RED and PURPLE! We want our members to look coordinated, festive, and ready to represent RHPC.
What You Wear:
Red or pink cowboy hats, or riding helmets.
Shirt color will vary depending on the parade theme.
Purple pants or chaps.
For winter parades, add a purple cape and red gloves to your regular attire.
If wearing a helmet, a red helmet cover is suggested.
Chaps are optional, not required. If you'd like to purchase a pair, check with current members first. There are often gently used pairs available for sale!
Acceptable options include:
Your Parade Captain will provide specific clothing instructions for each parade.
3. Official RHPC Horse Tack
Our official tack colors are RED and PURPLE. Whenever possible, horses participating in parades should wear:
If you're new to RHPC, don't feel you need to purchase everything right away. Check with other members about borrowing or finding used tack for sale.
Remember, we're here to have fun, make memories, enjoy our horses, and represent Red Hats & Purple Chaps!
If this is your first parade, we recommend borrowing attire and tack before investing in your own. You may discover that a particular style isn't comfortable or doesn't work well for you and your horse.
Get creative and have fun decorating! Some ideas include:
Colorful ribbons woven into your horse's mane and tail.
Glitter and festive decorations.
Red glitter on hooves.
Decorations that coordinate with the parade theme.
Some parades have specific themes or decoration requirements, so always check with your Parade Captain before making plans.
You can also find plenty of inspiration in parade photos on our Facebook page and website.
Most importantly, always put safety first. Decorations should never interfere with your horse's vision, movement, comfort, or tack.
5. Getting Ready for Parade Day
A little preparation ahead of time makes parade day much more enjoyable!
Horse Preparation:
Your horse should arrive clean, groomed, and ready to go. Suggested grooming includes:
A neatly trimmed bridle path.
Trimming excess facial hair around the chin and under the jaw.
Neatly trimmed hair around the ears.
Trimming long hair around the hocks.
These grooming steps are suggestions to help give your horse a neat, polished appearance.
Rider & Tack Preparation:
Make sure your clothing is clean and parade-ready.
Check that all tack is clean and in good working condition.
Make sure decorations are secure.
Prepare everything at your barn a few days ahead whenever possible.
A little planning goes a long way!
6. Parade Formation & Riding Etiquette
Safety and spacing are extremely important when riding in a parade. You will generally ride with a designated partner and horse.
Please follow these guidelines:
Stay boot-to-boot with your assigned riding partner.
Maintain an appropriate distance from the horse in front of you.
Keep at least one horse-body length between horses.
You should be able to see the hocks of the horse ahead of you through your horse's ears.
Stay alert and aware of what's happening around you at all times.
Follow the instructions of your Parade Captain and parade leaders.
Proper spacing helps prevent crowding, kicking, and unexpected reactions between horses.
And don't forget to smile, wave to the crowds, enjoy the music, and have FUN!
Please remain in formation until the official disbanding area.
When the parade ends:
Stay in formation.
Continue at a WALK behind the lead truck.
Do not leave the group or break formation.
Wait for instructions from the Parade Captain before dismounting or leaving the group.
This procedure is important for everyone's safety. When one horse-and-rider team leaves early, it can upset other horses and potentially create a dangerous situation.
We all finish together!
Remember: We're here to represent Red Hats & Purple Chaps with friendship, confidence, great horsemanship, and plenty of purple spirit!
Let's ride, smile, wave, and make every parade a memorable adventure! 💜🐴
