Area Female Equestrian Group Selected For Rose Parade 2020

TEMECULA, CA — A group of female equestrians from Temecula will be riding -- for the first time -- down Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena on Jan. 1 for the 2020 Tournament of Roses Parade, it was announced Friday.

"On New Year's Day, the eyes of the nation will be watching the Rose Parade -- and the Temecula Valley will be featured by the representation of the Horsewomen of Temecula Wine Country," Temecula City Councilwoman Maryann Edwards said. "The application and qualifying process was quite rigorous and competitive. We are honored to have been chosen for this year's parade."

The 30 horsewomen will be led by the Temecula Cowgirl Color Guard, with Edwards among those aboard a horse-drawn carriage for the 5.5-mile trip.

Riders will range from 15 to 90 years old, according to Horsewomen of Temecula Wine Country Executive Juanita Koth.

"Our wagon train of successful female community leaders is proof that in Riverside County's Temecula, the power of hope, hard work and ambition can lead to realized dreams for everyone," she said. "We strive to encourage the next generation to follow our leaders by one day taking over the reins of community stewardship."

This year's parade theme is "The Power of Hope."

In addition to the parade, the horsewomen will be taking part in the Rose Parade Equestfest on Dec. 29 at the Equestrian Center in Burbank, during which riders will run their steeds through paces for spectators.

Along with the horsewomen, the Rancho Verde High School Crimson Regiment from Moreno Valley will be on the parade route, representing the Val Verde Unified School District and playing marching band tunes.

The school was selected a year ago to participate.

The parade, which began in 1890, involves hundreds of floats and bands rolling along Orange Grove Boulevard, then onto Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena. The city of Riverside's Mission Inn float was part of the 2018 Rose Parade. It was the first time since 1959 that the city had participated in the celebrated event.

The horsewomen are seeking contributions to help cover their parade expenses. An Oct. 23 fundraiser is planned at Wilson Creek Winery, 35960 Rancho California Road. More information is available here.

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--City News Service