The equestrian unit representing the Lassen National Forest has been garnering a bit of attention lately; at the 4th of July parade in Chester, the unit won 1st place in the Group Equestrian category, and Forest Service equestrians earned the 2nd place ribbon in the category of Mounted Groups/Working Western at this year’s Lassen County Fair Parade.
The group consisted of six Forest employees – Judy Maddox, KC Pasero, Katie Pasini, Mo Suarez, Nate Thompson, and Sandy Tiffin.
Pasero described the Lassen County parade as a “fun parade, with great response from spectators.”
The equestrian unit’s most recent opportunity to strut its stuff was at the Quincy Chamber of Commerce 68th Fair Parade on August 17, where it took 1st place, unopposed in its division. Four riders – Maddox, Pasero, Suarez, and Thompson – participated in this event.
“The group enjoyed riding in a totally new venue that offered a smaller town atmosphere”, said Pasero. “It was a short parade, but very well attended,” she added.
Pasero said the Quincy Chamber of Commerce seemed very excited to have the Forest equestrian group in the parade.
For next year’s local parades, the Lassen National Forest plans to invite a regional Forest Service pack string, which includes matching mules for working in wilderness areas across the state. Backcountry Horsemen of California units will also be invited to participate.
The pageantry and spectacle will help mark next year’s 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act, a milestone to be celebrated with a gathering in October of 2014 at the Tehama District Fairgrounds.
The format for the gathering will be patterned after Backcountry Horsemen Rendezvous events and include displays of northern California wilderness areas, wilderness project accomplishments, vendors, demonstrations of wilderness skills, food and entertainment.
You may contact Public Affairs Officer Heidi Perry at [email protected] or 530-252-6604 for more information.
