Hi Congratulations on a great website, it helped me relive many cherished memories.

I live in Puerto Rico (roughly two hours by Jet, southeast of Miami). And thought perhaps the following might interesting to share with Parade Aficionados.  During my youth I lived in the states and became enamoured of Palomino Parade Horses and High School trained horses.  Naturally, this is a very long story, but I am enclosing photos of my original Parade Horse Playboy's Golden Enchantment (Rebel).  I purchased him from the late Mr. Roy Harrelson ( Mr. Palomino, of Glendale, Arizona) and a founding member of the PHBA.  Rest his soul, this wonderful gentleman, late in his years, around 1969 - sold me Rebel, one of his two personal parade mounts (he rode for six years in the Tournament of Roses Parade) - as we bounded instantly as true horse lovers.  

Well, in 1971, Rebel  was contracted in Puerto Rico and opened an International Jumping Competition ( U.S., Mexico, Columbia, England, Venezuela etc.) at Bithorn Baseball Stadium and with 14,000 people (remember we are a small island of 4 million) helped established a record for an equestrian event, that still stands.  I had his saddle made up by Ted Flowers, according to some guidelines (explained didn't want the saddle to over power Rebel, still considered by many the most beautiful horse to hit this island) and wanted a combination of Sterling and German Silver.  The bridle I adapted. The Blue/Creme Parade outfit with Gold and Silver threads was made by the legendary Nudie (RIP), western tailor to the likes of Roy Rogers, sadly deceased.   In both cases everything was handled over the phone and was just fine. 

People here had never seen a real Parade Horse at that time and when the spotlight in the darkened stadium hit us,  Rebel marched off, the crowd literally gasped and the dream of a life time was fulfilled. They used to come down close to the edge to try and touch him as we passed by, Lord I felt like Roy on Trigger Jr.  Following year, we repeated and were televised on network TV and so it went   Shortly after his arrival,  I started training him as a High School horse.  My beloved Rebel and I were together 25 glorious years, the happiest of my life. He remained the Island's only Parade and High School trained horse.  The white horse, is an Andalusian Stallion, I acquired when the Italian Circus played Puerto Rico, years ago (after Rebel had gone to greener pastures).  He is wearing the same Ted Flowers saddle but without the tapaderos.  Cariño was a marvelous partner, regretfully we only had five years together.  

Please feel free to use the enclosed material as you see fit. Wishing you Happy Trails, -- Ray Hernandez

MORE added 1/13/2007:

(note: There are 6 photos- click on the small photos to enlarge in the big frame below, and use the arrows to scroll side to side)