NEWS

For the second year in a row, pop culture personality Carson Kressley will be riding an American Saddlebred in the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day, in Pasadena, California. This year’s parade, the 127th, celebrates the theme, "Find Your Adventure." Aboard the mare Flurry, Carson will ride the 5-1/2 miles along the parade route and Colorado Blvd., to the delight of parade watchers around the world. Michele Macfarlane owns the Saddlebred.

Carson has been riding Saddlebreds for more than 30 years. He has said he loves the breed for its beauty, heart and intelligence. Riding in the Rose Parade showcases Saddlebreds to a large number of spectators along the parade route, and an even larger live television viewing audience. The parade will be seen by an estimated 43 million U.S. households, and another 28 million viewers abroad.

On Tuesday, December 29, Carson participated in Equestfest, an elite equestrian show that preludes the Rose Parade. The event was held at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank, California. Carson rode the former World’s Five-Gaited Grand Champion, CH CCV Casey’s Final Countdown, who is owned by Michele and Si-Si Stables. Always gracious with the media, Carson was available for interviews, as well. 

Michele herself will be driving Saddlebreds hitched to an Abbott and Downey Yellowstone Park passenger wagon from the late 1800s as a tribute to the National Park system and to finding one's adventure in the parks of the American West.

Watch for Carson riding in The 127th Tournament of Roses Parade, broadcasted live in the U.S., beginning at 8 a.m. PST, 11 a.m. EST, on Friday, January 1, 2016. Check your local broadcast listings for more information.