XOTX Andalusians @ D&R Ranches Pure Raza Espanola Just a small portion of the fabulous portraits done by Regina. It is a very complicated process and takes hours and hours of time to work out the bead compilation. Beads are not paints that can be blended, and there are only a limited number of beads that can be used in a facial pallette. Regina on Diamante, my very trusty and sane parade horse. I decided to wear a tricorn with this outfit and gold pants. My husband said I looked like Paul Revere!!! Carey looks lovely in her Renaissance Red and Gold costume. Carey is riding Andar, the ever faithful calm and easy going Andalusian mare. Note that Andar has no bit in her mouth. Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Parade held in Colorado Springs on July 7, 2007, the LUCKY 7's. Julie on Percheron Gus in the most gorgeous Renaissance outfit ever lead our Equestrian Theater and Performing Arts group followed by Regina (in Purple) riding Diamante and Carey (in Renaissance reg and gold) riding Andar. Many pictures taken of our snappy looking group. It was great fun. Look at the size difference in horses! And Andar is 16 Hands!!!! Makes Carey and me tiny people on tiny horses. Julie on her black Percheron Gus and look at Gus!! Julie told me she took almost a year to make Gus's outfit. It is truely one of a kind. There are 7,400 Swarovsky hand placed crystals on Gus, in several colors from light to dark, all placed one at a time. All in line, and just breath taking. Julie is a consummate Open Show Rider, showing Gus in English. Gus is a rich black GIANT and very gentle. Julie has owned Gus for 6 years, trained him herself. This time, our group of 4 was in the Colorado State Fair Parade on August 25, 2007 representing the Equestrain Theater and Performing Arts Horse Association. Leading our group is Victoria on her giant Shire mare and Tessa riding her bay mare. Both were wenches of the Renaissance era. The giant and calm mare took huge walking steps. Regina is wearing a red Flamenco Spanish dress trimmed in black lace. You can't see Carey, but she's there too!!! Jennifer on left riding her Freisian Stallion Armadeus, Julie on right atop her Percheron Gus and the girl in green... Jennifer's sister, who has done more shows with Jennifer getting her and her house ready. This was Jennifer's very first parade and no better way than at the 68th Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Parade held on July 8, 2008 starting at 7pm. Jennifer had a blast leading our group along side Julie and Gus. People, kids, little old ladies, barflys hanging out of windows and a huge audience cheered us on the entire length of the parade. Everyone in our group wore dresses, our group being the Equestrain Theater and Performing Arts, and we were awarded the Silver Spur Award!!! Getting ready for a Parade is a big deal. Ask me, I know all about it. First off, that Aug. 25th had a fog to start out the day and Carey and I gave eachother that knowing look: get ready for RAIN. We were so happy when the sun broke through those clouds. Carey got to be on TV, she is riding Andar (no bit) wearing her red and gold Renaissance costume. Regina decided to match reds, and wore her Spanish Flamenco dress, hand made with instructions to make the length extra long. It was great fun, Victoria and Tessa and me and Carey waved and laughed through the whole parade. July 8, 2008 7 PM, 68th Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Parade: The Equestrain Theater and Perfoming Arts Horse Association members waiting for their number to be called to fall into the Parade Line.