Mounted Enforcement Detail to Ride in Rose Parade

For the first time, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office will make an appearance in the annual Rose Parade in Pasadena

As a lifelong fan of the Rose Parade, Chad Bianco nurtured a dream of someday “riding” in the 5 1/2-mile route, which draws thousands of spectators on New Year’s Day.

“As a child, I grew up around horses, and I rode in many parades with my grandpa,” Bianco told Uken Report.  “He used his horses to pull a covered wagon, which I still have today, all over the state of Utah in parades and special events.  I used to watch the Rose Parade every year just to see the equestrian entries.”

As an adult, and Deputy Sheriff, I could not believe we did not have a mounted enforcement unit.  The dream and disbelief combined into a vison of seeing Riverside County deputies riding in the Tournament of Roses Parade.

Last year I was offered a dream come true by the Temecula Valley Horsemen’s Association and the Horsewomen of Temecula when they asked me to participate with them in the 2022 Rose Parade.  It was an experience I will never forget, Bianco said.

“However, during and after the parade my thoughts were of seeing an entry from the Sheriff’s Department.  From the day of the parade, we started working on our entry application for 2023.  One of our ‘Mounted Posse’ volunteers and longtime friend, worked tirelessly on the application for this year’s parade.

The application was approved, and the timing is everything.

In January, Riverside County Sheriff Office celebrates 130 years of service and dedication. This anniversary will be especially memorable as it will mark the first appearance by the Riverside Sheriff’s Office in the annual Rose Parade and Equestfest!

“I am over the moon proud to be able to represent the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Law Enforcement, and the County of Riverside in our first-ever entry in the Rose Parade,” Bianco said. “The deputies riding in the parade share in the excitement, and the pride, of not only being in the parade itself, but being in the parade while wearing our uniform on horseback.”

After becoming Sheriff, Bianco made it a priority to form a mounted enforcement unit consisting of sworn deputy sheriffs.

“We have always had our “Mounted Posse” of volunteers but never a law enforcement unit,” Bianco said. “Today we have a full-time mounted enforcement unit that is an example for other departments.”

The team consists of six full-time members and one supervisor. In addition, there are three members who volunteer for the team as a collateral assignment, and one reserve deputy.  There will be 12 members riding in the parade.

“I think it is exciting that as we celebrate our first-ever entry in the Rose Parade, we also celebrate the 130th anniversary of the Sheriff’s Department,” Bianco said.  “The theme of this year’s parade is ‘Turning the Corner.’  The Mounted Enforcement Detail’s mission embodies that theme. While taking from the past and making positive, lasting changes for tomorrow, we share in the hope, beauty and joy of what our future holds.”

The Mounted Enforcement Detail uses their personally owned horses to carry out their duties which include, but are not limited to, community engagement events, directed patrol, crime suppression, search and rescue operations, crowd management, and equine and cattle evacuations/rescues.

The Mounted Enforcement Detail’s primary focus is to nurture and build relationships between the Sheriff’s Office, partnering law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve, according to their Tournament of Roses application.

Being on horseback, the Mounted Enforcement Detail embodies a highly visible and historical symbol of law enforcement’s commitment to providing safety and careful watch over the land.

Riverside County Sheriff’s Mounted Enforcement Detail will also be one of the equestrian units performing at Equestfest, which is part of the annual Tournament of Roses in Pasadena.

Each year, the Rose Parade’s equestrian units showcase their breeds and demonstrate their talent with performances at Equestfest. Held in Burbank at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, this family-friendly event includes an exciting equestrian show, musical performances, and a food and vendor court. The equestrian show features both a variety of horse breeds, as well as a variety of riding disciplines.

Attendees are invited to stroll through the stables, meet equestrian participants, and participate in educational and interactive exhibits. At the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, participants have access to warm up arenas and wash racks.

You may watch Equestfest live on Dec. 30th on Cowboy Channel. Get your tickets now or tune in to the Rose Parade Jan. 2nd, 2023.

Tickets for Rose Parade
https://sharpseating.com/

Tickets for Equestfest
https://tickets.sharpseating.com/p/tickets11/events/equestfest

The 2023 Rose Parade is Jan. 2 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Rose Parade route begins at the corner of Green Street and Orange Grove Blvd. in Pasadena.