City to host training, horse evaluations in preparation for Mardi Gras season

City to host training, horse evaluations in preparation for Mardi Gras season

Jan 15th, 2025

Posted in: Animal ServicesPress ReleaseMardi Gras

- January 15, 2025 -

City to host training, horse evaluations in preparation for Mardi Gras season

Mobile, Ala. - The City of Mobile will host several events leading up to the 2025 Mardi Gras season to ensure compliance with new requirements for horses and riders during parades.

During this year's Mardi Gras parades, the City of Mobile Animal Services Department will enforce policies to ensure the safety of horses, riders, and spectators. Among other changes, these new policies require parading horses to undergo a medical evaluation by a licensed veterinarian prior to participating. Additionally, participating riders must complete a training course covering basic riding and equestrian skills. To view the full policy, https://www.cityofmobile.org/horse-use-policy/

To help parade organizations and participants comply with these new policies, the City of Mobile Animal Services Department will host a series of free training events and horse evaluations. These events are made possible with support from local organizations like First Equine, Highlands Veterinary Clinic, and Jones Farrier Service.

All evaluation and training sessions hosted by Animal Services will be held at the former Mobile Police Department Horse Barn, located at 1251 Virginia Street in Mobile.

Information on the dates, times, and requirements for these events is provided below.

• Saturday, January 25 (Highlands Veterinary Clinic)
  • Medical Evaluations: 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.

  • Rider Training: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

• Saturday, February 1 (First Equine)

  • Medical Evaluations: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

• Sunday, February 9 (Highlands Veterinary Clinic)
  • Medical Evaluations: 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.
  • Rider Training: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Farrier Services: Jones Farrier Service will be available on-site during the January 25 and February 9 events from 8:00-11:00 a.m. to provide services such as foot and hoof care required for medical certification. Please note that the City of Mobile will not cover the cost of these services.

Horse Use: The City of Mobile will not provide horses for training. Attendees must bring their own horses to participate in the training sessions.

Participation: These events are specifically for riders and owners seeking to meet the requirements for Mardi Gras parades, not for general horse training. Prior registration is required, and registrants must specify which parades they intend to participate in and the organization hosting those parades.

Parking: Parking is available in the grass field at the corner of Virginia and South Ann Streets. The parking area will open at 7:00 a.m. on the day of each event and at 12:00 p.m. on February 1.