Zelie paraders put on their fancy prance
ZELIENOPLE — The highlight for many at Horse Trading Days on Friday was the Horse Roundup Parade.
About 55 animals, including horses, ponies and miniature horses, paraded down Main Street to the delight of several hundred people who watched from the sidewalks.
As they reached the intersection of Main and New Castle streets, parade organizer Mary Ann Kristophel announced the names of the riders and animals over the public address system.
The participants included businesses, horseback riding schools and individual owners.
The parade is meant to highlight different types of horses, different types of riding styles and different uses for the animals, Kristophel said.
“When I first organized the horse roundup parade seven years ago, I intended it to be informative and educational,” she told the crowd.
She said that she hopes that those attending the parade can learn about some of the ways that horses can help people.
“Horses are used in so many different things, it's not just trail rides or racing or the things that are more visible to the public,” she said.
Featured in the parade were two miniature horses that were trained as therapy animals. They visit nursing homes, hospitals, libraries and other places where they are meant to act as a calming presence and can be used for education.
The parade is meant to be quiet, so the animals will be comfortable.
“There's no cars, no sirens, no bands. It's a great way for them to socialize and be out in public without all of the other hubbub.” Kristophel said.
Peggy and Mike Sibenac of Cranberry Township said they brought their grandchildren to Horse Trading Days, who especially enjoyed interacting with the animals at the petting zoo and watching the horses in the parade.The horse parade is one of a kind in the region, Peggy Sibenac said.“It's the only one I know of,” she said.Brenda Burr of Evans City watched the parade with her son Josh and daughter Abby, who pointed out the horses with enthusiasm from her stroller.“She is the little horse lover, she is why we came,” Burr said.Lisa Dietrich of nearby New Sewickley Township, Beaver County, said she came to spend time with her two grandchildren, who live in Zelienople.“Anything Zelie puts on is usually good. The fireworks for the Fourth of July were very nice. We were here for the 175th anniversary parade and they loved it,” she said.Horse Trading Days continues Saturday with children's games, live entertainment throughout the day and at 7:30 p.m. a concert by The Softwinds at The Strand Theater.
