Every second Sunday in June, the National Puerto Rican Day Parade is held in Manhattan, New York.  The parade route runs down 5^th Avenue from 44^th Street to 86^th Street.  This year Marc Anthony and his wife Jennifer Lopez held the honor of leading off the festivities followed by many colorful floats and parade entries.  As always one of the highlights of the event is the Paso Fino horses. 

Seven Paso Fino horses and their riders strutted their stuff in the Big Apple for the roaring crowds this year.  Jose Rubero and his wife Sue are responsible for coordinating the efforts to showcase our breed in the parade every year. Marisol Rivera and Jaime "Jay" Rios brought their favorite parade horses including Mari’s pure Puerto Rican mare Brujo de Kofresi, and Jay’s fino mare Alfonsina del Juncal, who was ridden by Orlando "Landy" Rivera in the parade. Lori Ford, administrator of AmericanPasoFinos.com traveled from Miami, Fl to participate on a borrowed mount, Prometido “Amante” BF, who is owned by Barbara Cardinal.   Kelly Finn delighted fans with her fiery chestnut gelding Constantino, and Abbie Stafford rode her gorgeous grey gelding Poco.

Upon arrival in NYC, screams from the roaring crowd could be heard from blocks away. The only comparison that can be made to the energy in the air could be a rock concert.  Millions of people lined the streets to celebrate their heritage. The screaming crowd, whistles, sirens, cow bells, and millions of waving flags did not seem to phase the horses in the slightest. The riders received cheers as they gaited down 5^th Avenue.  A few of the Paso Ambassadors allowed the lively crowd to reach out and touch them up close. They brought smiles to many people because of their calm nature. When the crowd realized a horse was heading right to them.....they screamed and waved their flags more. Children and adults alike called out asking to touch the Paso Finos.

Comments like "Que Linda", "How Beautiful", and “How soft" could be heard.  One little girl proudly told the child next to her that this was the second time that she had touched a horse.  One older lady with grey hair pulled back tight in a bun, stroked Amante's forelock with tears dampening her face and a far off look in her eyes. But the highlight of the whole day was a moment when a rider Lori Ford walked over to the crowd, and the people separated to make room for a young child in a wheel chair to see. He was a boy of about eight with black hair and equally dark eyes. When he looked up and saw Amante before him, those eyes lit up. The boy had a small frame and you could see the right side of his body was slightly twisted from what ever afflicted him. He turned and looked over his shoulder to his mother who instantly knew he wanted to stand up to be closer to the animal. As the mother helped him stand, the rider nudged her mount closer and he stuck his head over the barrier and dropped it for the boy. The child stroked his face in wonder for a brief moment and then his mother seated him again. He squirmed in his chair and although he was muttering and could not express himself, it was obvious he wanted more.  The mother helped him stand up again to stroke Amante. She dug for her camera for several moments while the boy and horse ate up the moment. After the photo was taken and the boy was seated again, the rider looked at him and saw the thanks behind his eyes and smile. She blew him a kiss and a flood of excitement rushed over his body, his eyes flashed and he blew me a kiss right back at her. The mother then thanked the rider with tears in her eyes.  Lori looked back at the boy and gave him a wink and a wave, then turned and rode off wiping tears from her own eyes

The riders all agreed afterwards that no show could touch the feeling and adrenaline rush created by experiencing the parade.  They felt so many emotions during the event, and felt they brought some special moments to many people attending.  The event was so memorable that all riders plan to do their best to participate again next year.  If you would like to ride in next years events, please contact Jose Rubero at jfrubero@charter.net as soon as possible, as space is limited, but all those interested are encouraged to join in the fun.