Temecula’s eclectic equestrian community will once again represent the Temecula Valley – Southern California Wine Country at the 2022 Pasadena Rose Parade in Pasadena on New Year’s Day.
The Horsewomen of Temecula Valley first appeared in the 2020 Rose Parade. This year they are teaming up with the Temecula Valley Horsemen’s Association and a selection of leaders in the community to provide a broad spectrum of the Temecula Valley’s rural and equestrian lifestyle.
This year’s parade team consists of 15 horses and six different breeds, 28 team individual members, a farm-style hay wagon carrying local dignitaries, a therapy miniature horse named “Cowboy,” and a canine companion named “Skip.”
Leading ladies in the wagon include 4-time City of Temecula Mayor Maryann Edwards, Margaret Rich, owner of Green Acres Ranch and GAIT interactive equine therapy riding program, Rancho California Water Board president and vineyard owner Carol Lee Brady, board member and past president of the Temecula Valley Historical Society Rebecca Farnbach, and Rosie Wilson and Libby Johns (Wilson) family owners of Wilson Creek Winery.
The wagon will also have special guests Emery, Elyse, and mother, Megan Lapinskas with Skip, their Canine Companion Service Dog. The twin girls, Emery and Elyse, were born three months premature. At age one, Emery was diagnosed with Cerebral Pals.
“We left our Texas home in search of a rural community that could provide our family with the lifestyle and community support that a special needs child needs to thrive. And man is she thriving,” stated Emery’s mother.
Emery is part of the GAIT program in the Temecula Valley. This interactive therapy program uses Fjord horses, known for calm dispositions and smaller size, to provide physical therapy for individuals with Cerebral Palsy, autism, language, or emotional control issues. Lapinskas credits the therapy for helping Emery grow and strengthen.
“It’s a lot different when she is on a horse. She doesn’t realize its therapy,” Lapinskas said.
The Lapinskas will perform a demonstration during the Rose Parade EquestFest Horse Show, held Dec. 29 in Pasadena. Using Skip, Emery’s canine companion, Elyse, and Cowboy the Miniature Therapy Horse, they will demonstrate how animal therapy aids the uniquely abled community.
Following the wagon is the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Mounted Enforcement Detail (MED) unit and the Temecula Cowgirl Color Guard. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco formed MED in May 2021 to better serve the citizens of Riverside County through augmented patrol services and mutual aid support. Comprised of a Riverside County Sheriff Department Sergeant, and 12 sworn Sheriff’s personnel, the unit works toward the promotion of positive communications and interactions with the community. Sheriff Bianco is a 28-year veteran with Riverside County.
Juanita Koth is the TVHA team marshal. This is her second year to lead the group to the Rose Parade.
“Throughout my lifetime I’ve witnessed firsthand many aspects of Southern California’s rural lifestyles disappear. It is my dream that our community of Temecula Wine Country will continue to believe in the values of preserving and deepening our region’s roots in farming and ranching,” Koth explained about her mission.
Temecula Cowgirl Color Guard Parade and Drill Team who also helped spearhead the 2020 team will include eight members. Many of the members are teenagers who volunteer throughout the community and continue to practice for the EquestFest Horse Show.
California Ranch Company and Galway Downs founded the Temecula Valley Horsemen’s Association which is dedicated to preserving the rural and equestrian lifestyles in the valley. Their sponsorship, along with the City of Temecula and Visit Temecula are helping the team get to Pasadena. Travelling, boarding, grooming, and paying for entry fees for the parade add up quickly.
The team has procured sponsors and continues to fundraise to help defray the costs. To help them visit: https://horsewomenoftemeculawinecountry.com/make-a-donation-to-our-rose-parade-journey-2022