Mardi Gras Horse Use Policy

Horse Evaluations & Training Clinics

The City of Mobile is introducing new policies and requirements to ensure the safety of horses, riders and spectators during Mardi Gras parades. These policies were developed in coordination with local veterinarians and other community partners. Among other changes, parading horses will be required to undergo a prior medical evaluation by a licensed veterinarian, and riders must attend a training course covering basic riding and equestrian skills in order to parade.

To help parade organizations and participants comply with the new policies regarding parade horses, 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 such as 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 & Tillman's Corner Veterinary Clinic)
  • Medical Evaluations: 1:00–3:00 p.m.
  • Rider Training: 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.

Training & Evaluation Sign Up

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 horse 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.

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Click the image below to enlarge the flyer.

View and download the Rider Training Certificate document.
View and download the Mardi Gras Equine Medical Evaluation document.

To ensure the safety of parade participants, spectators, and animals, the City will strictly enforce regulations governing the use of horses in the downtown area during scheduled parades. If you have questions about these new policies, please email animalshelter@cityofmobile.org

I. Rider Requirements

A. Training and Competence

1. Riders must possess basic equestrian skills, including recognizing signs of horse stress or injury, to ensure safety for all involved.
2. Riders should demonstrate knowledge of appropriate responses to potential safety incidents.

B. Mandatory Rider Training

1. Riders must attend horsemanship training, covering:
   1. Recognizing signs of horse stress or injury.
   2. Fundamentals of riding, including controlling direction, gait, and speed.
   3. Identifying signs of agitation in horses and appropriate responses.
   4. Steps to ensure safety when handling stressed or agitated horses.
2. Upon course completion, riders will receive a signed Rider Training Certificate.
3. Trainers offering these courses must be pre-approved by Animal Services.

C. Rider Clearance

1. Riders must submit a declaration form indicating their weight, including costumes and equipment to Animal Services. This information is to be noted on their Rider Training Certificate.

II. Equine Medical Evaluation Requirements

A. Health Examination

1. Horses must undergo an annual veterinary evaluation after January 1 to ensure they are in good health and fit to bear rider and equipment weight during parades.

B. Certification Requirements

1. A licensed veterinarian must issue an evaluation certificate confirming the horse’s:
   1. General health.
   2. Body condition.
   3. Weight-bearing capacity (ride and equipment).
2. Certificates must be filed with Animal Services, along with three current photographs of the horse.

C. Application of Rules

1. These requirements apply to all horses, including those with riders, used for pulling carriages, or participating as riderless horses.

D. Additional Veterinary Requirements

1. Negative Coggin’s test results are mandatory for all horses.
2. Horses must be vaccinated against:
   1. Rabies
   2. Tetanus
   3. Eastern/Western Equine Encephalitis
   4. West Nile Virus
   5. Equine Viral Rhinopneumonitis (EHV-1)
   6. Equiine Influenza

E. Horseshoe Regulations

1. Shoeless horses may walk on paved roads if their hooves are in adequate condition to prevent injury.
2. Horses with shoes must use shoes treated with Borium for increased traction and safety.

F. Tagging System

1. Upon approval of veterinary certification, Animal Services will issue a tag for the horse.
2. The tag must be securely braided into the horse’s mane or tail.
3. Horses without tags will not be allowed to participate in parades.

G. No Stallions

1. No Stallions will be allowed to participate in a Mardi Gras Parade without express written permission from the Director of Animal Services.

III. Sedation Protocols

A. Veterinary Oversight

1. Sedation must be prescribed and administered under a licensed veterinarian's supervision, following the Alabama Veterinary Practice Act.

B. Record Keeping

1. Owners or representatives must maintain a detailed log of sedatives administered, including:
   1. Date, time, and route of administration.
   2. Horse description, weight, and identification.
   3. Name of the prescribing veterinarian.
   4. Details of the sedative used.

C. Monitoring Sedated Horses

1. Sedated horses must be continuously monitored for complications by a handler, trainer, or rider.

IV. Horse Handlers

1. Each group of horses must have at least one designated handler throughout the parade route.

V. Enforcement Authority

1. Police Officers and Animal Control Officers have full authority to:
   1. Enforce this policy.
   2. Deny horse participation or remove any horse from the parade at their discretion.

VI. Cooperation Requirements

1. All participants, including owners, handlers, trainers, riders, and spectators, must comply with lawful commands issued by Police or Animal Control Officers.
2. Obstructing or interfering with enforcement personnel will result in penalties as outlined below.

VII. Penalties for Violations

1. Policy violators will be removed from the parade and may bear associated costs.
2. Violations are subject to fines or incarceration under Chapter 1 of the City of Mobile Municipal Code.

VIII. Animal Services Clinics

1. The City of Mobile Animal Services Department will offer two free clinics in February to help participants comply with these requirements.
2. Clinic details will be announced in January 2025.

IX. Deadlines

1. Veterinary Clearance Certificates must be submitted to Animal Services by February 10, 2025, for the 2025 Mardi Gras Season.
2. Rider Training Certificates must be submitted to Animal Services at least 24 hours prior to the start of a parade that the rider is participating in.