Press Release: City of Mobile Announces New Horse Policies Ahead of Mardi Gras 2025
MOBILE, AL – In response to public concern following an incident at this year’s Mardi Gras parade where a horse collapsed, the City of Mobile is set to implement new policies regarding horses and their riders for the upcoming 2025 celebrations. The decision follows widespread outrage after a viral video showed a horse being kicked and struck in an attempt to make it stand again. The Conde Cavaliers, the organization involved, clarified that the horse laid down due to crowd noise, emphasizing that the rider’s weight was not a factor and confirming that the individual responsible for the horse’s mistreatment is not a member of their group.
In collaboration with the City of Mobile Animal Services, local veterinarians, and community partners, the new measures aim to ensure the health and safety of all animals involved in Mardi Gras festivities. Key policy changes include mandatory medical evaluations for all parading horses, requiring proof of health and vaccination. Additionally, riders must complete a basic riding training course to demonstrate skills necessary for managing their horses.
To enforce these regulations, police and animal control officers will monitor parade participation, with non-compliant riders and horses facing removal from events. Each approved horse will receive a clearance tag to be displayed in its mane.
To support the new guidelines, the City of Mobile Animal Services is offering free training sessions for riders and a "Field Day" for complimentary medical exams for horses participating in parades. Further information on the use of horses during Mardi Gras can be found at the City of Mobile’s website.
For questions or more details, please visit: http://www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras/.
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Photo credit www.al.com
