Yes, now that Valentine's is over, it is time to think about the upcoming parades, festivals and celebrations. A common question we get is "How do you design flowers to sit on the horse?" We suggest use of the casket saddles, easel cages, pre-made garland bases and occasionally Styrofoam depending on the desired creation. What do you do? Any creative approaches to the designing of "prancing flowers"?
Parade Flowers for Horses
- Thread starter Leanne
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Doug Hatcher
New Member
I had a horse years ago.
I would think you would have to use a blanket or something soft and glue the flowers to them.
Just my 2cent giddy up!.
I would think you would have to use a blanket or something soft and glue the flowers to them.
Just my 2cent giddy up!.
Mikey the Flower Guy
It's a GREAT DAY to live, and love!
- Nov 10, 2002
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that is correct Doug......that is exactly how these "warming" blankets are done.....we've done quite a few for the gaming track that we do a lot of business with!!
Michelle McMichael
New Member
rodeo queen parade flowers
We do rodeo queen flowers for parades. We use a casket saddle. I cover the outside edges with black duct tape to make it less brittle, then add some large grommets to the corners so it can be tied on to the saddle.
I have some photos around here somewhere!
(Good to hear from you, Leanne!)
We do rodeo queen flowers for parades. We use a casket saddle. I cover the outside edges with black duct tape to make it less brittle, then add some large grommets to the corners so it can be tied on to the saddle.
I have some photos around here somewhere!
(Good to hear from you, Leanne!)
BOSS
FlowerChat Administrator
Thats what we do as well....
I remember the days before hot glue and having to pin the flowers on...every once in a while you'd get a pin out of place and it would *liven* up the parade a little
Michelle McMichael
New Member
I suppose it would depend upon what kind of saddle you were using, what the flowers will be used for and how long they will be in use.
I don't usually spill this, but I was Miss Rodeo Oregon (in a former lifetime) and all the parade flowers I used that year and the parade years leading up to it were designed in a 1/2 spray casket saddle. Much sturdier and allowed for a larger. fuller design than a blanket.
My horse was "high spirited" to say the least, and we never had a problem. I borrowed lots of horses in my travels and never had a problem with the casket saddle on them, either.
Again, I think it would depend upon what you were using them for. A racehorse in the winners circle would call for a long draping blanket. The Portland rose parade (is this what you were getting at, Leanne?) calls for something closer to car flowers, only perched on the horse's back behind the saddle.
I love parade time!
I don't usually spill this, but I was Miss Rodeo Oregon (in a former lifetime) and all the parade flowers I used that year and the parade years leading up to it were designed in a 1/2 spray casket saddle. Much sturdier and allowed for a larger. fuller design than a blanket.
My horse was "high spirited" to say the least, and we never had a problem. I borrowed lots of horses in my travels and never had a problem with the casket saddle on them, either.
Again, I think it would depend upon what you were using them for. A racehorse in the winners circle would call for a long draping blanket. The Portland rose parade (is this what you were getting at, Leanne?) calls for something closer to car flowers, only perched on the horse's back behind the saddle.
I love parade time!
Parade Horses
Thanks all - any more ideas would be appreciated as well. Yes, we do the blankets but not as often as the full saddle "get up". Michelle, you're right. The Rose parade is sneaking up on us and the calls are already coming in.
Another technique we found successful is to start with a heavy foliage garland - salal, oregonia, camellia - and then glue the flowers directly into that. It gives a beautiful, full draping collar for the horse.
On a side note... I bet you were a great Rodeo princess.
Thanks all - any more ideas would be appreciated as well. Yes, we do the blankets but not as often as the full saddle "get up". Michelle, you're right. The Rose parade is sneaking up on us and the calls are already coming in.
Another technique we found successful is to start with a heavy foliage garland - salal, oregonia, camellia - and then glue the flowers directly into that. It gives a beautiful, full draping collar for the horse.
On a side note... I bet you were a great Rodeo princess.
I have seen how they make the blankets for the Kentucky Derby and the technique is amazing.....I was on vacation during that time quite a few years ago and while visiting a friend in Kentucky, got the chance to help make the blanket.
The florist started with two big peices of burlap fabric, then took the Smither's Cold glue and glued leatherleaf on the burlap heavily, while other designers were taking the rose blooms and wiring them as though they were making a corsage, then they took and "sewed" the roses through the burlap and greens by pushing the wired stem through the material, then bending the wire and pushing it back through the material so, no stray wire ends would poke through, then after all of that, They took and used a sewing machine to sew a faux fur peice of material on the underside of the burlap to hide and to protect the horse and to make the blanket comfortable for the horse.
It was a real treat to see how they did the blanket back then.
The florist started with two big peices of burlap fabric, then took the Smither's Cold glue and glued leatherleaf on the burlap heavily, while other designers were taking the rose blooms and wiring them as though they were making a corsage, then they took and "sewed" the roses through the burlap and greens by pushing the wired stem through the material, then bending the wire and pushing it back through the material so, no stray wire ends would poke through, then after all of that, They took and used a sewing machine to sew a faux fur peice of material on the underside of the burlap to hide and to protect the horse and to make the blanket comfortable for the horse.
It was a real treat to see how they did the blanket back then.
Gudrun
New Member
Blanket for sure. My horse used to compete in Native Arabian Costume Classes and he had a blanket with a collar for the neck. There were sequins and tassels sewn all over the thing. I would definitely glue or sew flowers on to them. If Kelleigh ever had to wear flowers around his neck and on his back, he would have eaten most of them before the parade was over. He has an affinity for garden flowers. Gladiolas are his favourite! Gudrun
Seasonals
Well-Known Member
Michelle, we have a request for just what you've described. Can you post a picture of your horse with it's flowers??? Thanks!
Michelle McMichael
New Member
Suzanne,
I got your pm and emailed you a photo before I saw this post. Let me know if you have problems with the email!
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