By Brandon HENSLEY

The bond between a horse and its rider is something unique, an ineffable feeling reserved only for those who grow their love of horses to become equestrians.

Allyson Wreede knows the feeling. This is her 24th year in Blue Shadows, a non-profit organization that teaches kids of all ages leadership skills and horsemanship. Riding is everything to Wreede.

“It sets you free,” she said. “It’s like the wings you don’t have.”

What Blue Shadows doesn’t currently have is a spot in the 2018 Rose Parade, and it is now letting Southern California know it thinks itself worthy of being in such an illustrious showcase.

Between now and August, Blue Shadows will wait and hope that everything comes up roses in its bid to ride down Colorado Boulevard. As part of a “warm-up,” the team has participated in many other parades throughout the region. On Monday it rode in the La Cañada Memorial Day Parade. The parade was part of the 44th annual Fiesta Days, a Memorial Day weekend-long commemoration that included a casino night, car show, fireworks, barbecue, music and movies.

It was the second year in a row Blue Shadows has performed in this parade, which is part of a more dedicated effort by the parade team to expand its visibility. Blue Shadows also rode in the Huntington Beach Fourth of July Parade in 2016.

That kind of experience, said Major Wreede, will help both the riders and horses if the Tournament of Roses comes calling.

“We do want them to get them out into the crowd and see all the commotion, all the music that is associated with parades,” Wreede said.

Blue Shadows has five troops in Lake View Terrace and two troops in Newbury Park. Wreede said the parade team consists of riders who volunteered and have proven themselves worthy of strutting down the parade route. This is, after all, a military-based organization which demands its members show proper respect to horses, people and their uniforms; ironed shirts, cleaned boots and all.

“It’s a great organization that teaches kids confidence. It gives them a well-rounded idea of what they have to do in life,” Wreede said.

It’s not all about etiquette. Blue Shadows’ members compete in weekly drilling practice, horse shows and trail rides, and the advanced teams perform in outside competitions. Capt. Alyssa Larson described the drill team as “synchronized swimming but on horses.”

“It takes practice to work not only with your horse but as a team. You have to ride something with a mind of its own but also [coordinate] with people. It’s challenging,” Larson said.

It’s this kind of discipline and talent that has 2nd Lieutenant Katherine Lazier, a Junior Advanced Team member, confident in the ability to shine at the Rose Parade.

“I think it would be such a validation for the things these kids have worked for,” said Lazier. “They’re here all the time … it’s such a special thing to be a part of. It’s such a part of California Culture.”

Lazier, 17, is a La Cañada native who attends Immaculate Heart High School in Hollywood. She disagrees with the Rose Parade’s rules of no one under 16 being able to ride, which it cites for safety reasons. If Blue Shadows is accepted, she said she isn’t worried about anyone not being able to handle themself.

“These kids are so amazing, and these horses can handle anything,” she said. “I anticipate it being awesome.”

To apply, Blue Shadows submitted photos, an online binder and a DVD detailing what the organization stands for. The Rose Parade’s theme for 2018 is “Making a Difference,” something Wreede said fits perfectly with her organization.

“I feel that Blue Shadows does make a difference in many, many lives,” she said. “I know for myself it did. It kept me out of trouble and taught me respect. It gave me my passion.”

For more information, visit blueshadows.org.

  Brandon Hensley