Headless Horseman at MNSSHP

[bookgirl2632]

I have read conflicting reports about the appearance of the Headless Horseman. Allears.net reports that he does not ride at the start of both parades, only the first one at 8PM. But I've read elsewhere that he does indeed ride at the start of both.

Can anyone who has previously been to MNSSHP confirm this? We have ADRs that should have us at MK before the first parade, but I want to be sure he rides in the second just in case we run late. Always good to have a backup plan, right?

 

[CathrynRose]

The last MNSSHP I went to was in 2000, and 99, 98, 97 - all of *those* he started for -both- parades.

I dont know about now, though. Good question...

 

[Noelle]

We went last year on October 13th. He only rode before the 1st Parade. I was so disappointed because I thought he rode before both parades and we missed him. Going again this year, and I'll make sure to be there for the first Parade just to be sure I don't miss him again!

 

[miste76]

It's my understanding that this is a real person riding a real horse... does anyone have any further information on the horse? Anyone know what breed? Does the horse really canter through the streets? Seems like that could be rough on the horses legs....

 

[Pixiedust34]

I have read that the Headless Horseman is at both parades; however if it rains (or even if it is done raining and the pavement is wet) he will not be there. Wet pavement is dangerous for the horse and rider.

 

[Noelle]

I have read that the Headless Horseman is at both parades; however if it rains (or even if it is done raining and the pavement is wet) he will not be there. Wet pavement is dangerous for the horse and rider.

I'd still suggest going to the first parade because last year there was NO rain or wet pavement and he only rode before the first parade at the MNSSHP I went to.

 

[ssleblanc]

It's my understanding that this is a real person riding a real horse... does anyone have any further information on the horse? Anyone know what breed? Does the horse really canter through the streets? Seems like that could be rough on the horses legs....

I don't have an answer to all of your questions (this will be my first MNSSHP), but it is a real person riding a real horse.

Someone posted a really clear picture (though the horses head is cut off). It may help answer some of your questions.

This thread, post #20: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1075534&page=2&pp=15

 

[chamonix]

I don't know what "kind" of horse it is for sure, they run by pretty fast and it's really dark. It's a big black horse with a rider dressed in black with a cape kind of thing. (if I recall correctly) I guess it could be a Friesan--that was my impression.

I have to say this is one of the coolest things ever to see--especially in Liberty Square. So spooky! It's over really quickly though!!

edited to add I crossposted with the last post--the pic they showed is not the same thing that I have seen (and I have seen it twice). Weird. Maybe when it's colder the rider wears a cape over that outfit. (?) Or maybe the pink thing behind the rider is the inside of the cape flowing out behind--and it could be fastened on colder nights, etc. hmmmm.

 

[melomouse]

HH is also a part of the Fort Wilderness Haunted Hayrides, for those horse fans. Way cool to see him gallop thru the forest as well as thru Liberty Square...

 

[horseshowmom]

It's my understanding that this is a real person riding a real horse... does anyone have any further information on the horse? Anyone know what breed? Does the horse really canter through the streets? Seems like that could be rough on the horses legs....

There are special shoes that you use for pavement for traction and safety. They may also have a rubber pad between the shoe and the hoof. I know that's done sometimes.

 

[Equidae]

We were at MNSSHP Oct. 20 last year and we saw the HH ride before the second parade.

 

[_chill_]

We were there 10/20 last year as well, and saw him at both parades (missed him both times with the camera ) Gonna try again 10/19.

 

[tmt martins]

Last year I was lucky enough to talk to one of the riders himself .

It seems they have very little visability and go by the CM's lightstcks (orange flashlights) Well this time the CM was in a bit close as he entered mainstreet and he almost went into the crowd ( it really wasn't that close for me but he must have thought so ).

As the parade ended he was talking to the CM on where she needs to be and what he needs for a safe turn onto mainstreet.

I talked to him a bit while DW & DD was getting icecream and told him from directly behind ( sitting on circle) about where he was and he thought he was a bit close and thats why he corrected so much. I told him I've been around horses (track) for most of my younger years and that Dfil was a jockey once and what he was doing was a great feat unto itself. He said the horse knows where it wants to be but there is also drag from the costum as well .


So yes it's a real person and real horse so PLEASE stay on the curbs and off the street at this time he will not see you unless you are right in front of him and at that speed he won't be able to stop.

 

[BABYJOSIE98]

HE STARTED BOTH PARADES IN 2003?? WE WATCHED THE 2ND ONE AND HE CAME OUT BY THE ENTERNANCE OF MK AND AROUND THE CIRCLE AND UP TOWARD THE CASTLE ON MAINSTREET!!

THEY WARN EVERYONE THAT HE HAS BEEN SIGHTED AND THAT YOU NEED TO CLEAR THE STREETS!! THEN YOU HEAR POUNDING HOOFS ON THE PAVEMENTS AND HERE HE COMES!!!! GIVES ME GOOSEBUMPS THINKING ABOUT IT...

IT IS A REAL PERSON ON A REAL HORSE. A BIG BLACK FRIESIAN!!! I AM SURE THAT HORSE KNOWS HIS JOB WELL AND THEY PROBABLY HAVE SPECIAL SHOES ON HIM ALSO.

IN CASE HE DOES NOT START THE SECOND PARADE YOU BETTER WATCH THE FIRST ONE...

HAVE FUN!!!!

 

[SpectroMagic*o*]

I could've sworn when we went last year that he rode in both parades...maybe it's new this year that he's only riding in the first one (I read that too).

 

[mickeyfan2]

It's my understanding that this is a real person riding a real horse... does anyone have any further information on the horse? Anyone know what breed? Does the horse really canter through the streets? Seems like that could be rough on the horses legs....

Not sure the exact breed, but he is a draft horse so his size helps to make the rider seem proportionate.

ETA: The rider is from Montana.

 

[mickeyfan2]

There are special shoes that you use for pavement for traction and safety. They may also have a rubber pad between the shoe and the hoof. I know that's done sometimes.

They wear special shoes to make more of a sound too.

 

[beattyfamily]

He definitely rode in both parades last year; maybe not both parades every night for whatever reason (weather; scheduling conflict) but he definitely is suppose to (and did on several occasions) ride before both parades.

I saw him at the second parade and I read reviews from last year of others seeing him at the second parade as well.

 

[Marie2794]

I just looked at my headless horseman photos.

The time on the 2004 photo is 7:55... 1st parade.
The time on the 2005 photo is 9:56... 2nd parade.

 

[miste76]

Interesting picture!!! and thank you for all the great info!!! Personally, I don't think I would ever canter my horse on pavement.... with or without pads!!! but I'm sure they know what they're doing... Everytime I go, I always notice how well the horses are groomed and their hooves are always trimmed and shod (never long!!!)

The horse in the picture appeared to be a lighter breed (thoroughbred???) but with several of you suggesting that it could be a friesian... I'm even more excited!!!

Now, do I actually try to take a picture... or just get a really good look with my own eyes??? Decisions, Decisions, Decisions!!!