MNSSHP - Headless Horseman Question

[WDWorBUST]

We went to the first party this year Tuesday night and noticed a couple of things. Now I will say the last time we went to the party was in 2008, but this was a smaller horse (and more brown than black), the horse that rode Tuesday night was not shod, and he went MUCH slower than in years past. Did something happen that they slowed him down? Or was it just being the first party of the season they are extra cautious? As always it was still pretty impressive seeing him ride, but not near as much so as when they had the HUGE black horse that really moved - and being shod the sound was more impressive too (although I never understood that either, it seemed like it put him at greater risk of slipping to me, but then I'm not an expert) DH also thought his coat was different, but I'm not convinced about that. So any inside info?

 

[Itinkso]

DD is a performer in MNSSHP and she has noted there are three horses which can be involved in the parade. I don't think they are allowed to get too close to the horses but they enjoy interacting with the bloodhound.

 

[smacky1]

I was at the party on the 14th and thought he was going MUCH slower, but we were standing where the parade started so I thought maybe he picked up speed at he went along? Where did you see him?

 

[WDWorBUST]

He definitely didn't pick up speed. We were on Main Street, but far enough from the the castle that he would have had time to pick back up speed after rounding the hub.....I intentionally chose where we did so he wouldn't still be slowed down from making the turn. He was going slow enough that honestly it wasn't even difficult to get a decent picture of him which in the past has presented quite the challenge.

Dh also commented that it was a different bloodhound

 

[DonaldTDuck]

Saw him twice at the first party in '06 and that sucker was black, huge, and hauling a star star. Very impressive.

 

[Itinkso]

I just watched a YouTube video of the cast preview and a cast member is heard saying they don't gallop the horse anymore.

 

[nytimez]

I just watched a YouTube video of the cast preview and a cast member is heard saying they don't gallop the horse anymore.

Now that's a shame.

 

[WDWorBUST]

I understand that a horse galloping the parade route has it's dangers, and that guest safety is the #1 priority, but I will miss that impressive sight. I was impressed that they just had everyone stand to make sure they were out of the street this year instead of trying to convince oblivious guests that they HAD to get their feet out of the streets and that it was for their safety. I just do not get it when people can't follow directions....you don't have to know the why all the time....just DO IT!

 

[MamaCrush]

I am so very sorry to hear this! This will be my first year at the party and the Headless Horseman is probably what I'm looking forward to the most! I hate that I missed the years with a full gallop... Maybe though since I never saw it, even the slow pace will be impressive!

 

[Jennasis]

Do you have any idea how dangerous it is for a horse to gallop on a hard surface like that??? I was floored that the horse went faster than a trot...and he shouldn't. It's hard enough that the horse is the only one who can see where it's going (horseman doesn't steer...horse is trained to go from point A to point B).

In 2005 the horse was a Friesien (large and black). It's possible they are training a new horse or he is a fill-in for the usual one. Also, a black horse left out in the sun will "bleach" out so that it appears brown or even orange.

 

[MamaCrush]

Do you have any idea how dangerous it is for a horse to gallop on a hard surface like that??? I was floored that the horse went faster than a trot...and he shouldn't. It's hard enough that the horse is the only one who can see where it's going (horseman doesn't steer...horse is trained to go from point A to point B).

In 2005 the horse was a Friesien (large and black). It's possible they are training a new horse or he is a fill-in for the usual one. Also, a black horse left out in the sun will "bleach" out so that it appears brown or even orange.

Um, yes, I actually do. I have owned horses, competed in hunter/jumper events as well as dressage. I understand the risks, but I also understand the value of a good farrier. And of course, I would never expect the horse to do so during any kind of damp conditions. As far as the rider not being able to steer, I would imagine there is some sort of visibility provision for the rider due to guest safety (not to mention horse and rider's), and since the horse is moving and folks don't normally look for those sorts of things, it goes undetected. Even the characters have some very well camoflauged areas in their costumes that allow them to see where they sign an autograph. I also understand from previous research that there are several horses that fill this role-- one of which is a black Percheron. And Disney takes exceptional care of its horses, so it's unlikely that they left a horse out in the sun so long as to bleach it orange, and if this did happen, I'm thinking Disney would just use a "blacker" horse since they're all about the details.

And with all that said, I STILL think the Headless Horseman of the past is something I'd love to see... But I'm equally sure I will enjoy whichever version shows up on the night I'm there.

 

[nytimez]

Do you have any idea how dangerous it is for a horse to gallop on a hard surface like that???

I don't. But they've done it long enough that I would think it's perhaps not as dangerous as some would make it out to be. It's not like they just grabbed a horse and said "make this thing go as fast as you can, that way."

 

[TLSnell1981]

Do you have any idea how dangerous it is for a horse to gallop on a hard surface like that??? I was floored that the horse went faster than a trot...and he shouldn't. It's hard enough that the horse is the only one who can see where it's going (horseman doesn't steer...horse is trained to go from point A to point B).

In 2005 the horse was a Friesien (large and black). It's possible they are training a new horse or he is a fill-in for the usual one. Also, a black horse left out in the sun will "bleach" out so that it appears brown or even orange.

Did they actually gallop? I've only been to one MNSSHP, but didn't see the parade. Couldn't their leg action give the appearance of a faster gait? We're going next week, guess I'll see first hand.

Surely, Disney treats these guys like show horses. I know, mine never saw the light of day (when showing). I still don't like day turnout, during the summertime, for my black horses.

 

[TLSnell1981]

I don't. But they've done it long enough that I would think it's perhaps not as dangerous as some would make it out to be. It's not like they just grabbed a horse and said "make this thing go as fast as you can, that way."

Actually, it's dangerous for the horse. Fast gaits on a hard surface, especially asphalt, can cause lameness from the constant pounding. You can do a lot of damage to their hooves and legs.

 

[nytimez]

Actually, it's dangerous for the horse. Fast gaits on a hard surface, especially asphalt, can cause lameness from the constant pounding. You can do a lot of damage to their hooves and legs.

I'm not doubting it, because, like I said, I don't know. But why would Disney have done it in the first place if it's so dangerous for the horse?

 

[RMulieri]

They didn't gallop him during the party we went to in 2008, or 2009.He moved at a slow trot .

 

[chiamarie]

I went in 2008 and he was galloping, and it was amazing!

I went in 2009, and it was a very slow trot. As many have said, it wasn't nearly as impressive.

But the rumor I heard was that it was for safety, because people don't realize A) that this happens before the parade starts so B) they're still crossing the street and ignoring CM to get off the parade route. So, I think to prevent people from accidently getting run over by the horse, or for any close call happening, they stopped galloping the horse.

But that's just my guess.

 

[snowy76]

I've never been to MNSSHP, but I just watched vids on YouTube from '08 and this year. BIG difference.

But yeah, it was probably for safety reasons. In one video I saw, there was a kid who darted into the street (stayed on the same side but looked like they were switching seats) AS the horse was coming down it!

Maybe the use of a brown horse is for safety too - a bit more visible in the dim light than a black horse.

 

[TLSnell1981]

But why would Disney have done it in the first place if it's so dangerous for the horse?

I have no idea. There are several safety issues. Someone stepping in their path, possible injuries to the horse, etc. If it's really dark, that's an added risk to horse, rider and pedestrians. I don't care how well a horse is trained, they're still an animal and have instincts.

My TWH has been used in parades. I've even had a child fall and roll underneath him (at the barn). Magic froze and didn't move a muscle, but he was walking. I can't imagine why Disney galloped a horse on Main St.

 

[Sleeping Becca]

The first party I went to was in 2008, and the horse was shod and galloping, and his shoes made sparks with the pavement, it was amazing! However at the second parade right before he made his way toward us some clueless woman stepped into the street with food for her family and narrowly missed getting full on nailed by the horse. It was crazy, a CM grabbed her and pushed her onto the sidewalk, basically saving her life. Unreal.

2009 horse still the large black one, but did not gallop but more of a slow run, still shod and still amazing.

I understand completely why they can't run the horse anymore, with language barriers or possible hearing issues safety is a huge concern.