Herzman rides in Rose Parade, made most of group's costumes

Debbie Herzman of Bonsall not only rode in the 123rd annual Tournament of Roses Parade but also made most of the costumes for the Calizona Appaloosa Horse Club with which she rode.

“She was the main costumer,” said Calizona Appaloosa Horse Club parade marshal and past president Leslie Foxvog.

Twelve members of the Calizona Appaloosa Horse Club rode in the 2012 Rose Parade dressed as Nez Perce Indians. Herzman, who rode as a basket hat wearer in the second row behind the lead-row warriors, made 10 of the 12 costumes.

Herzman noted that the Indian costumes complemented the Appaloosas to provide spectators with more than just another group of horses.

“It gives them something different to look at,” Herzman said. “What we try to do is provide the heritage of the breed.”

The Calizona Appaloosa Horse Club itself was formed in 1953. Herzman, who moved to Bonsall from Oregon in 1977, has been a member since 1978. She has owned Appaloosas since 1970. None of Herzman’s own horses were considered ready for a parade, so Herzman used one of Foxvog’s horses for the Rose Parade.

The Calizona Appaloosa Horse Club had applied to ride in the Tournament of Roses Parade in the past, but they were not accepted until the 2010 parade.

“We took a different twist and tried it with the Native American costumes,” Herzman said. “That seemed to catch their attention.”

The second Rose Parade for Herzman wasn’t any less exciting than her first. “We weren’t so stressed out, so we actually had more fun. We learned stuff from the first one which you can put into action for the second one,” she said.

The Calizona Appaloosa Horse Club had 10 riders for the 2010 parade, and Herzman made eight of the 10 costumes. Twelve members participated in this year’s parade.

“I just happened to have two more costumes in the works,” Herzman said.

“The parade is a means to display her beautiful handiwork,” Foxvog said. “The costumes are authentic, and we couldn’t do this without her. She has taught us a lot.

In addition to the parade, the equestrian groups participated in a reception on Dec. 29 at the Universal City Walk, and at the Equestfest, on Dec. 30 at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center.

“It’s a pretty busy week,” Foxvog said.

The Calizona Appaloosa Horse Club is working on its application for the 2013 Rose Parade.

“They just run it really well, and it is just neat to be able to do it,” Herzman said. “It’s just a really fun experience.”

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