Parade pair bound for Pasadena

Anyone watching the Loomis Day Before Thanksgiving Parade could tell Larry Condit and his mule, Rocky, were true performers.With Condit's patriotic, red, white and blue ensemble, including his impressive cowboy hat and the detailed silver work adorning Rocky's saddle, the two were a majestic sight.But the Loomis parade was just a warm up for their really big performance Jan. 2 in the Rose Parade in Pasadena.This will be the second time Condit and Rocky have ridden in the Rose Parade.Condit said he expects more than 1 million spectators to line the parade route down Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena to watch the hundreds of entries, which include 25 equestrian units. Twelve other mules and one donkey will join Condit and Rocky, all in formation, as part of the American Donkey and Mule Riders Association for the 2006 parade."It's a long route," Condit said. "I'm in the saddle from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m."But no matter what the size of the parade or crowd, Condit knows his mule won't be intimidated.At the Memorial Day Parade in Bishop, Condit and Rocky took first place honors in the riding competition."Mules are sure-footed," Condit said. "A mule won't do anything to harm himself so if you're riding one, you won't get hurt."Condit said riding a mule is like riding on a rocking horse with its smooth, back-and-forth motion.Condit has owned Rocky for 12 years and during that time the mule has proven to be reliable, hardy and low maintenance. Rocky is just one of the animals Condit owns as part of his Red Dog Ranch Boarding Stable in Newcastle.The ranch is home to several horses and a donkey as well."Rocky is a first class act the way he behaves," Condit said.Loomis area resident Linda Doyle is responsible for the silverwork on Rocky's saddle and Sundowner Trailer Sales of Northern California is helping to sponsor Condit's trip to Pasadena.