Mardi Gras Horse Policies Implemented in 2026
By Dale Hines
Blue RAM Media/Gulf Coast News
January 5, 2026
MOBILE, AL. With the official start of the 2026 Mardi Gras season, a few changes have been announced regarding the horses in the parades.
As announced last year, riders must participate in training, and the city is including additional safety guidelines and rules to keep both the riders and participants safe.
According to the City’s Mardi Gras website, officials worked with veterinarians, riding groups and community partners to simplify and strengthen the policies put into place in 2025.
The city states that only experienced riders may ride horses in the parade and only after riders undergo free, mandatory horsemanship training. Riders must also be required to meet weight standards in proportion to their horse.
Horses must undergo health evaluations and testing and must be vaccinated.
Not all horses will be allowed to participate in parades and certain breeds including stallions must have permission from the director of animal services.
Violators of the new policies will be removed from the parade and may be fined.
Anyone with questions is asked to email animalcontrol@cityofmobile.org.
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