One of the most popular portions of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is the ride of the Headless Horseman. A new video reveals just why it’s important that the parade route be completely clear of legs and feet during the run. The cell phone video shows the horse and rider falling while passing through Liberty Square on a slick street.
According to a report in the Orlando Sentinel the horse and rider are fine and even finished the ride for the guests on Main Street. Still, a real frightening moment on what is supposed to be a night of fun. I’m glad it was nothing serious.
I was there. Oct 8th party. 830 parade. I was sitting on the wall in front of the Rivers of America, across from Liberty Tree Tavern. He rode by and then I heard a disturbing thud – it happened right as he was rounding the corner from Liberty Square to get to the bridge. It did NOT sound good but he got up and another cast member assisted him. The horse had kept going but I guess they brought it back and he got back on.
It looked like the poor horse slipped on wet pavement. I’m glad no one was hurt.
The Horseman only rides if it is dry. Horseshoes and pavement are always a bad combination as it is very slippery.
The horse clearly lost footing due to the slick ground. Hopefully Disney takes more safety precautions to prevent an accident like this from reoccurring. There are many shoeing options available to increase traction in situations like this- the addition of borium to the shoes, using rubber shoes, or perhaps looking into having the horse go barefoot. A Horse trotting while wearing shoes on wet pavement is like a person jogging on wet pavement wearing tap shoes; not a good combination!
Hopefully the horse didn’t suffer any career ending injuries from this accident, and may the rider have a speedy recovery.
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