Disneyland park is a special place to work – even if you’re a horse. Have you ever watched the horses strutting along Main Street, U.S.A., and wondered how they got a job at the happiest place on Earth? Me too! So I asked Alan Cooper, Equine Trainer Leader at Circle D Corral.
When casting a new horse for a role at Disneyland park, “what we’re looking for is comfort,” said Alan, who has been at Circle D for more than 25 years. He said that the handlers will observe things like interaction and personality when “interviewing” a new horse to work in the park – they look for one that will be comfortable when surrounded by lots of people and activity.
Alan also looks for horses that have unique colors and other visual traits – things that will be noticed by guests and create conversation.
Roxy is a great example – in addition to her beautiful white coat and mane, she is also a blue ribbon winner at the L.A. County Fair International Draft Horse and Mule Show.
Next time, I’ll tell you how a new horse prepares for his role in the park.
