Parsons Mounted Cavalry is the first group in university history to represent Texas A&M in the Citrus Fiesta.
COLLEGE STATION, Jan 21, 2020—Texas A&M University’s Parsons Mounted Cavalry (PMC) has been invited to ride in the 83rd Citrus Fiesta’s Parade of Oranges on January 25th, 2020 in Mission, Texas. Parsons Mounted Cavalry is a special unit in the Corps of Cadets and is the only collegiate mounted cavalry unit in the nation. Their trip to the Citrus Fiesta Parade marks the first time that any group from Texas A&M has participated in the parade or any Citrus Fiesta events. PMC will travel by truck and trailer with 64 cadets and 43 horses to Mission to participate in the four-mile long Parade of Oranges on Saturday, January 25, 2020. The Parade of Oranges is the culminating event of the Citrus Fiesta festivities. “We are thrilled that Parsons Mounted Cavalry has been extended an invitation to participate in such a significant event as the Citrus Fiesta in Mission. This is a first for our Corps and our university, and we are proud that PMC will represent the Corps of Cadets and Texas A&M University with pride and distinction in the Parade of Oranges,” said Brigadier General Joe E. Ramirez, Jr, Commandant of the Corps of Cadets. “Being able to represent the Corps and University at the Texas Citrus Fiesta is an incredible opportunity for Parsons Mounted Cavalry”, said Mark Floyd, commanding officer of Parsons Mounted Cavalry. “Being able to be such a visible representation of our Corps and university is an incredible honor, an honor that we take seriously. This parade is unique in that it is our first time heading down to the Rio Grande Valley, so we are excited to be able to represent the university down there while being a part of one of their largest events.” PMC consists of 90 junior and senior cadets and 73 horses and mules. Named after a former Commandant of the Corps of Cadets, Colonel Thomas R. Parsons, the horse cavalry unit consists of cavalry, artillery and quartermaster elements. Military-style horse training is used to teach cadets self-discipline, confidence, leadership and decision-making. Parsons Mounted Cavalry has been in existence at Texas A&M University for 45 years. Parsons Mounted Cavalry also participated in 130th Rose Parade in Pasadena, California last year.
Media contact: Amy Thompson (979) 862.1922 or [email protected]