An LDS group of Roman riders - riders who stand on two horses with one foot on each horse - participated in the National Independence Festival Parade July 4 in Washington, D.C.
The Americanas Western Equestrian Horse Group from Rexburg, Idaho, was the official horse group from western America in the parade. "A singular honor indeed," said Kenneth C. Madsen, international director of the National Independence Day Festival and Parade, in a letter to Melvin Griffeth, organizer of the group.The Americanas was formed as an outgrowth of a 4-H group in 1981 by Griffeth. He and his wife, Rama, are members of the Rexburg 7th Ward, Rexburg Idaho Stake. Their daughters, Kathyrn, Melanie, Julie and Rama Jean were among the first riders of the group.
The group has grown from one Roman rider and six single riders to as many as seven Roman riders and about 20 other riders.
The Americanas have won first place during the last two years at the Days of '47 parade in Salt Lake City.
