The Conde Cavaliers, whose procession is the traditional opener for Mardi Gras season in downtown Mobile, have issued a statement in response to public concerns about a horse that collapsed Friday night during a Mardi Gras parade.

The Cavaliers’ statement countered social media contentions that the horse going down had anything to do with the rider’s weight.

“Though his costume makes him appear large, the Marshal involved in the incident was below the size limits established by the stable,” the Cavaliers said in their statement. “Measurements for all Marshals were submitted prior to the parade and horses were assigned by their staff.”

The statement also clarified that horses are leased from a stable that provides trainers. “All decisions regarding the animals during the parade are made by those trainers,” they said.

In a Facebook post after the event, parade attendee Niki Box (who witnessed the horse’s collapse) expressed concern for the horse’s welfare and alleged that it was hit and kicked to make it stand back up with its rider. “Tonight while enjoying the parade a horse came by that seemed to be very off and almost like it was struggling to walk,” Box wrote. “Turn to look at the next float and heard a gasp in the crowd turn back the horse has collapsed in the middle of the road with the rider on.”

A video posted in the comments of the Facebook post shows the horse on the ground with a man seated on it. A second man then appears to kick the horse in an effort to get it to stand up. In this clip, the horse proceeds to stand and continues walking.

Here is the Conde Cavaliers’ full statement:

“We appreciate your patience while we continue to investigate the events involving one of our Marshals and his assigned horse during Friday night’s parade. Our goal is to host a fun, safe and memorable event for our community and everyone involved. We share your concerns for the well-being of the horses used in parades, and we will work with the Mobile Police Department to improve the process in the future.

The Conde Cavaliers, as well as most parading societies, lease all the horses used for parading from a contracted stable. The stable establishes the guidelines for riders, assigns the horses, and prepares the animals for the ride. Our contract also includes trainers for the horses and all decisions regarding the animals during the parade are made by those trainers. Though his costume makes him appear large, the Marshal involved in the incident was below the size limits established by the stable. Measurements for all Marshals were submitted prior to the parade and horses were assigned by their staff.

As explained by the trainer, the horse is healthy but became anxious due to the crowd noise and it laid down. While doing so, the Marshal’s foot became tangled in the stirrup requiring him to exit the saddle. After assessing the horse, the Marshal was directed by the trainer to remount it so the parade could continue. The trainers are included in the parade for unexpected situations such as this, and our Marshals have been instructed to follow their direction. The Condes are unaware of any health-related issues or medical treatment for any of the leased animals.

We will continue to work with the MPD to determine the best option for mounted rides moving forward.”