A touch of Irish luck and a splash of colorful Western tradition will ride into Historic Folsom on St. Patrick’s Day as the Painted Ladies Rodeo Performers make a special appearance along Sutter Street on Tuesday evening.
Beginning at 6 p.m., the well-known equestrian group will ride through the historic district in a festive St. Paddy’s Day celebration titled “Ride the Luck of the Irish Down Sutter Street.” The appearance invites residents and visitors to gather along the iconic street and watch as the riders and their strikingly painted horses bring a blend of rodeo heritage and pageantry to the heart of the city.
For decades, the Painted Ladies Rodeo Performers have been a familiar and beloved presence in the region’s Western events. Originally established in 1993 as the Painted Ladies Rodeo Drill Team, the organization evolved in 2003 into what is now known as the Painted Ladies Rodeo Performers, expanding its role beyond traditional drill team routines into a broader equestrian entertainment and community service organization.
Their roots run especially deep in Folsom. The group has served as the number one equestrian attraction at the annual Folsom Pro Rodeo for decades and plays a key role in the event’s traditions by sponsoring the Folsom Pro Rodeo Queen and the associated contest. Members often describe the rodeo as their “hometown show,” reflecting the strong connection between the performers and the community that hosts one of the region’s most celebrated rodeo events each summer.
Over the years, the Painted Ladies have appeared at numerous Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and California Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association (CCPRA) events across California and Nevada, building a reputation for colorful, high-energy performances featuring their signature painted horses and coordinated riding displays.
The group’s performances have also taken them to unique stages beyond the rodeo arena. The Painted Ladies made history as the first and only horses to set hoof on Raley Field, the home of the Sacramento RiverCats. They have also opened annual events such as the Hangtown Motocross Classic, a nationally recognized race broadcast on ESPN, and have participated in various community gatherings, including local youth and sports events.
Their work has extended far beyond entertainment as well. In 2008, the riders helped organize and perform at “Light the Night,” a benefit event supporting awareness after the tragic killing of two paint horses near Livermore. The group has also supported numerous charity initiatives over the years, including events tied to the Tough Enough to Wear Pink campaign raising funds for cancer research and programs honoring military veterans, wounded warriors and first responders.
Among the audiences that have left the greatest impression on the riders are children attending the annual Inter-City Kids Camp, where the performers regularly share their horses and experiences with young participants.
The Painted Ladies have also earned national recognition for their appearances in high-profile parades and events. The group has been selected multiple times to participate in the prestigious Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, including its most recent appearance in the 2026 Rose Parade, marking the tenth time the riders have taken part in the iconic New Year’s Day tradition. During the pandemic in 2021, they were invited to participate virtually in the National Memorial Day Parade normally held in Washington, D.C., recording a special presentation filmed at California’s State Capitol.
Their colorful presence has also reached television audiences. The riders conducted a photo shoot at the State Capitol that aired during an episode of the television series “The Mentalist,” and the group has appeared multiple times at the Hollywood Christmas Parade, including a featured moment on the red carpet.
In recent years, the organization has expanded its mission even further. In 2022, the group formed the Painted Ladies Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping grieving children and young adults cope with trauma and loss through horse and animal therapy. The mission is especially meaningful for the riders, many of whom have experienced personal trauma themselves.
Organizers say the program is designed to provide healing experiences through interaction with horses, offering young people a unique way to rebuild confidence and emotional strength.
As the riders prepare to bring their colorful horses and festive spirit to Sutter Street for St. Patrick’s Day, the event offers the community a chance to see one of the region’s most recognizable equestrian groups outside of the rodeo arena.
The “Ride the Luck of the Irish Down Sutter Street” celebration will take place from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday along Sutter Street in Historic Folsom.
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