As the Human Horse Races mark their fifth anniversary, Ingrid Anderson is trying to keep up with her growing herd. Several horses paraded under their banner in the Southern Decadence Parade in September.

But some familiar ponies from her five whimsical stables will be ready for their human runners and jockeys at the annual event in Easton Park on Thanksgiving. The event has changed slightly every year as it has grown, and this year includes new kids’ races, a halftime show and expanded food and drink offerings.

Anderson originally launched the Human Horse Races as an alternative to horse racing at the track, in part out of concern over the treatment of animals. She created horse characters with colorful names and a decorated horse head to boot.

People who want to be in the races sign up to run as the horse of their choice and don the appropriate head at post time. Other people sign up to ride as jockeys for the roughly 50-yard dash. Participants mostly sign up as teams, but people can sign up solo and find team partners at the event.

Anderson, an artist and hair and makeup stylist, invented stables with names and personalities that have the ring of social cliques.

The horses slated for this year’s event include the yellow-maned Banana Lasso from the Patchouli Dusters stable. FleaRoy Jenkins is representing the Wild Horses stable. The 24 Carrot Club is fielding Earl Gay. The B.U.B.B.L.E. stable brings back Frisky Menage, and the Star Skufflers are represented by Thunder Buckets. In recent weeks, short videos about the horses and their stables have previewed this year’s events on the @humanhorseraces Instagram page.

There are prizes for the winners and gambling for viewers. All prizes are handmade by local artists. Betting on races works more as a raffle with gift basket prizes.

This year’s racing card features eight races for adults (18 and up) and three family races, in which children (6 years and up) can ride as jockeys. The first race starts at 11:30 a.m. and the festivities will be broadcast on WHIV 102.3 FM.

New this year is a mini track for kids’ racing. In those races, the children ride hobby horses, and there are prizes. Kiddie racing starts at 11 a.m.

There also is an area with games, like giant Jenga, hula hoops and more.

In addition to racing, there are prizes for the best dressed attendees. There are prizes for best hat, best dressed and overall Best in Show. New this year is a Fanciest Foal costume contest for kids. 

The Dapper Dandies have always performed at Human Horse Races. This year, they’ll play a set during the half-time show, which also includes a performance by the Jamettes dance troupe and a few animal-welfare-themed songs from the N.O. Law Choir.

Food pop-ups include the Indian-Creole fusion of Inaayat NOLA, vegan options from Tanjarine Kitchen and noodle and dumpling purveyor Wukong Ramen. This year, the bar will offer Urban South Brewery beers, hot toddies, as well as spirits with mixers of sodas and a couple of special punches. There also is Riverbend Coffee.

Admission to Human Horse Races is $10 in advance via linktr.ee/humanhorseraces, or $15 at the gate. Kids under 13 get in free. A portion of proceeds from Human Horse Races are donated to Greeno Equine Sanctuary in LeBlanc, Louisiana. 

Human Horse Races are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 28, in Easton Park (3141 Toulouse St.). Visit linktr.ee/humanhorseraces for information.