OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012 THE RIDER /25


The RCMP Musical Ride, In Cities and Towns Near You


RCMP Musical Ride in Uxbridge


by Kelly Bowers, Excerpts taken from www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/mr-ce/media-eng.htm#horses While traveling, the RCMP Musical Ride troupe con- sists of 36 riders, 36 horses, a farrier, a technical production manager and three NCOs travel with the Musical Ride. The ride is performed by a full troop of thirty-two riders and horses, plus the member in charge. This year, they per- formed at 41 dates, some in Germany, the UK and the USA. Back home in Canada, they performed in Alberta, Manito- ba, Saskatchewan, and 22 venues this summer in ON including my home town of Caledonia on September 12th. This meant that after many years of hoping, I was finally able to see the RCMP Musical Ride where they were part- nered with a re-enact- ment for the 200th anniversary of the war of 1812.


formed require the utmost control, timing and coordination, by a single horse and rider, in two’s, four’s and eight’s at the trot and at the canter.


My favourite routine may have been something called the wagon wheel, where they rode in two circles which then rolled like a wagon wheel. The highlight of the Musical


As a parade of 32 beautiful black horses with red uniformed riders trotted into the arena, the packed crowd burst into applause. Caledonians sat silently in awe as the troupe executed intricate figures and cavalry drills choreographed to music for more than an hour. The movements per-


Ride was for most, the CHARGE when lances, with their red and white pennons, are lowered and the riders and their mounts launch into the gallop. The performance concluded with the March Past performed to the strains of the RCMP’s Regimental March and the salute. Then, they dispersed to the edges of the field to meet and greet spectators. I was fortunate to meet a friendly rider and his lovely horse named Bondar, named after a Canadian hero. As usual, I recall the gentle face and name of the horse, but not the name of the polite young man riding her, although it may be David. Nonetheless, it was a great show and wonderful opportunity.


RCMP mares and geldings are an athletic 1200 to 1300 pounds, about 16hh, and very black which shows particular- ly well against the red uniforms. They used to be predominantly thor- oughbreds, but in March 1989, black Hanoverian brood- mares and stallions were purchased to fur- ther supplement and improve bloodlines for colour, substance and conformation. Hanove- rians also have two pre- dominant black lines, which is important for the performance. They are quiet by nature, so crossing them with Thoroughbreds pro- duces a well tempered horse with the desired confirmation. The


RCMP currently have one stallion that is a registered and licensed Hanoverian. Since the early 1900’s, members of the Musical Ride, have been working police officers. Today, they have at least two years of active police service, and volunteer for duty with the Musical Ride. Most members are non-riders prior to their equestrian training with the RCMP and remain with the Musical Ride for three years which ensures an annual rotation of approximately a third of the riders. Months of training, prac- tice and many kilometres/miles around the riding school make horse and rider one. Watching the spectacular Musical Ride, they certainly perform as one.


The Uxbridge Horsemen’s Association proudly presented the RCMP Musical Ride for 2 shows at Elgin Park in Uxbridge on Wednesday September 19. The weather and turnout were fantastic. Photos by Joanne Mitchner


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