Musical Ride Pre-Tour Information

Introduction to the Musical Ride | Stabling Requirements
Show Site Requirements | Publicity and Advertising Requirements
Say "Neigh" to Drugs Youth Program | Musical Ride Boutique
Post Performance Survey

INTRODUCTION TO THE RCMP MUSICAL RIDE BRANCH

Dear Host of the RCMP Musical Ride,

On behalf of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Musical Ride, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the invitation to visit your community. The Musical Ride has assisted thousands of charities and non-profit organizations raise money to make a difference in their communities. The Musical Ride has also been the feature presentation at a variety of international venues. We will make every effort to ensure that our performance is enjoyable and that our visit helps you meet your objectives and expectations.

The Musical Ride has been performing for Canadians since 1887. Over the years, the popularity of the Musical Ride has grown and it has become a world renowned attraction. Experience has shown that a truly successful event requires early and detailed local planning, close contact and communication between the tour planner and the hosts, extensive public notice of the performance and good traffic and crowd control during the event.

This pre-tour information package was designed to help you prepare for the logistical requirements as hosts of the Musical Ride. Please read the host package carefully.

The Musical Ride Tour Planner will be able to answer any questions during the pre-tour visit and will provide as much support as possible. A detailed letter of agreement outlining all requirements will be forwarded for your signature prior to the event.

I would like to wish you every success in the planning and presentation of your event. Please do not hesitate to contact the Musical Ride Tour Planner at (613) 993-1351 if you have questions on any of the items in this guide.

Your interest in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride is truly appreciated.

Best regards and enjoy the show,

Officer in Charge
RCMP Musical Ride Branch

STABLING REQUIREMENTS

The stables must be ready to receive the 36 horses of the Musical Ride, 24 hours prior to arrival. It is imperative that the stable arrangements made by the Musical Ride Tour Planner are not changed without prior approval.

General Information:

• 36 stalls are required.
• Provide two extra stalls if available.
• The stabling should be well ventilated (use portable fans if necessary).
• A water source with a garden hose connection is required.
• Provide washroom facilities for members.
• Electrical and lighting panel must be accessible to the members.
• A local veterinarian should be identified and available in case of an emergency.
• A local contact for stable bedding and feed should be identified.
• Provide an adequate manure disposal site at rear/side of stable facility.
• Provide parking for the Musical Ride equipment/tack trailer next to the stables

FEED AND BEDDING

The following feed for 36 horses is to be provided: hay and oats. Daily requirements are approximately:

• Hay: provide 1,000 pounds (454 kg, small square bails) of #1 - (good quality) 90% Timothy.
  * provide 25 extra bales of #1 - (good quality) 90% Timothy for the Musical Ride horse trailers upon departure to feed the horses while traveling.
• Oats: provide 500 pounds (227 kg) of #1 Western - re-cleaned - whole.
• Straw or Shavings: provide 36 to 72 bales per day (actual amount determined during pre-tour visit). Bedding amounts will depend on the type of bedding (straw or shavings) and the size of the stall.
  * provide 30 extra bags of shavings or 20 bales of straw as bedding to take on the Musical Ride horse trailers upon departure.

TYPES OF STABLING

The following are different options when stabling the Musical Ride horses and the requirements involved:

Existing Stables

36 stalls are required to stable the horses and if available, provide 2 additional stalls to store Musical Ride equipment. All other equipment should be removed. The Musical Ride horses should be kept separate from other animals. Other animals without a valid updated Coggins Test must be kept in a separate building. Disinfecting should not be necessary except if diseased animals previously occupied the stables.

• Box Stalls: the minimum size permissible is 10 feet wide by 10 feet deep, with a minimum of 7 ½' feet from the floor to the top railing.

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• Standing Stalls: The minimum size permissible is 5 feet wide by 8 feet deep, with a minimum aisle size of 15 feet.

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Arena Stabling

The following photos demonstrate how an arena was transformed into a temporary stable for the Musical Ride.

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When stabling in an arena, 12 inches of shavings (6 inches of dirt with 6 inches of shavings or straw is acceptable) is to be placed around the floor surface up to the doors where the horses enter and 25 feet to the centre of the room starting at the boards. Rubber matting or plywood anchored to the floor is acceptable for the entrance area. A plastic sheet (4 inches up the board and 6 inches on the floor) can be used to prevent shavings from accumulating under the floor boards. The protective glass of the arena does not have to be removed. Two large garbage cans will also be required for the arena floor.

When constructing stalls in an arena, stalls are to be created with:

• 2x6's secured around the tops of the boards - 2x6x12's diagonally secured on top of the 2x6's, the bottom end loose on the floor
• 8 feet apart minimum -corners of the arena are for storage of feed and extra shavings

Large building stabling

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When stabling in a large building you have different options with regards to stalls. You can use 36 portable box stalls (10'x10'. minimum), 36 standing stalls (5'x8' minimum), or you can build the stalls in the same manner as in an arena. The concrete stall floors must be completely covered with shavings or the dirt and bedding combination as mentioned previously. Ensure that the wall where the horses will be tied is solid.

Temporary Structure Stabling

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Large portable tents that are designed to accommodate horse stalls can be used, however, the minimum requirements to set up stalls are: 5'x8' for standing stalls and 10'X10' for box stalls. A minimum of 15 feet is required in the aisle. This should be a last resort only.

STALLS

• Stalls must be thoroughly cleaned prior to the Musical Ride's arrival.
• Disinfecting should not be necessary except if diseased animals previously occupied the stables.
• Two garbage cans will be necessary to assist in keeping the area clean and presentable to the viewing public.

MUSICAL RIDE EQUIPMENT TRAILER

110 amp outlet for power source to the trailer is required and space must be provided to park in close proximity to the entrance of the stables.

STABLE VISITS

Where possible the stables are open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily. The public is encouraged to visit the members and horses of the Musical Ride before and after the performances. The members will be pleased to answer any questions and introduce their horses.

POSSIBLE SHOW SITES

Outdoor Show Site

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When the Musical Ride performs at an outdoor show site the following is required:

• A 120 feet by 220 feet grass or dirt surface is to be cordoned off with the use of yellow nylon rope.
• A path is to be kept clear for the Musical Ride entrance to the show site.
• The show site should be leveled and be clear of any holes, debris or obstacles.

Indoor Show Site

When the Musical Ride performs in an indoor show site it will require a space of 100 feet by 200 feet (the minimum is 185 feet by 85 feet). If a hockey arena is used, the floor must be covered with a minimum of 7 inches of packed sand, dirt or stone dust. The show site should be lightly watered if dusty.

SHOW SITE REQUIREMENTS

General Information

• The Musical Ride will perform rain or shine, unless the surface is too wet, there is lightning, the wind is too strong, or there are any other unsafe conditions. The decision to postpone or cancel a show will be made on site the Member in Charge of the Musical Ride tour through discussion with the Host.
• The Musical Ride performance is approximately 30 minutes in length.

PRE-SHOW

When the Musical Ride is the main event:

• If there are any performances prior to the Musical Ride's performance they should be no longer than 1 hour in length and must not damage the performance ground of the show site. The host must provide a Master of Ceremonies and music for the pre-show. The Musical Ride should always be the last performance at the event.

When the Musical Ride is a feature at a festival, fair or horse show:

• The performance must take place before or immediately following a break.

SOUND

Supply a sound reinforcement system (amplifier and speakers) with a minimum power of 750 watts. The location of the speakers is to be determined by audience location and through further contact with the Musical Ride Audio Technician/Announcer or the Musical Ride Tour Planner. The location of the Musical Ride Audio Technician/Announcer should be to the left of the reviewing stand on a 10' x 10' platform, with an unobstructed view of the show site and with controlled access, or in the event sound booth.

The feed from the Musical Ride music system to the sound reinforcement system is to be a full mix mono balanced line level 1/4 inch connection.

*The system should be put in place two hours before the performance.

MASTER OF CEREMONIES

The venue must provide an experienced/professional announcer to host the pre-show activities and for the performance of the Musical Ride.

SEATING

The Musical Ride performs a variety of intricate choreographed figures which are best appreciated from an elevated view point. The site coordinator should consider placing bleacher seating around the show site or use an existing embankment for spectators to place lawn chairs or blankets. Handicapped accessibility should also be considered as well as VIP seating.

HONOURED GUESTS

The Host is required to provide a Guest of Honour to receive the "Salute" from the Musical Ride at each performance. The Host is responsible for the number of guests in honoured guest seating. A list of the guests is to be provided to the Musical Ride for their information only. Appropriate protocol must be used to introduce the Honoured Guests.

PARKING

In addition to the show site where the Musical Ride will perform, the site coordinator should consider parking for the spectators. Someone should be tasked with directing vehicles to appropriate parking to make efficient use of the available space. Also consider handicapped parking and VIP parking. Please ensure easy access to the site for the Musical Ride horses and riders (4 tractor trailer units approximately 72 feet long, weighing between 60-65,000 pounds).

WASHROOM FACILITIES

Permanent or portable washroom facilities should be in place at the show site with access for the physically challenged.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

First aid facilities should be in place at the site in case of emergencies and for immediate transport to medical facilities. You must also consider security around the site.

PUBLICITY AND ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS

The Musical Ride will assist you in promoting our performance(s) by providing posters, video, sample newspaper advertisements, press releases, sample tickets, public service announcement recording (radio or tv) and photos of the Musical Ride.

Photos can be downloaded and used for promotional and advertising purposes.

All images are the intellectual property of the RCMP and are protected by copyright and trademark laws. All forms of publicity and advertising using the RCMP name or image MUST be approved by the Musical Ride Tour Planning Office prior to release. Approval must be sought by contacting:

RCMP Musical Ride Tour Planner
Tour Planning Office
P.O. Box 8900
Ottawa, Ontario
K1 G 3J2 Tel: (613) 993-1351 Fax: (613) 952-7324

Under no circumstance is the image of the RCMP to be associated or attached to any tobacco or liquor companies.

'Say "Neigh" to Drugs' Youth Program

The Musical Ride's 'Say "Neigh" to Drugs' program is intended to educate children about drugs and to encourage them to make healthy choices.

'Say "Neigh" to Drugs' is a nationally coordinated drug awareness program of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), developed and brought to you by the members of the RCMP Musical Ride.

You have the choice to participate in this drug awareness program. The program will be successful with your support and that of your local schools. The goal is to educate as many children as possible to 'Say "Neigh" to Drugs', through school presentations, information brochures, stickers, posters, pins and tattoos. Our friendly 'Say "Neigh" to Drugs' cartoon horse named Steele, is a fun and unique way of providing important drug awareness information to children.

The members of the RCMP Musical Ride, through cooperation and participation with RCMP Detachments and local police services, would like your help in building on this partnership in your community. To accomplish our goal, we would like to propose the following:

That your local schools run an essay contest for grades 4 - 7, on why they should 'Say "Neigh" to Drugs'. Younger grades can participate in a colouring contest with the same message.

Winners of these contests are to be chosen by the teachers or organizer and can:

• Have their essays published in the local newspaper to further educate and bring awareness to the forefront of the community;
• Set up a display of the winning essays and pictures at the stables;
• Receive recognition in the means of a special gift from the members of the RCMP Musical Ride when touring their community;
• Be given free access to a performance of the Musical Ride in their community;
• Be recognized via announcement at a performance of the Musical Ride;
• Receive a VIP tour of the stables and meet the members and horses or the Musical Ride (if location and time permits).

If you require any further information please feel free to contact a member of the RCMP Musical Ride 'Say "Neigh" to Drugs' Committee at (613) 998-0754. The Musical Ride members will be happy to answer any questions you may have. They will also be your 'Say "Neigh" to Drugs' contacts when the Musical Ride visits your community. This will facilitate arrangements for presentations, tours of the stables, etc., or will answer any other questions you may have.

Download a copy of:

• colouring contest page - html or .pdf
• colouring contest certificate - html or .pdf

Musical Ride Boutique

To assist you in your fundraising objective and to help make your event a financial success, the Musical Ride Boutique is offering you this exclusive opportunity to purchase officially licensed RCMP products at wholesale prices to sell at your event.

Browse online through a variety of high quality licensed gifts and collectables from coats, golf shirts, tee-shirts and caps to videos, key-chains, toys and lapel pins. The selection is virtually unlimited with 90 products offered online and an additional 100 products available from the Boutique... there is something for everyone.

And remember that every purchase made not only helps your fundraising goals, but also supports RCMP Community Policing Projects across Canada.