The Maple Leaf. Breathtaking Wilderness. A "Mountie". All are familiar
international identifiers of our `True North Strong and Free'. The image
of the red-coated Mountie in broad-brimmed Stetson hat is instinctively
associated with Canada around the world. But there is more to the Mounties
than just a romantic image. The stage was set in 1873 for a role that
would intimately connect the Mounted Police and its members with the development
of Canada as a great nation. From the beginning of its long history, the
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have served Canada and its people
by establishing law and order in the frontier reaches of this vast nation.
As the country grew in population and diversity, and its communities became
more established, the Mounted Police adapted, ensuring the peace and security
for its citizens.
Representing a colourful tradition and ceremony through the horse and
the scarlet uniform, the RCMP created a spectacle known around the world
as the Musical Ride. The Musical Ride provides Canadians, from coast to
coast, with the opportunity to experience part of our heritage and national
identity.
The early years
The Musical Ride was developed from a desire by early members of the
North-West Mounted Police to display their riding ability and entertain
both themselves and the local community. Considering that the original
Mounted Police members had a British military background, it was inevitable
that the series of figures they performed were traditional cavalry drill
movements. These movements formed the basis of the Musical Ride. Although
legend has it that the first Musical Ride was performed as early as 1876,
the first officially recorded Musical Ride was performed in Regina under
Inspector William George Matthews in 1887. The Musical Ride, consisting
of twenty men, was put on public display for the first time in 1901. Over
the years the popularity of the Ride has grown and it has become a familiar
sight throughout most of the world.
Today's Musical Ride
Members of the Musical Ride are first and foremost police officers who,
after at least two years of active police work, volunteer for duty with
the Musical Ride. Most members are non-riders prior to their equestrian
training with the RCMP; however, once they complete the courses of instruction,
they not only become riders but ambassadors of goodwill. Working through
a unique medium, they promote the RCMP's image throughout Canada and the
world. RCMP members only remain with the Musical Ride for three years
which ensures an annual rotation of approximately one third (33%) of the
riders.
Today, in keeping with tradition, the Musical Ride is performed by a
full troop of thirty-two riders and horses, plus the member in charge.
The Musical Ride consists of the execution of a variety of intricate figures
and cavalry drill choreographed to music. Demanding utmost control, timing
and coordination, these movements are formed by individual horses and
riders, in two's, four's and eight's at the trot and at the canter. Months
of training, practice and many kilometres/miles around the riding school
make horse and rider one. The horses must not only appear in the Musical
Ride, but on Parliament Hill, in parades, special events and have the
ability to travel and adapt to different environments, not to mention,
hours of petting and photo-taking that the horses must patiently endure.
One of the more familiar Musical Ride formations is the "Dome," once
featured on the back of the Canadian fifty-dollar bill. The highlight
of the Musical Ride is, without a doubt, the CHARGE when lances, with
their red and white pennons, are lowered and the riders and their mounts
launch into the gallop. The conclusion of the performance is the March
Past performed to the strains of the RCMP's Regimental March where the
Musical Ride traditionally salutes the guest of honour.
The RCMP Musical Ride tours throughout Canada, as well as international
venues, performing at approximately forty to fifty locations a year between
the months of May and October. Thirty-six riders, thirty-six horses, a
farrier, a technical production manager and three NCOs travel with the
Musical Ride.
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