RCMP Musical Ride

 Opening this event was a short demonstration of canine handlers. It involved a well trained German shepherd and a much younger German shepherd. A gentleman in the arena was heavily padded on his right arm, in his left hand he held a long padded item. Both dogs were given cues to attack. While the trained dog did exactly that, the youngster seemed to have a more playful manner, but I suppose still lacks maturity and training!

There was a brief introduction to intense threats to public safety. Blue and red lights flashing, a heavily armoured vehicle was driven into the arena showing us one response vehicle. It certainly wasn’t one of the sleek RCMP cruisers we see on the streets of Regina.

A cadet troop, unmounted, gave a marching precision display. Maintaining the same marching pace despite obvious differences in height, was a testament to their commitment. Men and women enter the RCMP for a 26 week Cadet program. Following completion of the program they are offered employment with the RCMP with peace officer status.

Safety Bear, the RCMP Musical Ride mascot, made an appearance at the entrance to the arena. After that it appeared between events. 

However the grandest part of this show was the Musical Ride Troop. The precision and control of scarlet coated riders on black horses was incredible. For the entire demonstration, the officers held the reins with one hand and a lance in the other, never varying. Difficult choreographed patterns took the troop throughout the arena, along the guard rails, criss crossing and never missing a step. 

There was one misstep that could have cause serious injuries. I was not close enough to see what exactly happened. I was told that one horse’s girth strap broke away, leaving the officer in the dirt, the saddle dangling. The horse stood quietly, the officer dusted himself off. A second officer quickly came to assist, as soon as possible leading them out of harms way. In the meantime the troops executing an intricate maneuver did not stop, but completed their maneuver successfully. I was very impressed.

The audience did not completely fill the stands, but we were all enthusiastic, clapping and cheering with each event. At the end of the demonstration, the audience was invited to come to the guard rails to see the horses and have pictures taken with them. Several of the officers guided their beautiful black horses to the guard rails. Little ones petted soft black noses, some children with trepidation and  others with big smiles. It was a lovely afternoon outing with three new friends!

“At its finest, rider and horse are joined not by tack, 

but by trust ... Each is totally reliant upon each other. 

Each is the selfless guardian of each other’s very well-being.”

~ Author Unknown