RCMP Musical Ride rises above dog-and-pony show
Iconic Canadian event presented in Kelowna
The RCMP Musical Ride trotted into Kelowna on Thursday. Kelowna was about halfway through the Ride’s eightweek tour of B.C. and Ontario.
The Musical Ride was first officially held in 1887. RCMP on horseback learned tricks to break up the monotony of their drills, and they performed these for an audience in Fort Mcleod, Alta.
The riders are RCMP officers from across the country. After a strenuous application process, some Musical Ride hopefuls are chosen to attend a six-month intermediate equestrian course in Ottawa. Those who pass join the force of 32 riders.
Jennifer Fraser, originally from Nova Scotia, is in her first year with the Ride.
“It had always been a dream, to be a Canadian icon,” she said. “I’m so thankful for this opportunity and to my family — all of the families — who support us and keep our lives together while we’re on tour.”
The two-hour show at Prospera Place was opened by about 20 dogs from the Central Okanagan Dog Agility Club. The dogs, of all sizes and breeds, completed a course of tunnels, teeter-totters, jumps and bridges.
They were followed up by two police dogs — a veteran and a trainee — who demonstrated their chasing and attack abilities.
Members of the Central Okanagan Dog Agility Club came back to perform their “Musical Dog Walk,” a canine version of the Musical Ride.
Tara Stanley then sang the traditional song of the Okanagan people, and a song to bless the horses.
After the national anthem, the Musical Ride came in. The horses were perfectly glossy, each embossed with a Maple Leaf. They moved in complete sync with their riders, moving seamlessly into shape to thunderous applause.
They moved into a series of exercises used to defend a rider from all angles, taught back when the police did their job on horseback.
The music reflected the rich history of the Ride, ranging from Wagner’s Bridal Chorus to the RCMP Regimental March to Shania Twain’s Up! to Wavin’ Flag.
It was truly a display of Canadian pride.