Southwest soldiers ride with Lord Strathcona’s Horse
An appearance by the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) at the Firelight Festival during the 2019 Western Canada Summer Games served as a homecoming for a pair of Southwest soldiers.
Swift Current’s Daniel Choquette and Justin Hodgins from Aneroid were among the 16 riders performing during the Down on the Farm themed Firelight Festival on August 14.
The storied regiment has a history which dates back to 1900 when a mounted regiment was sent to serve in the South African or “Boer” War by Donald Smith (Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal).
During their Swift Current demonstration the ceremonial mounted troop rode in a series of intricate patterns during a musical ride, and they showcased their horsemanship with a tent pegging demonstration which helps maintain the Cavalry traditions of Canada’s military.
Cpl. Justin Hodgins currently serves as the lead rider of the ceremonial riders in part because of his strong ranch background. He served in the military as a medic for four years, and left the service to work on a ranch for four more years before he heard about the Lord Strathcona’s. This prompted him to re-enter the military as an armoured soldier and he quickly managed to get into the Lord Strathcona’s.
“I didn’t figure I was going to make a living as a cowboy forever. I love the lifestyle. But I didn’t think I was ever going to make enough money to really retired. It’s kind of hard,” Cpl. Hodgins admitted.
“Growing up as a kid it was always either cowboy or solider. Well I mixed it. It was the best of both worlds. And I just couldn’t be happier.”
“It’s a good fit. I get to ride horses all day…and there ain’t a cow in sight. It’s great.”
Additionally, there is a lot of discipline required to be a Lord Strathcona’s member.
“It’s a huge team effort. One guy can’t pull the show off by himself that’s for sure. There’s 16 guys out there and everybody has to be on board and switched on. You have to have a bond with your horse. If you’re fighting with your horse the whole time it shows.”
Cpl. Daniel Choquette, who was a member of the 605 Tarry Air Cadet Squadron in Swift Current for three years, entered the mounted regiment without an equine background.
“I figured it would be a good chance to go try something new, and I applied to join the ceremonial mounted troop,” he said. “So far it has been an amazing experience.”
“I joined the calvary and its been learning every day and its been experiencing new things. I’ve never worked with a horse in my life and its been absolutely astounding that way. For sure it’s just a constant progression.”
“I never knew I had a love for horses and working in an equine style like environment. Without a doubt its definitely opened my eyes to the environment for sure.”
Cpl. Choquette said he likes the atmosphere of the Lord Strathcona’s.
“It’s also a very unique environment compared to the rank and file Canadian Forces, mainly due to the fact that we’re working in a smaller unit and we’re working with horses. There’s 20 of us and we’re a tight knit crew.”