They were in town as part of their national tour and to support the Bruce Denniston Bone Marrow Society. Bruce Denniston was a Powell River RCMP officer who died from leukaemia.
Before the show we were allowed in the stables to take pictures of the horses. Riders are regular police officers who must epitomise the high standards of the force. 100s apply but only fifteen or sixteen will complete the rigorous training and join the ride each year. They stay for three years and then return to their previous duties.
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| Do you think he looks like Prince Harry? |
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| Another fine young man |
Then my daughter threatened to take the camera away from me, so I had to behave. Slightly over half the riders are female.
The discipline of horse and rider was impressive.
The ride began in the late 1800s to provide a challenge for the men and add a fun activity to the tedium of outpost life. It has since become a dearly loved part of our heritage not to mention a valuable public relations tool.
It was a fun evening and I left feeling proud of Canada, our history and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
More info on the ride here.
I've seen the RCMP Musical Ride in several provinces, two states in the US and in two German states - approaching a record! Every time I see it I get a lump in my throat - it is so beautiful. We don't celebrate our history enough, and the Ride is rooted in RCMP history, which is a large part of our past here in the west.
ReplyDeleteI'm terrible for getting weepy at this sort of thing. My kids threatened to ban me from watching the Olympic medal ceremonies.
DeleteGreat post, I love horses and events as your RCMP Musical Ride.
ReplyDeleteIt was an enjoyable evening, fun for the whole family.
DeleteHandsome men on horses? Sign me up! ;o)
ReplyDeleteThey were such fine young men and women. Some good mothering I suspect.
DeleteWhat a great tradition of the RCMP!
ReplyDeleteTradition is important. Reminds us of our values.
DeleteTradition is important. Reminds us of our values.
DeleteI saw them when I was a kid but this year when they were at Arbutus I REALLY wanted to go see them. We had company arriving from Alberta so we weren't able to go. I hope I get another chance one day.
ReplyDelete