The RCMP’s Musical Ride, an iconic Canadian performance recognized as a symbol of tradition, honour, and pride, put on a show at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino this weekend.
The Musical Ride troop, made up of 32 RCMP officers and their horses, performed intricate formations and drills set to music at 20 stops across Alberta.
Rocky View County spectators got to take in these tricks at two shows, one Saturday evening, Aug. 9, and the other Sunday afternoon, Aug. 10.
The Musical Ride performs in up to 50 communities across Canada each year between the months of May and October. The show travels to each province once every fours years to ensure as many Canadians as possible can experience this spectacle.
From its inception in 1873, the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP) relied on skilled riders to carry out police duties across the Prairies. To break the monotony of endless riding drills, members of the Force commonly competed among themselves and performed tricks on horseback.
The RCMP’s Musical Ride performances have since helped raise thousands of dollars for local charities and non-profit groups.
