Musical Ride 2023

Musical Ride

June 22, 2023

2023

“If you’re considering buying or selling, reach out for a no-hassle chat about your options.

Thanks for coming to the show! Enjoy!”

“If you’re considering buying or selling, reach out for a no-hassle chat about your options.

Thanks for coming to the show! Enjoy!”

Why did the cowboy want to buy a dachshund?

To git along little doggie.

JOKES

What’s it called when cowboys eat beans at high noon?

Why did the cowboy want to buy a dachshund? To git along little doggie.

A toot-out at the O.K. Corral.

What’s it called when cowboys eat beans at high noon?

A toot-out at the O.K. Corral.

Why did the cowboy pinstripe his truck? He needed a pick-up line.

What do you call a happy cowboy? A jolly rancher.

Why did the cowboy pinstripe his truck? He needed a pick-up line.

What do you call a happy cowboy? A jolly rancher.

What do you call a retired old cowboy? De-ranged.

What do you call a retired old cowboy? De-ranged.

Why do Canadian cowboys have sticky feet?

Why do Canadian cowboys have sticky feet? Maple stirrups.

Maple stirrups.

What do you call a cowboy who works in finance?

What do you call a cowboy who works in finance?

The loan arranger.

The loan arranger.

On a wind farm in Texas, one windmill asked the other if they liked country music. The windmill replied No, I’m a big heavy metal fan.

Technically, national anthems are just country music.

On a wind farm in Texas, one windmill asked the other if they liked country music. The windmill replied No, I’m a big heavy metal fan. Technically, national anthems are just country music. 250-819-0502

Iconic RCMP comes to KamloopsMusical Ride

The RCMP Musical Ride tours throughout Canada between May and October, performing at about 50 venues each year across the country. There are also international performances. The Musical Ride event allows different groups across Canada to use it as a way to raise money for various organizations by selling tickets.

A symbol of tradition, honour and pride, the Musical Ride is a Canadian icon recognized at home and abroad. The Musical Ride supports police operations by building positive relationships, supporting recruiting efforts and promoting the RCMP’s image in communities in Canada and around the world.

The troop of up to 32 riders — all police officers — and their horses perform intricate formations and drills set to music, lasting about 30 minutes. These movements demand the utmost control, timing and coordination.

For more information on the RCMP Musical Ride, go online to tinyurl.com/ms6wtmzk.

History of the RCMP Musical Ride

Early History of Mounties on Horseback

From its inception in 1873, the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP) relied on skilled riders to carry out police duties across the Prairies. Patrolling the vast and sparsely inhabited area, NWMP members were frequently the only government officials new settlers would encounter and were essential to preventing prairie fires.

To break the monotony of endless riding drills, members of the Force commonly competed amongst themselves and performed tricks on horseback. In 1876, some of these tricks and exercises were performed at Fort Macleod, Alta. This is believed to be the first public performance of what would eventually evolve into the Musical Ride.

Riding School “Depot” Division, Regina

In 1886, the NWMP’s first riding school was established in Regina. During the winter of 1887, there were five public performances at the Regina barracks. The Ride was performed only in the winter because many of the policemen resided in Regina until they could resume their summer patrols. Later that year, the Riding School at Depot burned down, and by the time it was rebuilt, key personnel needed to organize the Ride had been transferred or had left the Force. There is no record of another Musical Ride until 1901.

A Public Relations Entity

In 1901, the Ride performed in Brandon, Manitoba and Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan. After this time, Rides were performed occasionally at agricultural exhibitions, fairs

and horse shows. On July 28, 1908, a Musical Ride was performed in Quebec City as part of that municipality’s 300th anniversary celebrations. The Prince of Wales attended, becoming the first member of the Royal Family to witness the Ride. This was also the first time a Musical Ride was performed outside of Western Canada. Musical Rides continued to be performed for the public until the start of the First World War in 1914.

Equitation Training in Ottawa

Musical Rides were cancelled in 1914 at the outbreak of the First World War and were not held again until 1920. In that year, the nowRoyal NWMP absorbed the Dominion Police, the federal police force for Eastern Canada, and became the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The RCMP headquarters were then moved to Ottawa, Ontario, and “N” Division was established in nearby Rockcliffe.

“N” Division immediately organized a Musical Ride and performed at Lansdowne Park in Ottawa on May 24, 1920 and in Brockville on July 1, 1920. There were performances almost every year from both “N” Division and Regina. In the 1930s, a third Ride was organized in Vancouver, B.C., (known as “E” Division), with five performances in Vancouver.

The Ride began performing in the United States and overseas: in 1930, the Ride made its first trip to England to perform at the Wembley Exhibition in London; in 1934, the Ride performed for the first time in the United States, with “N” Division in New York City and “E” Division in Portland, Oregon.

By this time, the Ride had become an established attraction, and in 1939, new stables were built in Ottawa: a one-story brick-veneer structure designed by local architect W.C. Sylvester. The horses had previously been lodged at Lansdowne Park and then in a wooden building in Rockcliffe. In 1939, the Ride was a great success at the World Fair in New York. However, any plans for the future were shelved when the Second World War broke out; there would be no further performances until 1948.

Post-war Musical Ride

• 1948: Musical Rides were once again organized, but mostly from N Division. The show was performed at a number of locations in Canada and the United States. However, the Rides were not held every year; for instance, there were none in 1950-1951, 1954-1955 and 1960.

• 1953: The Musical Ride returned to England for the first time since 1930 to perform at the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

• 1957: The Ride performed in Scotland as part of the Edinburgh Tattoo.

• 1961: The RCMP obtained ministerial authority to establish a permanent Musical Ride in Ottawa to perform annually in Canada and abroad.

• 1962: The final Ride performed by the Musical Ride troop based in Regina. Since then, the Ride has been based exclusively in Ottawa.

• 1964: The Ride performed for the first time in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

A world-famous show, the Musical Ride has played an important role in the RCMP since 1873

• 1966: Equestrian training stops being mandatory for all recruits. Since then, only members assigned to the Musical Ride receive this training.

• 1967: As part of the Force’s contribution to Canada’s Centennial Year, the Ride performed in nine provinces, (except British Columbia).

• 1968: The Ride travelled by air for the first time when it performed in Bermuda.

• 1969: On a tour of the United Kingdom, the Ride performed in Wales for the first time; also the Ride escorted the Queen from Windsor Castle to the showgrounds; this was the first time any troop other than the Household Cavalry had been permitted this escort.

• 1970: The Musical Ride was held for the first time in Asia at Expo 70 in Osaka, Japan.

• 1974: The Ride made successful tours of continental Europe.

• 1977: The Ride toured in Ireland and United Kingdom to participate in the Queen’s Silver Jubilee celebrations.

• 1988: The Ride made successful tours of continental Europe.

• 1989: The Equitation Section began holding free performances at its stables in Ottawa. Known as the RCMP Sunset Ceremonies, the performances take place every year in June.

The modern Musical Ride

Today, the RCMP Musical Ride consists of 32 riders plus the member in charge. It executes a variety of cavalry drills choreographed to music. The Ride tours throughout Canada and

internationally between May and October, performing at approximately 40 venues each year. The present stables in Ottawa were built in 1993; the original stables built in 1939 now house the Visitor’s Centre.

Gifts to the Queen

Queen Elizabeth II takes a keen interest in horses and is highly knowledgeable about them. As Honorary Commissioner of the RCMP, she has been presented with five horses as gifts from the Force:

Burmese (1969): In the autumn of 1968, S/ Sgt. Ralph Cave, the RCMP’s riding master in Ottawa, suggested the RCMP present one of its horses as a gift to Queen Elizabeth II. On April 28, 1969, the RCMP presented her with the gift of Burmese, a Musical Ride service horse.

Burmese became one of Her Majesty’s favourite horses. She rode Burmese at the annual Trooping of the Colour, an impressive display of military pageantry to mark her birthday, for 18 years. Burmese passed away in 1990. The Queen has not ridden a horse at that event since 1987.

Centenial (1973): Queen Elizabeth II was presented with another police service horse during the RCMP’s centennial celebrations in 1973. This time, the Queen chose Jerry, a three-year-old black gelding, out of a group of five horses during her visit to the RCMP stables in Ottawa on August 2, 1973.

Queen Elizabeth II wanted this horse to have the same training Burmese had received as a part of the RCMP; he remained in Canada until 1977 to complete his training as a saddle

horse and for use in the RCMP Musical Ride.

Jerry’s name was changed to Centenial (with one “n”) when the horse was presented to Her Majesty at Windsor Castle on May 15, 1977. Centenial was then turned over to the Mounted Division of the London Metropolitan Police for crowd-orientation training.

James (1998): On October 27, 1998 the RCMP presented Queen Elizabeth II with the gift of James, an RCMP service horse, as a part of the Force’s 125th anniversary celebrations.

George (2009): The RCMP presented Queen Elizabeth II with the gift of George, an RCMP service horse, during the Royal Windsor Horse Show at Windsor Castle on May 16, 2009. This was to mark the 40th anniversary of the RCMP presenting Burmese to the Queen. During the presentation, Canadian actor Leslie Nielsen, whose father had been a member of the RCMP, narrated a two-minute video on the RCMP.

Sir John (2016): In honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday, Commissioner Bob Paulson presented her with Sir John, an eight-year-old gelding on May 12. As part of the birthday festivities, the Music Ride also performed nightly at the Royal Windsor Horse Show at Windsor Castle from May 12 to 16.

A Gift from the Queen Golden Jubilee (2002): Queen Elizabeth II presented the RCMP with the gift of Golden Jubilee, a horse from her own personal collection, at a ceremony at the RCMP stables in Ottawa on October 14, 2002. This gift was given to the RCMP in recognition of the Queen’s 50th year as reigning monarch.

About Kamloops Aurora Rotary

Rotary is a global network of 1.4-million neighbours, friends, leaders and problemsolvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves.

Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. For more than 110 years, Rotary members have used their passion, energy and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, we are always working to better our work and we stay committed to the end.

We provide service to others, promote integrity and advance world understanding, goodwill and peace through our fellowship of business, professional and community leaders. Rotarians are:

• People of action: we connect passionate people with diverse perspectives to exchange ideas, forge lifelong friendships and, above all, take action to change the world;

• Problem solvers: together, we apply our professional experience and personal commitment to tackle our communities’ most persistent problems, finding new, effective ways to enhance health, stability and prosperity across the globe;

• Opportunity-creators: Rotary members look for opportunities to improve our communities today and invest in the next generation for tomorrow;

• Community-builders: we collaborate with community leaders who want to get to work on projects that have a real, lasting impact on people’s lives.

What makes Kamloops

Aurora Rotary unique?

The Rotary Club of Kamloops Aurora Centennial’s mission is to fulfill the objective of Rotary as outlined by Rotary International, with a primary focus on service toward youth, education and the environment.

We support both local and international projects

International: shelter box program, school libraries, literacy programs, students exchange programs and sanitation and water programs.

Local: The Pit Stop program, Rotary Food Drive, Adopt-a-Road, school academies and sports programs, A Way Home Kamloops, McQueen Lake Environmental Education Centre and Women’s’ Shoe Box program.

Supporting students

• Student exchange program: our club supports both an outbound and inbound student each year;

• Student of the month: From September to June, we recognize an outstanding student in the community and invite them to speak at our morning meeting.

• Rotary Adventure in Citizenship Program in Ottawa: A four-day program in Ottawa that teaches youth the privileges and responsibilities of Canadian Citizenship. This year, our club supported sending two students to this program.

Why join Aurora?

• The opportunity to serve: Rotary is a service club, which is perhaps the best reason for becoming a Rotarian;

• Business development: Rotary consists of a cross-section of every business community, providing a chance for networking. Its members come from all walks of life;

• Continuing education: Each week, there is a program designed to keep one informed as to what is going on in the community, nation and world, with different speakers and different topics;

• Citizenship in the world: Every Rotarian is welcome and encouraged to attend any of the more than 28,000 clubs in excess of 188 countries and geographical regions.

• Friendship: Rotary provides one of the most basic human needs — the need for friends and fellowship. It is one of the two main reasons why Rotary began in 1905.

Join us soon

Rotary values diversity and celebrates the contributions of people of all backgrounds, regardless of their age, ethnicity, race, colour, abilities, religion, socioeconomic status, culture, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity.

The Rotary Club of Kamloops Aurora Centennial meets every Tuesday at 7 a.m. at Harvest by Nandi, in the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, downtown at 389 St Paul St. The meetings last one hour.

Join us and see what it is all about!

Facts about the RCMP

Regina is well known as the home of the iconic Royal Canadian Mounted Police training depot. Every member of the RCMP must go through basic training in the Saskatchewan capital. As the Queen City and the RCMP are entwined, Tourism Regina offers up these fascinating facts about the national police force:

• The Royal Canadian Mounted Police didn’t always go by that name. The agency’s origin lies with the North-West Mounted Police established in 1873. It became the RCMP on February 1, 1920.

• The red serge is an internationally recognized Canadian icon. Its scarlet colour was chosen in part to help distinguish the new Canadian force (the NWMP) in the 1870s from the blue-clad U.S. Army units, but also because of the significance of red coats in the British military. Although the red serge is internationally recognized, most officers wear the blue or brown uniforms on a normal basis.

• There is quite a bit of detail and history in the red serge, which is usually worn for ceremonial purposes. A lot of care is taken in each article of clothing. The brown leather riding boots need to be shined for a minimum of 25 hours before they have the appropriate sheen to them. The trousers aren’t actually black; they are midnight blue. The yellow stripe down the legs of the trousers signifies a cavalry history.

• The son of famous English novelist and social critic Charles Dickens served in the North-West Mounted Police.

• In the mid-1990s, a Canadian crime television show was made about a fictitious member of the RCMP. Due South aired from 1994 to 1999 and the lead actor, Paul Gross (who played main character Benton Fraser) was the highest-paid performer in Canadian television history. In its initial year, the TV show was the first Canadian-made series to have a prime time slot on a major U.S. network. It was also popular in the United Kingdom. The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show also had a segment featuring a Mountie character named Dudley Do-Right.

• There are more than 28,000 members and employees of the RCMP. The police force is unique in that it is a national, federal,

provincial and municipal policing body (with the exception of Ontario and Quebec).

• Canada is also famous for its brightly coloured bank notes. On March 31, 1975, a vignette of the RCMP Musical Ride was featured on the back of the Canadian $50 bill in a colour tone between orchid and claret — a deep purplish red. The traditional orange colour was felt to be too limited in tonal range. The photograph the design was based on was supplied by the RCMP and was taken by Donald K. Guerrette.

• If you want to use the RCMP’s image or likeness, you need to pay a licensing fee. The proceeds from those fees go to community awareness programs. This helps the RCMP regulate and control its image and branding.

• The RCMP Heritage Centre is a not-forprofit organization and museum located in Regina. It was built in 2007 to tell the stories and history of the RCMP. It’s interactive, with a variety of galleries and programming, and open nearly every day of the year (with the exception of Remembrance Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Good Friday and Easter Monday).

• You can roughly estimate the years of service an officer has dedicated to the RCMP. For every five years on duty, officers receive a star that is sewn on the upper left sleeve of the red serge. There are different ribbons to acknowledge longterm service of 20, 25, 30 and 35 years.

• The RCMP badge has a bison head, maple leaves, a crown and scroll. The reason why the buffalo head was chosen for the badge is unknown.

• Members of the RCMP travel the country in a variety of ways. Not only do they use cars, SUVs and vans, but they also utilize airplanes, boats and dogsleds (dogsledding was used in the northern territories and was officially retired in March 1969).

• There is a statue in commemoration of officers who have died while on duty at depot. All cadets salute the statue as they walk past. Every year on the second Sunday in September, the RCMP holds a National Memorial Service — a tradition since the mid-1930s — to honour fallen comrades.

• The RCMP motto — “maintiens le droit” — is French for “maintain the right.”

Meet our

Fahey

SUPERINTENDENT

Joined the RCMP in 1985

Officer in charge of the ride since 2019

Comet

POLICE HORSE

Gelding born in 2005; measures 17.3 hands

With the Musical Ride since 2011

D. Quilley

SERGEANT

Joined the RCMP in 2008

Musical Ride instructor since 2020

Nemo

POLICE HORSE

Gelding born in 2016; measures 17.2 hands

With the Musical Ride since 2023

Gill

CORPORAL

Joined the RCMP in 2014 Musical Ride instructor since 2023

Echo

POLICE HORSE

Gelding born in 2007; measures 16.3 hands

With the Musical Ride since 2013

Briscoe

CONSTABLE

Joined the RCMP in 2006 Musical Ride member since 2022

Impressive

POLICE HORSE

Gelding born in 2011; measures 16.2 hands

With the Musical Ride since 2018

Coffill

CONSTABLE

Joined the RCMP in 2019

Musical Ride member since 2023

Harmony

POLICE HORSE

Mare born in 2010; measures 16 hands

With the Musical Ride since 2016

Williamson

SERGEANT MAJOR

Joined the RCMP in 2001

Musical Ride instructor since 2013

Riding Master since 2022

Victoria

POLICE HORSE

Mare born in 2017; measures 16.3 hands

With the Musical Ride since 2023

M. Quilley

CORPORAL

Joined the RCMP in 2010

Musical Ride instructor since 2019

Victoria

POLICE HORSE

Mare born in 2017; measures 16.3 hands

With the Musical Ride since 2023

Arnold

CONSTABLE

Joined the RCMP in 2013 Musical Ride member since 2021

Gyro

POLICE HORSE

Gelding born in 2009; measures 16.3 hands

With the Musical Ride since 2015

Chicoisne

CONSTABLE

Joined the RCMP in 2018 Musical Ride member since 2023

Nemo

POLICE HORSE

Gelding born in 2016; measures 17.2 hands

With the Musical Ride since 2023

Coleman

CONSTABLE

Joined the RCMP in 2016 Musical Ride member since 2021

Lexie

POLICE HORSE

Mare born in 2014; measures 16.3 hands

With the Musical Ride since 2021

Sergeant Major / Sergeant-major WILLIAMSON

Police Horse / Cheval de police VICTORIA

Corsi

CONSTABLE

Joined the RCMP in 2014

Musical Ride member since 2022

Hayden

POLICE HORSE

Gelding born in 2010; measures 16.3 hands

With the Musical Ride since 2017

Dion

CONSTABLE

Joined the RCMP in 2016

Musical Ride member since 2023

Maple

POLICE HORSE

Mare born in 2015; measures 17 hands

With the Musical Ride since 2021

Durbecq

CONSTABLE

Joined the RCMP in 2016

Musical Ride member since 2023

Maple

POLICE HORSE

Mare born in 2015; measures 17 hands

With the Musical Ride since 2021

Gambling

CONSTABLE

Joined the RCMP in 2015

Musical Ride member since 2023

Nakoda

POLICE HORSE

Gelding born in 2016; measures 16.2 hands

With the Musical Ride since 2022

Hansen

CONSTABLE

Joined the RCMP in 2009

Musical Ride member since 2020

Gendarme

POLICE HORSE

Gelding born in 2009; measures 16.3 hands With the Musical Ride since 2015

Jones

CONSTABLE

Joined the RCMP in 2005

Musical Ride member since 2022

Greg

POLICE HORSE

Gelding born in 2009; measures 16.2 hands

With the Musical Ride since 2016

Dicaire

CONSTABLE

Joined the RCMP in 2015

Musical Ride member since 2022

Cybil

POLICE HORSE

Mare born in 2005; measures 16.3 hands

With the Musical Ride since 2011

Dowden

CONSTABLE

Joined the RCMP in 2006

Musical Ride member since 2018

Mavrik

POLICE HORSE

Gelding born in 2015; measures 17.2 hands

With the Musical Ride since 2022

Faye

CONSTABLE

Joined the RCMP in 2009

Musical Ride member since 2021

Obelix

POLICE HORSE

Gelding born in 2017; measures 16.2 hands

With the Musical Ride since 2023

Grieves

CONSTABLE

Joined the RCMP in 2008

Musical Ride member since 2021

Laurel

POLICE HORSE

Mare born in 2014; measures 16.2 hands

With the Musical Ride since 2021

Hoang

CONSTABLE

Joined the RCMP in 2011 Musical Ride member since 2020

Gidget

POLICE HORSE

Mare born in 2009; measures 17.1 hands

With the Musical Ride since 2017

Khan

CONSTABLE

Joined the RCMP in 2009

Musical Ride member since 2022

Bev

POLICE HORSE

Mare born in 2004; measures 16.2 hands

With the Musical Ride since 2010

Constable / Gendarme DION

Police Horse / Cheval de police MAPLE

Constable / Gendarme DOWDEN

Police Horse / Cheval de police MAVRIK

Lafrance

CONSTABLE

Joined the RCMP in 2015

Musical Ride member since 2021

Odin

POLICE HORSE

Gelding born in 2017; measures 16.2 hands

With the Musical Ride since 2023

Loisel

CONSTABLE

Joined the RCMP in 2011

Musical Ride member since 2017

Nordic

POLICE HORSE

Mare born in 2016; measures 16 hands

With the Musical Ride since 2022

MacKinnon

CONSTABLE

Joined the RCMP in 2014

Musical Ride member since 2019

Officer

POLICE HORSE

Gelding born in 2017; measures 16.3 hands With the Musical Ride since 2023

Peever

CONSTABLE

Joined the RCMP in 2010 Musical Ride member since 2020

Flash

POLICE HORSE

Gelding born in 2008; measures 16.3 hands With the Musical Ride since 2014

Russell

CONSTABLE

Joined the RCMP in 2008 Musical Ride member since 2021

Victoria

POLICE HORSE

Mare born in 2017; measures 16.3 hands

With the Musical Ride since 2023

Wangkhang

CONSTABLE

Joined the RCMP in 2011

Musical Ride member since 2020

Nanook

POLICE HORSE

Gelding born in 2016; measures 16.3 hands

With the Musical Ride since 2023

Leclair

CONSTABLE

Joined the RCMP in 2009

Musical Ride member since 2020

Dancer

POLICE HORSE

Gelding born in 2006; measures 16.1 hands

With the Musical Ride since 2012

MacDonald

CONSTABLE

Joined the RCMP in 2010

Musical Ride member since 2020

Lexie

POLICE HORSE

Mare born in 2014; measures 16.3 hands

With the Musical Ride since 2021

Nixon

CONSTABLE

Joined the RCMP in 2014

Musical Ride member since 2020

Jobs

POLICE HORSE

Gelding born in 2012; measures 17.1 hands

With the Musical Ride since 2018

Pharand Dao

CONSTABLE

Joined the RCMP in 2015 Musical Ride member since 2022

Officer

POLICE HORSE

Gelding born in 2017; measures 16.3 hands

With the Musical Ride since 2023

Thibault

CONSTABLE

Joined the RCMP in 2007 Musical Ride member since 2022

Jingle

POLICE HORSE

Mare born in 2012; measures 16.3 hands

With the Musical Ride since 2018

Dwayne Hay

Dwayne Hay has been a civilian member of the RCMP since 2016. Now residing in Winchester, Ontario, he is the farrier for the Musical Ride. The farrier travels with the Ride to look after the horseshoeing requirements of the horses while they are away from home.

Constable / Gendarme MACDONALD Police Horse / Cheval de police LEXIE

Royal Canadian Mounted Police

ROYAL CANADIAN MOUNTED POLICE

Gendarmerie royale du Canada

GENDARMERIE ROYALE DU CANADA

Mountie MacLean and Steele were coloured by: L’agent MacLean et Steele ont été coloriés par :