Our Ride Master Sgt Paul Kruhlak
Strathcona Mounted Troop on Tour
O
ver the years, we have achieved this aim through the maintenance of the Strathcona Mounted Troop; 20 soldiers dressed in period uniform and mounted on horseback, performing a musical ride and a tent pegging demonstration in communities throughout Western Canada. These soldiers volunteer for a minimum of one show season. The responsibility and rigor of the Troop is in addition to their normal responsibilities as a soldier of the Canadian Forces. They are committed to presenting our "living history." The Strathcona Mounted Troop provides an active display of a unique part of our national heritage which is enjoyed by thousands of Canadians annually. When was the Troop formed? The current Strathcona Mounted Troop
was formed in 1977. The original Ceremonial Mounted Troop was formed in 1923 as a means of honouring and maintaining the Cavalry traditions of the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians). The original Troop was disbanded in 1939 when the Regiment moved to armoured vehicles as Canada joined the world in preparations for the Second World War. Who are the people in the Troop? The twenty-five members of the Strathcona Mounted Troop are soldiers of Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians). The members of the Troop volunteer for one or two years to serve in much the same manner as Strathcona’s did in the nineteen twenties. Their daily schedule concentrates on the care of their mounts and equipment, and in cavalry drills and training. In addition, they are responsible to remain ready
Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) is a proud Regiment with strong ties to Western Canada. The Regiment has always tried to preserve and perpetuate its traditions and history by maintaining a link to the period when it was first raised, by Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal, as a Regiment of Cavalry in 1900. for active military duty, and must therefore participate in trade specific training. What is Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians)? Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) is a regular force armoured unit of the Canadian Forces. The Strathcona’s primary fighting vehicle is the Leopard tank. Its reconnaissance squadron utilizes the Coyote, of the Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) family. The Strathcona’s are the only regular force armoured unit in Western Canada. Who owns the horses? The mounts of the Strathcona Mounted Troop are provided through the Ceremonial Mounted Troop Foundation, and remain Foundation property. The mounts are neither purchased by nor maintained by the Canadian Forces or the Department of National Defense. Does the Army issue the uniforms and equipment? The uniforms, accoutrements (badges and buttons) saddles and tack are not the property of the Canadian Forces or the Department of National Defense. These items are provided through the Ceremonial Mounted Troop Foundation, and remain Foundation property. How does the Strathcona Mounted Troop Travel? Public support is provided in transporting the Strathcona Mounted Troop with regards to personnel and support vehicles. Transportation of our 20 horse trailer is provided by one of our proud sponsors, Bison Transport. The twentyhorse trailer purchased in 1998, however, was provided by the Ceremonial Mounted Troop Foundation with the assistance of the Wild Rose Foundation.
12 • APRIL 2022
SADDLEUP.CA
