Since I am very soon heading back to NZ to stay, I had accepted that I would miss the famous Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Musical ride until I got the word that they were doing a show in my local area of Victoria BC as part of Canada's celebration of 150 years of confederation. It was a hot burning day and to get a decent seat I arrived almost 3 hours before the event, so I was glad I had brought sunscreen, a good hat and a brolly! Even so I was pretty toasted by the end of the event.
To quote the RCMP website: "The RCMP Musical Ride is performed by a full troop of 32 riders and their horses. Their performance consists of intricate figures and drills choreographed to music. These movements demand the utmost control, timing and coordination.
The Musical Ride performs in up to 50 communities across Canada between the months of May and October. They help raise thousands of dollars for local charities and non-profit organizations.
The Musical Ride provides the opportunity to experience the heritage and traditions of the RCMP. The riders act as ambassadors of goodwill who promote the RCMP's image throughout Canada and all over the world."
Most of the riders have never ridden a horse before starting their training program, but over a period of six months they learn not only to ride a horse, but to do so while performing intricate cavalry manoeuvres with a long lance. The horses are all jet black and bred specially for the purpose.
First the troop entered the field
As they lined up for inspection by the Lieutenant Governor-General they showed their great colours and the uniformity a riders and horses
The beginning of a series of intricate manoeuvres: first at the trot
Then at a canter...
Finally at a gallop for the charge.
Showing off their skills with the lance as a group
Then individual drills with the lance
After the show the Mounties dispersed around the field to commune with the spectators and allow their mounts to be met and petted. Of course it's great P.R. for the RCMP! The troup respresents members from every province and is roughtly 50% split between genders. Riders serve for a minimum of two years and some have scored an extra year, despite the fact the membership is a very popular assignment and very competitive!
Images taken with the Canon 100-400 EF-L Mk II on a Canon EOS 7D MkII, and a 24-105 EF-L Mk I on a Canon 5D MkIII