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The RCMP Musical Ride has been galloping around Saskatchewan’s cities and towns.
The Musical Ride is a troop of riders who perform intricate formations and drills to a soundtrack that lasts about 30 minutes.
The Musical Ride made its final stop in Moose Jaw at the Exhibition Grounds.
Const. Gerry Dicaire joined the Greg Morgan Morning Show to talk about his first season with the Musical Ride.
“It’s very impressive when you see the red tunic with the black horses and it’s a very sharp performance,” said Dicaire. “I had never seen it until I got onto the Musical Ride last summer and it’s a very sharp performance.
“Once you have seen it once, you will understand why people want to see it over and over again.”
Dicaire said the process to get into the Ride was extensive.
Once people apply for the RCMP, they have to complete their first two years of probation before they can apply for the Musical Ride. There’s a test trial course that takes five weeks where people see if they like it and if they have the capabilities to ride and train the horses.
After they pass the course and accept the transfer, they do one more intermediate media equitation course before they can begin travelling with the Ride.
The show typically has 32 riders but this year will be a little bit different.
“This year we are doing a show of 24 people, so we brought 29 horses up,” said Dicaire. “So there is 24 in the show plus the officer that is leading us on and off the show site. Then we have four spares just in case.”
Even horses need a break from limelight.
The Musical Ride loads up and travels all over the country. While the riders travel around by coach, they will fly when need be. Everything else such as the horses, saddles, and other equipment typically travel around by three 18-wheel trailers.
In the past the Musical Ride has performed for high-profile audience members like the Queen. Recently, it performed the show for Prince Charles.
“You can expect to see a really tight show,” said Dicaire.
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story stated the Musical Ride was performing in Moose Jaw on Canada Day. That is not the case.
