In 1876, the North West Mounted Police began doing riding demonstrations accompanied by music. For 40 years The Fort--Museum of the North West Mounted Police in Fort Macleod, Alberta, Canada has featured a Musical Ride by riders dressed in replica North West Mounted Police uniforms. Set to music the riders take their horses through a series of complex maneuvers set to music. Originally, there would have been a band playing, but today the music is a bit more modern.
The riders tend to be young—ranging from 15 to 22 years of age—and most are female. All carry lances while performing the maneuvers. The day these photographs were taken was quite hot, making the woolen uniforms, high boots, and pith helmets all the more uncomfortable. All did a very professional job.
The Inspection:
The Musical Ride begins with an inspection in which the horses and their riders assemble and allow the spectators to inspect them and to ask questions.
The announcer is shown above.
The Ride:
The Horses:
The horses are all quarter horses standing 14-16 hands high. Shown above are a couple of the horses relaxing after a day’s performances. Notice the maple leaf on the horses’ flanks.