Thirty-two Mounties in the red serge, atop 32 black horses gave an impressive performance of equestrian skill and Canadian pride at the RCMP Musical Ride at Arbutus Meadows on Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 21 and 22.
Known as an elite performing troupe, it may be surprising to know that some of these talented riders had never ridden a horse before trying to join the Musical Ride. That’s certainly true for Const. David Jones.
The NEWS spoke with Jones to discuss how he became a part of the ride, and what it’s like to represent such a positive image of the RCMP and Canada to the world.
Before he joined, Jones said he had never actually seen it happen in person. “I’d seen it on TV and everything,” he said, and like most people, knew what the ride was, but it wasn’t until he had joined the Musical Ride that he saw it happen.
“It’s pretty overwhelming to actually see them come out to the music and do what they do and be a part of it,” said Jones of his first time seeing the ride in person. “It’s indescribable.”
Jones was lucky enough to have his application approved, and despite not having riding experience.
“I’m from Newfoundland so I didn’t have a whole lot of opportunities,” he said.
The five week training camp changed all that, Jones said.
“It’s pretty intense… they do two a year. Myself and roughly about 18 others attended a camp and they put you through the whole training process. They walk you through it, from getting onto the horse, what to do.
“It’s extremely physical and mentally challenging just because they are large animals, and they are animals at that. So it took a lot of courage and so on to keep going. Obviously coming off the horse is a bit concerning. But it happens, and you learn to get back on and keep going.”
Indeed it does. One Mountie demonstrated that resolve after coming off their horse on Aug. 21, and getting right back on to finish the ride. Some watchers remarked that the horses appeared somewhat restless, perhaps due to the wildfire smoke in the air.
The performance in Nanoose Bay included a variety of tight formations, the charge, spear practice and more.
It’s an exhaustive thing to take part in, said Jones.
“I know the common myth is the horses know the show, but they do require a lot of encouragement to get through a lot of the cuts in the show and the moves that we have.
“As a rider, every horse is extremely different and we all ride differently. It’s a workout and again it’s very mentally demanding because you have to be aware of the whole show and the riders that are next to you.”
Now in his second year performing in the Musical Ride, Jones said it’s amazing to be a part of it.
“I don’t think there’s anything to truly describe being a part of something so iconic as the musical ride in Canada.”
For anyone interested, he said becoming a part of the Musical Ride is certainly an attainable goal. Step one, of course, is to join the RCMP, and then apply. “You just don’t know if you don’t try.”