To whom it may concern,
As a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for the past 22 years and a former member of the RCMP Musical Ride I can tell you that showing at the Canadian National Exhibition is one of the highlights of the Canadian tour. The tradition of the RCMP Musical Ride showing at “the EX” dates back to the early 1920’s when the Coliseum was built. Photos from the era depict sold out crowds, smiling faces and of course the Mountie in Red Serge on his big black horse. I did say “his” horse because in the 20’s all of the riders were male, now half of the Musical Ride is made up of female riders.
The stabling area and warm up ring are very nostalgic for me as the horse stalls are original to the building and the ring still has the glass skylight that the Coliseum used to have. If you are warming up your horse in that arena and look up you can see the bright sunshine that pours in and seems to be a given when the Ex is on. I have seen the greatest horses and riders from Canada and the world warm up in that ring and that is inclusive of Big Ben and Ian Miller. Whether you’re waiting to be called to compete with Olympic level riders or to perform the Musical Ride it is that ring that will house your stage fright and determination to put on a great show for the crowd.
When the Musical Ride is called to perform, the short walk to the Coliseum in troop formation of 32 horses leads you to the ramp to the floor of the arena. Bright Red Tunics, polished leather, shining brass and spurs, gleaming black horses all waiting in formation. The lances that we carry will not pass under the final arch to the arena so they are carried on an angle until it is cleared. The RCMP Officer in charge will yell the command “Carry Lance” to which they are snapped to attention. The sound system booms the ceremonial march music and you know you are back at the glorious tradition that is the Exhibition grounds.
On Tuesday morning after the performances are concluded, the horses and tack are loaded for the truck ride back to Ottawa. The horse stables become a very quiet place and a great satisfaction washes over you and your co-riders for the performances that you completed to the great applause of the sold out crowds. If you listen closely before you leave the stable area you can almost hear all of the people and horses that showed before you throughout the decades loading up to leave as well. That is a great feeling to have and a great tie to a historic tradition and landmark that is the Canadian National Exhibition.
Cst. Terry Russel
Police Community Relations Officer
GTA Commanders Office
Toronto North Detachment