Throughout the world, the image of the red-coated Mountie on a horse donning a broad-brimmed Stetson hat is instinctively associated with Canada.
This September, experience the tradition and ceremony of the iconic RCMP Musical Ride, which stops at the Albion Fairgrounds on a cross-Canada tour.
Members of the Musical Ride are, first and foremost, police officers who, after at least two years of active police work, volunteer for duty with the Musical Ride.
Today, in keeping with tradition, the Musical Ride is performed by a full troop of 32 riders and horses, plus the member in charge.
The Musical Ride consists of the execution of a variety of intricate figures and cavalry drill choreographed to music.
Demanding utmost control, timing and coordination, these movements are formed by individual horses and riders, in two’s, four’s and eight’s at the trot and at the canter. Months of training, practice and many kilometres around the riding school make horse and rider one.
The RCMP Musical Ride will perform one show at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 5 at the Albion Fairgrounds The tickets are $15 and as there are only 1,500 available, organizers encourage people to snap them up quickly.
Don’t forget to bring your cameras as after the ride visitors are invited to “Meet & Greet” and take photos with the RCMP members and their magnificent horses.
Other locations to purchase tickets are (cash only):
• Tourism Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows, 12492 Harris Rd., Pitt Meadows;
• North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association, 12471 254 St., Maple Ridge;
• Ridge Meadows RCMP, 11990 Haney Place;
• Domino’s Pizza, 270 – 22529 Lougheed Hwy. Maple Ridge & 330 – 20398 Dewdney Trunk Rd., Maple Ridge.
Tickets can also be purchased using Paypal at www.mrpmcountryfest.com.
When purchasing by Paypal, tickets will be held for pick-up at the Country Fest office on the day of the ride. Please ensure that you bring Picture ID matching the cardholder name to pick up your tickets.
For more information call 604-463-6922 or e-mail lorraine@mrpmcountryfest.com .