Musical interlude
The world-famous RCMP Musical ride kicked off seven performances at Thunderbird Show Park on Wednesday afternoon. The show continues at the Thunderbird Equestrian Centre Saturday with entrance by donation. Here, they close the show with their famous charge formation
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Updated: July 30, 2009 1:26 PM
A total of 36 RCMP officers dressed in traditional red serge while riding sleek, black thoroughbreds are putting the ‘mounted’ back in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police with their popular performances of the Musical Ride taking place at Thunderbird Show Park until Saturday (Aug. 1).
In sweltering heat, cars lined up along 72 Avenue waiting to get into the show park for Wednesday afternoon’s performance.
Visitors came by the hundreds to be among the first in Langley to celebrate the iconic RCMP Musical Ride.
Even with the heat, the show delighted the crowds with its choreographed dance-like steps, the play of lances and the charge.
One of the most recognizable musical ride formations is the “dome,” once featured on the back of the Canadian $50 bill.
On Wednesday, Langley City Mayor Peter Fassbender was getting ready to ride in on the majestic black horses while carrying the Canadian flag. Standing guard to greet him was his son, Steve, in his own red serge who flew back to his native Langley from Ottawa, where he now lives. Steve, a former Langley RCMP officer has since been promoted to sergeant, working in the federal division of the RCMP in Ottawa where the Musical Ride is based.
For Peter, being part of the Ride was a big thrill.
“I can cross that experience off my bucket list,” he said.
“It’s pretty cool. I just wish I didn’t have to wear jeans and I could wear shorts instead.”
Heat is playing a major role for both the horses and riders, he said.
“They met last night (Tuesday) to talk about it. This is the warmest they have had to perform so far,” he said. “But they (horses and humans) will be alright.”
Two Langley riders are in the RCMP Musical Ride. After performing at the show park, they are off to Abbotsford and in Maple Ridge Aug. 18 and eventually they will perform at the PNE from Sept. 1 to 7. The ride won’t be back in B.C. for at least another four years.
Shows go each day at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. except for July 31 (Friday) when there is only an 11 a.m. show.
Cost is $20 per carload and all proceeds go to the Langley Memorial Hospital’s new pediatrics ward, the Valley Therapeutic Equestrian Association and the CKNW Orphans Fund.
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