A century-old tradition is coming back to the Rocky Mountains. 

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride—a Canadian icon since 1876—is trotting into Jasper June 19. 

Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland saw the RCMP Musical Ride when it last came to Jasper 50 years ago, in celebration of the opening of Jasper’s current RCMP detachment. Ireland was a teenager then. 

“What I recall is the unity between the horses and the riders,” Ireland said. “All of those horses performing so perfectly was pretty impressive.”

The Musical Ride is a special unit of the RCMP. Intended to promote the force and contribute to community causes, it is a showcase of equestrian skills, performed military drill-style, by a team of cavalry. Thirty two riders and their horses move effortlessly and exquisitely in geometric patterns, all choreographed to music. The movements and figures require the complete control and co-ordination of the riders, said Pattie Pavlov, who is helping bring the scarlet-coated Mounties and their majestic black horses to town. 

“It’s so exciting,” Pavlov said. “Once you’ve seen it, it’s something you won’t forget.”

As a member of a small but enthusiastic committee to plan and implement the “Return of the Ride,” Pavlov approached Jasper mayor and council on February 7. She was requesting the use of the Jasper Arena and part of Centennial Park to host the Musical Ride for three days in late June. 

Council supported the request, which will include the use of facilities and associated staff time required to host the event. The value of this gift in kind is approximately $25,000. 

Pavlov is recruiting helping hands for the RCMP Musical Ride’s three-day visit. “So far we’ve had a ton of solid responses from the community,” she said.

Two Musical Ride performances will take place during the visit, both on June 19, in Centennial Field, near to where the horseshoe pits are currently situated (they will be removed to facilitate the event). The field is large enough to accommodate the RCMP’s needs while offering a perfect viewing area from the nearby grass berm, Pavlov said. If there is damage to the clay and turf surface, Pavlov said there are provisions in place to make any necessary repairs. 

“It’s highly unlikely there will be a real tear-up there,” she said.

When not performing, the horses will be stabled in the Jasper Arena. Hay, wood chips and wood fibres will be laid down to protect the arena floor. 

Pavlov and her committee are now in fundraising mode to bring the RCMP Musical Ride to Jasper residents and visitors—free of charge.

“It’s meant to be a community spirit initiative with historic ties,” she said.

Ireland said council’s support of the event aligns with the MOJ’s strategic priorities around relationship-building and supporting local groups.

Bob Covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com