The RCMP Musical Ride performed in Quesnel on Tuesday (July 31).
Their first performance at 1 p.m. brought loud cheers and applause from the large crowd at Alex Fraser Park, as the horses manoeuvred impressively around each other, forming a series of complex patterns.
The all-black horses formed a pinwheel, a maze, and came together to form a dome, as well as performing a variety of other drills. The performance even featured a charge across the arena.
The riders performed to a variety of music, from classic rock to country to classical.
Nita Cameron was one of the main organizers of the event. She says she helped get the Musical Ride to come check out the park, and from there, they agreed to come.
“Then it was just a waiting game until they arrived… Of course we’ve got to organize the feed and the grain, so we did all that.”
She says it was a family connection that set up the police dog demonstration, which takes place before the Musical Ride.
“I love it,” she adds.
Police dogs were brought in from the Prince George RCMP to warm up the crowd. The dogs practised attacking a fleeing suspect, obedience, and even a puppy was brought out to play for the crowd.
Jeannie Rorke has been to the ride before. She says she went to the ride the last time they were in Quesnel.
“I love the horses. And the riders – what an awesome job they do.”
At the end of the ride, the riders were introduced to the crowd. The B.C. riders received the biggest cheer, along with an officer who served the first five years of his career with the Quesnel detachment of the RCMP.
A second performance is scheduled for tonight at 6 p.m. at Alex Fraser Park. Tickets are available at the door.
A second show was performed at 6 p.m. on Tuesday.
