‘Looking for Canada’: RCMP’s Musical Ride Steeped in Tradition as Force Turns 150

‘Looking for Canada’: RCMP’s Musical Ride Steeped in Tradition as Force Turns 150
The RCMP Musical Ride troop practices at in Ottawa on May 17, 2023. The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick
The Canadian Press
Updated:

Maxwell Newhouse remembers the earth quivering below his feet when 32 riders wearing bright scarlet jackets, on top of their large black horses, moved across a field in seamless patterns.

It was 25 years ago and his first time watching an RCMP Musical Ride, a horsey ballet where Mounties don the iconic red serge, hoist their lances and pay tribute to Canada’s heritage.