The RCMP’s famous Musical Ride is taking their tour across B.C. this summer and will be stopping in Central Saanich next month.
The Ride, which travels to each province on a rotational basis every four years, will be hosted by the Sooke Lions Club and Sooke RCMP and held Saturday, Aug. 17 and Sunday, Aug. 18 at the Saanich Fairgrounds.
The Musical Ride features a troop of 32 uniformed riders and their horses who perform intricate figures and cavalry drills choreographed to music. Local equestrian vaulters from Manestream Vaulters in Central Saanich will also be featured as the opening act for the Ride.
“Throughout the tour the public is also invited to visit the stabled horses and speak with the police officers of the Musical Ride before and after performances,” said Inspector Barb Vincent, head of Crime Prevention Services for the RCMP in B.C.
She added that the RCMP’s Musical Ride was last in B.C. during the 2010 Winter Olympics.
“We’re delighted to have the Ride back here in B.C.,” she said.
Throughout the tour, Crime Prevention Services will also be staffing a public information display, sharing information about volunteer opportunities within the RCMP, as well as information about Aboriginal policing, recruiting, crime prevention and more.
Tickets, $10 for adults and $2 for children, can be obtained at the Garry Oak Veterinary Hospital in Sidney (102-9837 7th St.) and at Greenhawk Harness and Equestrian Supplies in Brentwood Bay (7154 West Saanich Rd.). Proceeds will go to Vancouver Island children’s not-for-profits, including the Easter Seals Camp Shawnigan and Vancouver Island Riding for the Disabled.
For more information on the Musical Ride, visit www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
— With files from the RCMP