The Royal Canadian Mounted Police

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, aka R.C.M.P.

Since 1873, horses have shared a rich history in policing in Canada. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, aka R.C.M.P., partnered with horses to navigate the barely six-year-old nation. (Canada was founded in 1867.)

The scarlet red uniforms were modelled after the British military red coats.

The skilled riders, known as Mounties, patrolled the vast and sparsely inhabited land. (Canada is the 2nd largest country in the world based on land mass). They were often the only government officials new settlers would encounter in their isolated homesteads.

Woman weren’t allowed to join the R.C.M.P. until 1974.

Long policing journeys were followed by endless riding drills. To break the monotony, Mounties commonly competed amongst themselves and performed tricks on horseback. These competitions became known as the Musical Ride.

Historically, the Mounties rode mainly thoroughbreds. Today, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have a breeding farm that produces some of the finest Hanoverian horses in Canada.

The R.C.M.P breed their own horses.