The bleachers beside the horse ring at Shawville Fair grounds was surprisingly full on a soggy Saturday afternoon as the RCMP Musical Ride rolled into town.

The Musical Ride was in town to salute George Coles, former president of the Pontiac Agricultural Society, who accepted the salute on behalf of all other past presidents.

More than 250 people donned their rubber boots – a good call in light of the muddy landscape – to watch the 32 riders bob and weave between one another with precision and skill.

The RCMP Musical Ride tours the country from May to November of each year.

Despite the expertise on display in the horse ring, many members have limited riding experience before joining the Musical Ride.

In order to apply to be a member of the Musical Ride, officers must first serve two years of regular duty, according to Cpl. Kyle Kifferling, the instructor and trainer for the Musical Ride for the last six years.

Each member commits to a three-year term with the Musical Ride – if they make it out of the selection process.

There are two selection courses every year with a total of 32 participants. Sixteen new members of the Musical Ride are then chosen from the 32 applicants.

Kifferling said that 90 per cent of members of the Musical Ride have never ridden before being selected.

One year of the three-year commitment is spent entirely on training.

Kifferling said that it’s easier to train new riders than those who have been riding a long time and developed their own habits.

“There’s an RCMP way to riding,” Kifferling said. With this in mind, he added that it’s easier to train a blank slate than someone who may be set in their ways.

After the horses gathered in a perfect line for a rendition of the national anthem, spectators got a chance to meet the riders up close and personal during a meet and greet ringside.

Cst. Aaron Harder poses for a picture with former Pontiac Agricultural Society President George Coles and his family. From left: Samantha Coles, Dave and Lawson Coles, Jean Coles, George Coles, and Kaylee Coles.

The RCMP Musical Ride performed a manoeuvre known as “The Dome” during their May 25 performance in front of a wet crowd of hundreds at the Shawville Fair Grounds.

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