The Ceremonial Ride

This mural depicts the mounted ride in the Horse Show Arena at Victoria Park. A letter to the Calgary Exhibition dated March 24, 1914, confirms the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Ceremonial Ride would appear at the Calgary Spring Horse Show in May of that year.

The piece was commissioned to recognize the 125th anniversary of the North West Mounted Police 'Ride West,' as well as the 85th anniversary of the Mounted Ride’s first appearance in Calgary.

Did You Know?

  • The Northwest Mounted Police (NWMP) arrived in Calgary in 1875 and established Fort Calgary
  • To commemorate their role in developing the West, Guy Weadick invited the original NWMP veterans march in the first Stampede Parade in 1912
  • The musical ride was developed from a desire of the members to show their riding ability. With a British background the figures performed were cavalry drill movements.
  • Today’s participants are Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) members (32) with at least two years’ service. They volunteer to be part of the musical ride.
  • The musical ride has performed at the Stampede.
  • The musical ride centre is in Ottawa, ON at the RCMP Rockcliffe Stables
Artist
Keith Holmes
Type
Mural
Donors
Calgary Stampede
Installed
1999

Location

BMO Centre (South)

View on Art Walk

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