PORT HARDY—Storey's Beach will be converted into Canada's most picturesque riding arena when the RCMP Musical Ride makes its first North Island appearance in a dozen years Wednesday, Aug. 7.
The renowned troupe of horses and riders performs across the country, displaying feats of choreography to music before large crowds. The effect is expected to be particularly dramatic on the packed sand of Storey's Beach at low tide, with views of Queen Charlotte Strait in the background.
The Port Hardy stop is part of a two-month B.C. tour by the Musical Ride, which began in Fort St. John July 11 and will continue through Sept. 7 when it wraps up in Hope.
The ride was brought by Port Hardy's Rotary Club, and will feature two days of activity at the beach and neighbouring Beaver Harbour Park.
A large tent will be constructed to house the horses, which may be view throughout the day both Aug. 6 and 7.
“Throughout the tour the public is invited to visit the stabled horses, and speak with the police officers of the Musical Ride before and after performances,” says Inspector Barb Vincent, head of Crime Prevention Services for the RCMP in BC. She points out 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.”
Activities on the day of the ride begin at 4 p.m., with food vendors and entertainment. The ride begins at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and children 12-under, available in advance at Cafe Guido and the Chamber of Commerce in Port Hardy and at The Flower Shoppe in Port McNeill. Adult tickets jump to $15 at the gate on the day of the ride.
The Musical Ride is performed by a full troop of 32 riders and horses, and consists of the execution of a variety of intricate figures and cavalry drill, choreographed to music.
Throughout the tour, BC RCMP 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.