The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
A skilled team of Mounties and their beautiful black horses enthralled hundreds of residents Tuesday evening when the world-famous RCMP Musical Ride trotted into town. Organizers estimate at least 3,500 people made their way to the Foster Park Oval for the half-hour show often referred to as an air show on horses. "They left you wanting more. It was outstanding," said Flin Flon director of recreation Brenda Russell. "I think people left with a great feeling of Canadian pride knowing that these riders represent our country around the world." Trotting virtually nonstop in a roped-off rectangle, small clouds of dust a perpetual presence, the 36 riders and horses brought sheer delight with choreographed formations like "The Dome" and "Bridal Arch." One surprising moment came when all of the horses lined up at one end and in what seemed like a split second charged to the other end like a cavalry. Clad in their traditional Mountie serge and clasping red and white flags, the trained officers, who tour with the Ride across Canada and the world, wore bright smiles during the flawless performance. "It was an overwhelming success," said Russell. The huge crowd of spectators, many from out of town, was diverse in its age but united in its joy, as the Ride made a generational gap nonexistent. People began to gather several hours before the Ride began, enjoying pre-show entertainment from local entertainers like the Nemihitowok Hoop Troupe and singer Heaven Young. "The local entertainment really added to the fun atmosphere," said Russell. Many spectators found a place to sit high up on the adjacent rock ridge, where they gained a bird's eye view of the festivities. Among the honoured guests for the evening was Flin Flon teen Ryan Nelson, who accepted the ceremonial salute from the Ride Commander.
