Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
The RCMP Musical Ride
Picture Book
For ages 5 and up
Tundra, 2004 ISBN: 978-0887766831
This unique book describes what the author, Maxwell Newhouse, calls a "powerful horsey ballet: the RCMP Musical Ride, Canada’s symbol and Canada’s pride." What follows is the history of the Ride which was first performed in Saskatchewan in 1887. The idea of performing was simply an extension of drills and lance work that the RCMP did on horseback regularly. The reader learns about the horses who perform in the Ride, their training, about the riders who ride and care for them, the stars (which include Lucky II who became a national celebrity), and a description of what the Ride itself is like.
The author’s wonderful folk art illustrations make this book both interesting and unique, and the artwork captures the pomp and dignity that lies at the heart of the RCMP Ride. "The RCMP Musical Ride" is a very special and heartfelt tribute to this very Canadian of institutions.
