Outer-Row Stander - Canadian, Eh?
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Carver: SEESA
Painters:Barb Kozak & Liz Malin
Size: 48" chest to rump
Status: finished
Sponsors: Lori Donner & Diana Wiebe
Designer Sharon Abbott always envisioned the second stander on the outer ring of the Fort Edmonton Park Carousel as a RCMP Parade Horse, similar to those ridden by the RCMP in their world famous Musical Ride. Because so many visitors ask Park officials if the Musical Ride is performed at Fort Edmonton (it isn't), it was decided early on that it would be most appropriate to include a RCMP Parade Horse on our carousel. As such, Canadian, eh? is one of Sharon's outstanding creations.
The Royal North-West Mounted Police was conceived by John A. Macdonald, Canada's first Prime Minister. Inspired by the Royal Irish Constabulary and the mounted rifle units of the United States Army, his objective was to see that the NWMP bring law and order to the North-West Territories (present-day Saskatchewan and Alberta). The NWMP arrived in our province in 1874. The title "Royal" was bestowed by Edward VII in 1904. In 1920 federal policing was reorganized and, as a result, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police was formed.
The Musical Ride developed from a desire by early members of the North-West Mounted Police to display their riding ability and entertain both themselves and the local community. Considering that the original Mounted Police members had a British military background, it was inevitable that the series of figures they performed were traditional cavalry drill movements. Once they were choreographed to music, these movements formed the basis of the Musical Ride. Although begun in 1876, the Musical Ride, originally consisting of twenty men, was put on public display for the first time in 1901. Over the years the popularity of the Ride has grown and has become a familiar sight throughout most of the world.
The highlight of the Musical Ride is, without a doubt, the Charge, when lances, with their red and white pennons, are lowered and the riders and their mounts launch into the gallop.
Typically a graceful, long-legged horse is chosen for the Musical Ride. Thus our carousel horse is a black spirited stallion, majestic in stature, loyal and long serving. To do justice to the horse, Canadian, eh? is presented a handsome stander.