The RCMP Musical Ride has kicked off its tour of the Maritimes in Fredericton, where one rider is making his hometown debut in front of family and friends.
Cst. Steven Saulnier and his partner Duncan are one of 32 horse-and-rider pairs that make up the ride team.
“Every time you put the red serge on and you come out to the crowd, you stand a little taller, a little more proud,” said Saulnier.
This is Saulnier’s third season with the Musical Ride team, but Sunday marked the first time he has performed in his hometown of Fredericton. His parents were there to see the preparation, and dozens of family members and friends came to watch the Fredericton shows.
“I think this whole Atlantic tour for me will be – I’ll soak in every moment. I’ve got family across the province and I’ll just kind of sit back and really enjoy it,” Saulnier said.
“I’m always proud of what he’s doing and who he is,” said Saulnier’s mother, Mirielle. “We’re proud parents and here, it will be more sentimental, because this is where he was born and raised. And to be surrounded by all the family and friends, it will be extra special.”
The musical ride started in 1887. The tour travels across Canada and around the world.
Even Sunday’s practice run drew hundreds of spectators.
The work for the Musical Ride team is vastly different than that of a regular patrol officer, which Saulnier did for several years in Grand Falls, N.B.
“This is more than public relations, good impressions,” he said. “(We) interact with the communities, show a good image of the RCMP, and also promote the history and heritage of our country,”
Saulnier’s third season with the musical ride team will be his last. He’s not sure where he will be posted next.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Andy Campbell
