I once had aspirations and a goal to join the RCMP Musical Ride. The RCMP, however, advised me that the above picture is about as close as I will ever get to my aspirations and goals. I have no personal stories of being on the ride but I can share a friend’s story of his experience.

Cpl Barry Kennedy did some time on the ride with his horse called “Chancey.” After the ride performance is over, the horses and riders spread out to meet the people in attendance. Adults and kids can come right up to the horses, pet them and speak to the riders about the horses or their experience on the ride.

One child was trying to feed Chancey a treat, so Barry was able to manipulate the reins and get Chancey to take the treat from the young person. People were amazed at how much control Barry had over Chancey.

Barry was concentrating on speaking to the group on his left telling them that he has to have complete control over his horse and he could get Chancey to do pretty much anything he wanted and Chancey would obey. As Barry’s attention was on this group, Chancey’s head all of a sudden bolted up and to the right.  As this happened there was a ripping sound.

Chancy had somehow grabbed hold of a lady’s halter top with his teeth and off came the shirt. There stood a  female with her arms covering her breasts.  My buddy Barry loudly makes it clear to the crowd, “ I DID NOT TEACH HIM TO DO THAT.”  Personally, I and a number of friends who know Barry, believe that Chancey probably was taught this.

Marko Shehovac is Staff Sgt. for the Columbia Valley RCMP detachment