A 150-year-old horseback tradition is returning to Alberta this summer

The North West Mounted Police Musical Ride will once again take over Fort Macleod, giving visitors a chance to watch a historic horseback performance that has roots in Alberta’s early history. The tradition started as a way for officers to practice their riding skills and break up their daily drills, but it eventually evolved into a public performance showcasing the skill of the riders, the training of the horses, and the impressive formations they create together.

Nearly 150 years later, the Musical Ride continues to bring that history to life and gives visitors a chance to see the skill and dedication that go into every performance.

If you’re planning on checking out this historic performance, here’s everything you need to know before you head out to Fort Macleod.

Everything happening at the NWMP Musical Ride

The Musical Ride takes place at The Fort Museum of The North West Mounted Police and First Nations Interpretive Centre, a museum dedicated to sharing the stories and traditions that are connected to the early days of the town.

According to the Fort Museum, the performance will run three times a day, so visitors will have a few opportunities to catch the riders in action during their visit. Throughout the show, riders and their horses will move across the field performing carefully timed drills and choreographed routines set to music.

While the Musical Ride is the main attraction, visitors can also take the experience a step further and get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to prepare for the performance. Participants will have an opportunity to help groom and prepare a horse alongside members of the Mounted Patrol and get dressed in a traditional rider’s uniform.

Pricing and timing

The North West Mounted Police Musical Ride is taking place throughout August at The Fort Museum in Fort Macleod. Visitors can catch the performance Tuesday through Sunday, wth shows running at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1:45 p.m. Admission to the Musical Ride is included with entry to the museum, so you can explore the historic grounds, exhibits, and artifacts before or after the performance.

The North West Mounted Police Musical Ride is only around for a limited time, so if this sounds like your kind of summer outing, now’s the time to make your way down to the south end of the province and catch the performance before it wraps up for the season!

When: Tuesday to Sunday (Running throughout August)
Time: Performances at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1:45 p.m.
Where: 219 Jerry Pots Blvd., Fort Macleod, Alta.
Cost: Starting at $12.50

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Kaiya Williams

Kaiya is a Calgary-based writer and content creator with a background in marketing and digital storytelling. She has a passion for community-driven stories and covering local experiences that connect people.

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