Musical Ride Tour Resumes in Edmonton July 23

OTTAWA, July 16, 2010 — The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is pleased to announce that the RCMP Musical Ride will resume its tour with the first performance taking place on July 23 in Edmonton, Alberta.

The 2010 Musical Ride Tour came to a halt after one of the horses contracted a low grade case of Streptococcus Equi, while on tour in the spring. Seven other horses showed signs of the highly contagious equine bacterial infection, commonly known as strangles.

Upon the suggestion of the RCMP's veterinarian advisors, in consultation with the University of Guelph veterinarian college, the Musical Ride Branch decided to isolate the Musical Ride horses at the RCMP Stables in Ottawa. This resulted in the cancellation of shows previously scheduled to take place in Saskatchewan and Alberta between July 2 and July 20.

"Cancelling performances is never an easy decision to make, however in these circumstances we felt it was not only best for our horses, but also was our duty to ensure strangles wasn't passed on to any other horse populations," said Inspector Marty Chesser, Officer in Charge of the Musical Ride Branch. "With the confirmation that the horses are healthy and fit to travel, we are eager to get back on the road and continue the 2010 tour."

In consultation with Dr. Glen Smith, Veterinarian, currently on contract with the RCMP and the Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph, Musical Ride horses were tested three times for strangles. All three tests have confirmed negative and the RCMP Musical Ride horses are healthy to resume tour.

The Musical Ride Tour will depart the RCMP Stables, located at the Canadian Police College on St. Laurent Blvd. North in Ottawa, on Sunday, July 18. Media are invited to the Stables at 6:00 a.m. to see the Musical Ride prepare to leave for their tour. Interview and photo opportunities will be available.

The RCMP Stables will reopen its doors for tours on July 20th, 2010. Tours will be available daily between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. for the rest of the summer.

For a copy of the 2010 Musical Ride Tour schedule, visit: http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/mr-ce/tour-eng.htm.

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RCMP Media Relations:
(613) 993-2999