The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is a well-known mounted police force, although horses are no longer in use operationally. However, horses are still used in the Musical Ride as well as by several provincial and municipal police detachments.

Why does the RCMP ride horses?

Each winter, we pair up the riders and horses and they stay together for the year. This helps them develop a close bond while touring and preforming from coast-to-coast-to-coast. Riders also act as ambassadors for Canada, the RCMP, and our community policing efforts by: answering questions before and after performances.

Do police officers still use horses?

Today, it's not unusual to see police in many different cities around America on horseback. Police are still using this old-fashioned, but worthwhile form of transportation and patrol. Let's look at a little bit more of the history, and why police use horses in this modern era.