Joining the RCMP Musical Ride was a dream come true for Katherine Hansen.
Growing up on a farm in Penticton, Katherine was horse-crazy. But it wasn’t until she saw the musical ride at age six that her future path became crystal clear.
“From that moment on, I had a vision to become a Mountie and ride in the Musical Ride,” said Hansen. “I had a little red cape and rode my black horse pretending that I was a Mountie.”
Hansen joined the RCMP in 1992 and enjoyed a four-year posting in Saskatchewan.
In 1996, she had the opportunity to make that childhood dream become a reality and join the Musical Ride, which got its start back in 1873, when the North-West Mounted Police, as they were known then, relied on skilled riders to carry out police duties across the West.
It soon led to them performing at events.
Today, the RCMP Musical Ride consists of a full troop of 32 riders and their horses, performing intricate figures and drills choreographed to music.
“Children absolutely love the Musical Ride,” said Hansen. “People are so moved by the performance, that they always asked if there was something they could take away as a souvenir.
“We used to hand out little cards with a picture of the horse and rider, but I thought it would be wonderful if we could give a book about the Musical Ride to children.”
As she was performing, Hansen started formulating little stories about the Musical Ride. After 25 years on the Force, Hansen retired in 2016.
Earlier this year, she was thrilled to be asked to rejoin the Musical Ride as an experienced rider. Her bags were packed and she was ready to go.
Then COVID-19 hit and like many, her plans were dashed.
“I always wanted to write for children because I knew there were other kids like me who dreamed of one day being with the Musical Ride,” says Hansen. “I wanted to write stories about believing in yourself, the power of friendship, and working with a team. Maybe this is the perfect time to write these uplifting stories.”
Harry the Musical Ride Horse is the first of three books Katherine wrote while grounded by COVID-19.
The RCMP Foundation agreed to distribute these stories through the Mountie Shop.
For every 100 books that she sells, Hansen will donate 10 books to local charities to assist with children and their families.
The first 10 books are going to the RCMP Victim Services unit in Penticton.
The book was illustrated by Musical Ride colleague Trish Lafrance, while the cover art is by Vancouver Island artist Joan Larson.
Hansen wrote two other books, Harry the Musical Ride Horse Goes to Newfoundland, which will be out in October, and Harry the Musical Ride Horse Goes to the Calgary Stampede, which will be available in November.
“It is my intention to write a story about Harry for every province and territory across Canada,” said Hansen. “So when children ask if they have a souvenir about the Musical Ride, they will get a story that takes place where they live.
“The proudest moments of my life were riding across the country and the world promoting Canada and the RCMP. Many times when they played the Canadian anthem at the beginning of the performance, it was such a powerful moment and I, too, would start crying. There is just something magical about the Musical Ride. Something so Canadian.”
Check out kateandharry.ca for more information on Hansen’s Musical Ride experiences.
