Strengthening bonds: A collaboration between cavalry units
March 4, 2025 - Lt(N) Josh Ehnisz, Public Affairs Officer, 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group
An exciting chapter in military co‑operation unfolded as the U.S. Army's 1st Infantry Division Commanding General's Mounted Color Guard visited the Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) (LdSH(RC)) Ceremonial Mounted Troop at 3rd Canadian Division Support Base Edmonton from Feb. 7 to 15.
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Members from the Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) Ceremonial Mounted Troop, the U.S. Commanding General's Mounted Color Guard and 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group leadership got together for a photo following demonstrations and drills on Feb. 14.
Photos by Lt(N) Josh Ehnisz, Public Affairs Officer, 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group
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Members from the Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) Ceremonial Mounted Troop and the U.S. Commanding General's Mounted Color Guard on parade on Feb. 14 at 3rd Canadian Division Support Base Edmonton.
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A Member of the U.S. Commanding General's Mounted Color Guard conducts a drill called Tent Pegging with a sabre. The Commanding General's Mounted Color Guard was introduced to the drill during their visit to the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) Ceremonial Mounted Troop from Feb. 7 to 15.
This significant event marked an opportunity for both units to come together, share traditions and enhance their mounted cavalry skills.
The collaboration created a vibrant atmosphere where traditions and techniques were exchanged. Throughout the week, the two mounted units engaged in friendly competitions and demonstrations, showcasing their unique cavalry practices while learning from one another. The camaraderie developed during this period is something both teams hope to carry forward into future collaborations.
Captain Patrick Gurnow, Commanding Officer of the Commanding General's Mounted Color Guard, articulated the deeper significance of this partnership.
"It's more than just about us mounting up on horses,” he said. “We view this as diplomatic relations—strengthening bonds and building on the deep‑rooted history between the Lord Strathcona's and the 1st Infantry Division. It’s gratifying to work with partners who we collaborate with throughout the world."
Staff Sergeant Joseph Sierra from the U.S. unit expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and cultural exchanges experienced during their visit.
"Other than the warm welcome we have received, I love the cultural diversity we have experienced here in Edmonton and during our trip to Calgary. Beyond that, I really want to take back some of the espirit de corps," he shared.
Staff Sgt Sierra also noted the inspiration drawn from the Strathcona’s commitment to their history and traditions, hoping to incorporate similar values into their own Mounted Color Guard.
Major Nathan Hevenor, LdSH(RC) Commanding Officer, emphasized the importance of building relationships within the small community of mounted cavalry units in North America.
"I hope meetings like this can help us establish better ties so we can learn from each other and showcase our skills to audiences across North America," he stated.
The collaboration not only focused on skills and techniques, but also fostered trust and understanding between the two units.
Colonel Sean French, Commander 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (1 CMBG), highlighted the importance of joint training exercises.
“Joint training plays a crucial role in fostering relationships and building trust among military units,” he said. “This collaboration not only strengthens international military ties but also enhances interoperability for future operations.
Canadian Armed Forces members work alongside allies throughout the world, with a large focus in Eastern Europe for Operation UNIFIER and Op REASSURANCE.
“In the context of 1 CMBG, we work alongside our United States partners in Eastern Europe on Operation UNIFIER, as part of the U.S.‑led Security Assistance Group – Ukraine. These exercises provide our troops with the opportunity to connect with our allies and build relationships,” said Col French.
The gathering of the two mounted troops serves as a reminder that joint activities not only improve military performance, but also promote camaraderie and teamwork within and between units. This newfound cohesion is expected to enhance morale and unit performance going forward.
As both the Commanding General's Mounted Color Guard and LdSH(RC) reflect on this remarkable exchange, they look forward to future opportunities to collaborate, share experiences and further strengthen the ties that bind their proud traditions.
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The U.S. Commanding General's Mounted Color Guard went on a tour of the Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) unit lines, where they had the opportunity to see the Leopard 2 simulation centre, the unit museum and more.
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Members from the Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) Ceremonial Mounted Troop and the U.S. Commanding General's Mounted Color Guard did tent pegging drills with sabres and lances on Feb. 13 and 14.