OTTAWA – September 25, 2009 The prestigious Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Horse Auction will take place Saturday, September 26 at 7:30 p.m. at the RCMP Riding Hall, located on the grounds of the Canadian Police College in Ottawa, Canada. Hosted by the RCMP Foundation, the auction raises funds in support of the RCMP Breeding Program, currently celebrating its 70th anniversary.
“Over the past 70 years, the RCMP Breeding Program has earned a reputation for producing some of the finest horses in Canada,” said RCMP Commissioner William J.S. Elliott. “The horses to be sold in this year’s auction were bred to be part of the world famous RCMP Musical Ride and reflect the pride, tradition, and history of the RCMP.”
The RCMP Breeding Program was established in 1939 when Depot Division in Regina, Saskatchewan officially began breeding the famous black horses of Canada’s national police force. In 1942, the breeding program moved to Fort Walsh, Saskatchewan before relocating in 1968 to its current location in Pakenham, Ontario. The Pakenham Breeding Farm spans 140 hectares of lush Ottawa Valley land. The program has always maintained its stringent requirements of size, conformation, temperament and colour, which are as important as substance and stamina to withstand the demands of national and international touring of the RCMP Musical Ride.
“The horses for sale this year are a true reflection of the caliber for which the RCMP breeding program is internationally renowned. In fact, I believe that the horses in each auction improve as the breeding process is refined,” explained John Phillips, Manager of the RCMP Pakenham Breeding Farm. “This year we have a selection of foals, fillies, broodmares - seven of which are in foal, and one stallion. Temperament is a significant quality for Musical Ride horses, but character is perfect for competition horses – an attribute that appeals to bidders.”
A total of 20 horses will be sold at this year’s auction, including a five month old foal. Funds raised through the auction will be invested into the RCMP Breeding Program to ensure the RCMP continues to produce only the highest quality horses for the RCMP Musical Ride.
“Not every horse meets the particular standards of the RCMP Musical Ride, with respect to size or colour for example, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth buying!” declared Phillips. “On the contrary, bidders come from across North America to buy RCMP horses whose reputation for good conformation, beautiful movement, quiet steady character, and good handling make them a ‘must have’.”
Auction catalogues feature a photograph and outline the pedigree, temperament and potential prospects of each horse for sale. Auction catalogues are available by visiting the auction website , by e-mail at rcmp_horseauction@live.ca, or by contacting Brian Sparrow, Auction Sales Manager, at (613) 818-5693.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Ann McRoberts
RCMP Foundation
(416) 428-9876
RCMP Media Relations
(613) 993-2999
