Royal Canadian Mounted Police create a world-renowned spectacle that is a living symbol of Canada - the Musical Ride! The Musical Ride was established in 1887 as a way for the RCMP to display their riding ability and to entertain themselves and the local community. Today, the Musical Ride is based at the RCMP Rockcliffe, Ontario facility, and the troop of 32 riders and horses travel around Canada and select international venues to perform. The officers and horses perform intricate figures and cavalry drills, all choreographed to music in ceremonial dress. Every member of the RCMP has a chance to be a part of the Musical Ride! RCMP members that have completed at least two years of active police work can apply to be a part of the Musical Ride for a three-year term. The RCMP breeds its own horses, which are black and 16-17 hands high. Until recently, they were 3/4 to 7/8 Thoroughbred, but in 1989, Hanoverians were purchased to improve bloodlines. The young horses begin basic training at three years of age, and Musical Ride training at age six.