Dear Editor:
I was shocked to read that an RCMP Riding Master was removed from the RCMP Musical Ride Unit over horse abuse allegations.
Sgt. Major Marc Godue had been a riding instructor with the Musical Ride since 1990 and was promoted to Riding Master in 2014.
Having been a member of the RCMP Musical Ride in 1956, 1957 and 1958, performing in Canada, USA and Great Britain, I never saw any abuse of horses by our members.
I travelled with the horses by boat from Glasgow, Scotland, by train across the USA and Canada, and by truck.
I was an active rider in our performances in 1956 and 1957 and a lead rider in 1958. Having lived on a farm and working with horses, I was quite at ease riding and working with horse. I was considered a soft rider, working with my mount as we performed our drill. During our time in England, we performed the ride three times for the Queen.
I rode a horse called Terry in 1956 and 1957 and a lead horse called Jimmy in 1958. Jimmy was a helpful guide if I forgot to make the proper turns, he always chose the right one.
This year, the Ride is performing across Canada I wish them good luck and dream upon the time I was a member performing before large crowds in the world.
John Ginter
Radium Hot Springs