Canadian eventer Jessica Phoenix recently enjoyed the unique experience of leading a two-day riding workshop at the RCMP’s Rockcliffe Stables in Ottawa for human and equine members of the Musical Ride. From Nov. 3-4, the Cannington, ON, Olympian taught in-class and on-horse sessions on the flat and over fences to a number of enthusiastic riders — an interesting departure from their usual routine.
Phoenix explained that the opportunity arose at Bromont in June during Equestrian Canada’s Red and White fundraising party. “The RCMP was invited, as they were doing a Musical Ride at Bromont this year, which was an incredible addition. Through speaking with some of the Mounties, they said they would love to have that kind of positive confidence in a clinic situation.”
Phoenix taught in-class and on-horse sessions on the flat and over fences.
The workshop included in-class sessions where multiple officers were invited to take part, followed by on-horse training in the arena consisting of five groups of two riders each. “The first day we did poles after the in-class session, looking at how to set up poles correctly and various exercises that would increase the horse’s flexibility and communication with the horse and rider. Then we set jumps and worked through the exercises, giving them something that they could implement throughout their program to keep the horses engaged and give the riders another level of confidence and communication with their horses.”
Phoenix was surprised that many of the officers enter the Musical Ride program with limited — or zero — previous horse experience. “It’s such an incredible program that they run there. Taking these officers and teaching them how to ride, and then being able to perform in the Musical Ride — it’s just astonishing. It really blew me away to see the inner workings of how they produce riders and put on such an incredible show. What an honour to be able to work with the Musical Ride!”
She was also impressed by the quality of the horses. “Their breeding program is phenomenal. The horses coming into the ring were just so nice. They were so athletic, so genuine, they had wonderful personalities. The level at which they breed and produce them was pretty awesome to see.”
The clinic was so well received, and the officers and trainers so enthusiastic, that Phoenix thinks this type of training might be something the RCMP will start implementing more often.
And what is next for Phoenix, who is coming off a banner year in 28th place on the World Rankings with multiple wins on multiple horses? “I just love this time of year, being at home in Canada, being able to do different types of training in the indoor,” she noted. “It’s a really beneficial time for the horses; you can get them stronger, yet have a couple of months where you’re not producing them to shows. Then we head down to Florida mid-February, and we’ll look forward to the World Championships next year.”
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