On a beautiful Friday night at the Orangeville Agricultural Centre over 1000 people arrived to take in the spectacular RCMP Musical ride. This event was being hosted by Youthdale Riding Program.

The Youthdale Riding Program was initiated by Ellen Downey at her Jewel View Farm. The program is geared to at-risk-youth. Ellen and her staff provide a therapeutic connection between the attending youth with horses. The numerous positive testimonials posted on the Youthdale Riding Program website are evidence that the program is truly a success story.

The Musical Ride was highly entertaining with the riders and horses demonstrating their control, timing and coordination. The forty-five minute show was highlighted by the riders performing many intricate figures and drills. I was most impressed by the gender balance of male and female riders. The RCMP bright red clothing colours with the chestnut brown horses created a rather magical feeling and one can’t help feel proud of being a Canadian while taking in this wonderful show case of riding skills.

The ride concluded with the RCMP riders bringing their horses up the railing surrounding the riding field so that the spectators could ask questions, pet the horses and take selfies.

I was there as an Orangeville Lion working in the food booth. Our Lions Club food booth was extremely busy throughout the evening serving hotdogs, fries, poutine, and onion rings.

Be sure to visit the annual Orangeville Fall Fair which is starting Friday, September 2 and runs until Sunday, September 4th. I will also be attending the annual Island Lake 5k and 10K Classic which is on Monday morning, September 5th. It should be a rather exciting weekend before school resumes on Tuesday, September 6th. I can say that with a smile on my face now that I’m a retired school teacher!

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