COVID-19 pandemic, the return of the RCMP Musical Ride is coinciding with the Platinum Jubilee of a monarch with whom members share a “very special” bond, says the force’s riding master.It’s a bond that dates back to 1969, when the RCMP presented Queen Elizabeth II with the jet-black horse that would go on to become her favourite — Burmese.Though the Queen took in the Platinum Jubilee parade from her balcony this year after suffering recent health issues, for years she led the Horse Guard Parade as part of Trooping the Colour from atop the steady mare gifted to her by the Canadian police force.“I would also say that it’s very personal and that we have had immediately a bond and an understanding revolved around horses,” said Sgt.-Maj.
Scott Williamson, the RCMP’s riding master. Penticton children’s book receives royal recognition from Queen Elizabeth II “It makes our relationship with Her Majesty just a little bit extra special, a little bit more personal.”The Queen was even riding Burmese when a man fired six shots –all blanks — at her during the parade in 1981.According to the BBC historical archives, 17-year-old Marcus Sarjeant had originally intended to use a real gun but when he couldn’t get one, played out what Lord Chief Justice Geoffrey Lane described at the time as a “fantasy assassination.” Mobility issues hold Queen Elizabeth back from Platinum Jubilee church service Sarjeant fired six blanks at the Queen while she was riding down The Mall on June 13, 1981, during Trooping the Colour.
Burmese startled at the sounds, but the Queen calmed the mare.Sarjeant pleaded guilty under the Treason Act and served five years behind bars.“It was a bit of a scary moment at the time,” said Dickie Arbiter, former press.