Fort Smith (June 23/03) - A world-famous piece of Canadian culture and heritage rode onto a field in Fort Smith on June 19

The RCMP Musical Ride launched its tour of the NWT with its first-ever visit to Fort Smith, and hundreds turned out to witness the display of precision riding.

Resplendent in their red serge uniforms, the 36 riders -- along with their magnificent horses -- made an impression.

"I thought it was marvellous," said Fort Smith resident Isabel Brannigan following the performance. "And what a thrill that they came to Fort Smith."

The performance entertained young and old. Three-year-old Mackenzie Villeneuve said the horses were nice and she wasn't scared at all by the large animals. Asked what she enjoyed most about the Musical Ride, she replied, "The running."

Mayor Peter Martselos was beaming that the Musical Ride was finally in his town. "I'm overjoyed."

It was Martselos' idea to invite the Musical Ride to Fort Smith, and he sent an invitation letter about three years ago. A year later, he was contacted by the RCMP and told the Musical Ride would be happy to come North, but it wanted other communities to visit.

Martselos said he then contacted Yellowknife and Hay River. "The rest is history."

The Musical Ride visited Yellowknife on Sunday and will perform in Hay River on Tuesday.

One rider with the Musical Ride is from the NWT -- Monique England of Yellowknife.

While grooming her horse Julia before the Fort Smith performance, England said she is thrilled to be back in the NWT as part of the Musical Ride.

"The last time I was home to Yellowknife was 1996 and I wasn't even a police officer at that time," England says.

The Musical Ride's Northern tour coincides with the 100th anniversary of the RCMP's first detachment in the NWT.

RCMP Commissioner Giuliano Zaccardelli is also currently touring the NWT, and visited Fort Smith June 18.