Little can faze the horses that spend four months of every year performing a re-enactment of the North West Mounted Police musical ride at The Fort museum in Fort Macleod, Alta.
They’ve heard loud music, been surrounded by crowds, watched stray food wrappers blow in the wind and witnessed all manner of childish antics as they go about their tourist-attraction duties.
In fact, they’re practically bomb-proof, says Fort executive director Dawn Lauder.
They are also for lease this winter, as the Fort experiments with a program to keep the horses active during their musical ride hiatus. The 12 animals typically winter near the old barracks site at the town’s west end, where they tend to lose condition.
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“That’s why we decided this lease would be a good option because at least that way they’re going to be used and exercised through the winter,” said Lauder.
“It’s healthier for the horses, and it’s also good for us.”
One horse has been leased so far and there have been three or four additional inquiries, Lauder said.
Lease conditions are simple. Applicants must sign a waiver and an agreement that they will supply insurance on the horse and cover all feed and care. The horse’s new location is inspected for suitability and safety before the lease is granted.
As well, the same bit and cinch type should be used on the horse to avoid confusion and ease transition.
“They’re 100 percent responsible for the horse, just like it was their own, for the period of the lease,” Lauder said.
“The horse is expected to return in the same condition it left in.”
In return, the lessees have free use of the horse. And yes, they might get attached to it, but Lauder said that’s not a bad thing.
She wants to rotate the musical ride horses every four to six years, so the animals will have a useful life after their time in the public eye.
“(Lessees) have an opportunity to try a horse out for a whole winter free of charge and then they can put their name in for purchasing the horse when we retire it, so it’s a really super opportunity if they’re in the market looking for a horse,” she said.
“In the meantime, they can lease (the horse) every winter until they retire. It can be a really good deal if someone’s in the market for a good horse. So I hope that it works.”
Fort horses have another unique characteristic, besides their comfort with handling and regular performances.
They like music. In fact, they find it soothing.
“Usually it puts them to sleep, if you watch them out in the arena,” Lauder said. “Most of them are having a little nap. You watch them and their heads are all down and their eyes are half closed until they have to do something.”
