History of the North West Mounted Police
In the summer of 2009, it will be 140 years since American whiskey-trading outlaws set up shop in Canada's southern Alberta territory.
Fort Whoop-Up (where the City of Lethbridge is today) was one of the largest and most profitable of these “whiskey forts”. And while nobody wanted to thwart commerce, firewater was wreaking havoc on the plains people.
So, what was a government to do about Whoop-Up? In 1873, Canadian Prime Minister Sir John A. Macdonald formed the North-West Mounted Police and sent them to Alberta to run the rascals off.
Much to the chagrin of the whiskey traders, the NWMP trail’s end was Fort Macleod, a mere stone’s throw from Fort Whoop-Up. The outlaws hightailed it back to the USA without a shot being fired. (That's so Canadian ... eh?)
From Fort Macleod a contingent of NWMP followed well-known wagon trains heading north. They established a presence at Fort Calgary, Fort Normandeau (Red Deer) and Fort Saskatchewan (before moving their fort to Edmonton some years later).
And so begins our wild PINK adventure!
The 34-Day Schedule
This is every horseback rider’s dream, every teamster’s ambition!
We will muster the train and “whoop it up” in Lethbridge. No firewater at this gathering! Instead we'll have a pancake breakfast, entertainment for the family and a chance to get our horsemen and wagons unloaded and organized before taking off on our journey. Saturday morning will be busy at Fort Whoop Up, but in the afternoon we will hit the trail for a short 10 mile ride to our first camp.
We're heading for Fort Macleod, traveling the back roads to Okotoks. From there we will skirt around the western side of Calgary. Talk about eye candy! The Rocky Mountain scenery is breath-takingly beautiful during this leg of ourjourney. Black Diamond. Millarville. Bragg Creek. Cochrane. Airdrie.
From Airdrie we continue north to Red Deer and on to trail’s end, Friday, July 24th, at the place the NWMP made their first permanent home in the north. When we arrive, we won't call it quits 'til we've had one humdinger of a wind-up party.
Our trip: close to 600 miles. There will be covered wagons, outriders and the little-known “Hole in the Head Gang” wearing pink bandanas to cover their faces when running from the NWMP (or for a photo op).
You can ride with us for as many (or few) days as you like.
You can ride with us for the weekend, go home to work or school and ride again the following weekend ... though those riding for the whole week will be given preference.
You are encouraged to dress in 1874 style (and might well be rewarded with a prize) but it is not mandatory.
There is a 100 horse limit each day, so book your space early as we're pretty sure we're going to sell out quickly.
Click here for the list of dates and stops.
Click here for a map of the route. The Map
This is going to be legendary!
Our Wonderful Partners:d
Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies
Alberta Equestrian Federation
Peavey Mart
Moore & Company Veterinary Services
Federated Co-op
Friends of the Ride:
Northern Horse
Cowgirl Finesse
Nutrena
Saddle Up
Canada Equine On-Line
Our Charity of Choice:d
Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation
Our Story:
History of NWMP
34-Day Ride Schedule
Map
The Forms
The Rules of the Ride
Meet the Riders & Drivers
Sponsor Your Favourite
How to Win a New Saddle
Participation Gifts
And More
Blog
Looking for something fun -- and important -- to do with your horse this summer?
