RCMP seeks help to name newborn foals

The RCMP is once again turning to children for help.

In celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary the national police force’s Musical Ride has established a contest to name 14 foals born this spring at the RCMP breeding farm in Pakenham, Ontario.

“Here’s a chance for kids to be a part of history, by coming up with a name for one of the 14 foals,” said Inspector Patrick Egan, officer in charge of the Musical Ride.

All children 14 years of age or less are eligible to enter a name starting with the letter “O”.  

One winner will be chosen from each of the country’s 13 provinces and territories.

The 14th foal name will be selected from school class entries.

“This year with adding the school class entries, it gives a great opportunity for students to work together and come up with a name,” Egan said. “Wouldn’t it be cool if your class submitted the winning name and the foal becomes part of the world-famous Musical Ride some day? It’s possible if you send in an entry to the 2017 RCMP ‘Name the Foal’ contest.”

Individual entries must include the child’s first name only, school, city, province or territory and email address. Class entries must include the teacher’s name, school, city, province or territory and email address.

Entries can be mailed or submitted online at www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/name-foal-contest

Mailed entries must be postmarked no later than April 26 and sent to:

Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride Branch
c/o RCMP Name the Foal Contest
PO Box 8900
Ottawa, ON K1G 3J2

Winners will receive prizes including a 2017 Musical Ride pennant, a framed picture of
the foal, a t-shirt and pins.

Some winners may also get a chance to meet the current riders and horses of the iconic Musical Ride troop. The Ride will visit all 10 provinces and one territory this year.

“We look forward to meeting some of the winners during this year’s cross-country tour in celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday,” Egan said.