About the Strathcona Mounted Troop

What is the Strathcona Mounted Troop?

The Strathcona Mounted Troop is an authorized volunteer display unit.  The Troop is reminiscent of Lord Strathcona’s Horse in the nineteen twenties and thirties.  The twenty-horse, twenty-five member Troop performs the Musical Ride.  The ride is drawn from the Regiment’s traditions of the nineteen twenties and thirties.

When was the Troop Formed?

The current Strathcona Mounted Troop was formed in 1977.  The original Ceremonial Mounted Troop was formed in 1923 as a means of honouring and maintaining the Cavalry traditions of the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians).  The original Troop was disband in 1939 when the Regiment moved to armoured vehicles as Canada joined the world in preparations for the Second World War.

Who are the people in the Troop?

The twenty-five members of the Strathcona Mounted Troop are soldiers of Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians).  The members of the Troop volunteer for one or two years to serve in much the same manner as Strathcona’s did in the nineteen twenties.  Their daily schedule concentrates on the care of their mounts and equipment, and in cavalry drills and training.  In addition, they are responsible to remain ready for active military duty, and must therefore participate in trade specific training.

What is Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians)?

Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) is a regular force armoured unit of the Canadian Forces.  The Strathcona’s primary fighting vehicle is the Leopard tank.  Its reconnaissance squadron utilizes the Coyote, of the Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) family.  The Strathcona’s are the only regular force armoured unit in Western Canada.

Who owns the horses?

The mounts of the Strathcona Mounted Troop are provided through the Ceremonial Mounted Troop Foundation, and remain Foundation property.  The mounts are neither purchased by nor maintained by the Canadian Forces or the Department of National Defense.

Does the Army issue the uniforms and equipment?

The uniforms, accoutrements (badges and buttons) saddles and tack are not the property of the Canadian Forces or the Department of National Defense.  These items are provided through the Ceremonial Mounted Troop Foundation, and remain Foundation property.

How does the Strathcona Mounted Troop Travel?

Public support is provided in transporting the Strathcona Mounted Troop with regards to personnel and support vehicles. Transportation of our 20 horse trailer is provided by one of our proud sponsors, Bison Transport.  The twenty-horse trailer purchased in 1998, however, was provided by the Ceremonial Mounted Troop Foundation with the assistance of the Wild Rose Foundation.

Can the Strathcona Mounted Troop be booked by any organization?

Any organization or individual can book the Strathcona Mounted Troop throughout the active display season May through October.  Availability is dependent on the distance from Edmonton, Alberta, and on conflict with annual commitments. The Troop, for instance, is booked for all major events at Spruce Meadows. An information and requirements package will be forwarded to interested parties. Please contact smt@strathconas.ca.