Red-Coated Riders

crayola supplies

Erasable Colored Pencils
Markers
Glue Sticks
Pointed Tip Scissors
Construction Paper

household supplies

cardboard

Why

From the Arctic to the Atlantic, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are on patrol and parade. Create a stand-up Mountie and horse to honor their courage and precision.

Steps

1. What images pop into your mind when you think of Canada? Maple leaves? Curling? A red-coated Mountie in a Stetson? The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are known around the world for their bravery. Find out about the men and women of the RCMP. Here’s one way to craft your own Mountie and horse.
2. Draw a horse and a Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer with Crayola® Erasable Colored Pencils on a piece of white paper. Look at pictures and make the uniform, saddle, and other details look authentic.
3. Color your figures with Crayola Washable Markers. Cut them out with Crayola Scissors.
4. Trace both the horse and Mountie on recycled cardboard, such as an empty cereal box. Cut them out. Use a Crayola Glue Stick to attach the horse and police officer to the cardboard.
5. Cut a slit on each side of the base of the police officer and the horse. Cut two narrow strips of cardboard. Bend them into U shapes. Insert the ends of a cardboard U into the two slits on the bottom of each figure so each will stand up.
6. Build riding paths, training facilities, or a parade route by cutting out more cardboard and coloring it with your markers. Have fun saving the day with your mounted police officers!

When & Where

"Our sons are in awe of the RCMPs. They make new figures to add to their collection all the time."
- Madeline K., mother of ages 7 and 9.

"Who better to emulate than one of our own? Suddenly, our kids are interested in geography."
- Geoffrey V., father of ages 7, 9, and 10.

Interesting Info

The Musical Ride is performed by a full troop of 32 Royal Canadian Mountie riders and their horses. They perform a variety of intricate figures and cavalry drills choreographed to music. The RCMP Musical Ride tours throughout Canada as well as internationally.

Safety Guidelines

Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.