OHIO, N.S. — Five-year-old Ally LaBrash likes horses.
Now, the Ohio, Antigonish County youngster can say she named one of the foals who could grow up to, eventually, become an addition to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s world renowned Musical Ride.
The RCMP recently announced the winners of their Name the Foal contest and Ally’s Rosie was one of eight selected from more than 2,500 submissions across Canada.
“Youth, 14-years-old and under, were invited to submit original names starting with the letter R,” a recent press release from the RCMP noted.
“For 80 years, the RCMP has been breeding its own horses and is internationally recognized for producing some of the finest Hanoverian horses in Canada.
“This year, the names will go to eight new foals born at the breeding farm in Pakenham, Ontario, this spring. The new additions may grow up to be in the world famous Musical Ride.”
With a wide-smile, Ally said she came up with the name Rosie because, “I like it.”
“Every year, we look forward to choosing the winning names for the foals,” Superintendent Kevin Fahey, officer in charge of the Musical Ride and Heritage Branch, said.
“This year’s winning names are perfect for the RCMP and the foals they’ve been given to. We want to extend a big thank you to all the kids, parents and teachers across Canada for participating in this annual tradition.”
Joining Ally with winning submissions are: Isabelle from Wabamun, Alberta with Raina; Ahmad from Red Deer, Alberta with Rafiki; Brody from Hay River, Northwest Territories with Ryder; Emily from Niverville, Manitoba with Rebel; Graham from Whitehorse, Yukon with Rookie; Logan from Magog, Quebec with Radar; and Mr. Drolet's class from École secondaire Louis Jobin in St-Raymond, Quebec with Roméo.
The winners receive a 2019 Musical Ride horseshoe, a photo of the foal they named and a certificate signed by the RCMP commissioner.
Ally said she was “happy” when she heard her suggested name was chosen and is looking forward to receiving her prizes.
Her mom Giselle said they heard about the contest from their babysitter who also helped submit Ally’s entry.
“She was pretty excited when she found out she won,” Giselle said, as Ally nodded, enthusiastically, in agreement.
“For more information on the contest, or to see where the world famous Musical Ride will be performing this summer, visit the RCMP website at www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca,” the release stated.
