RCMP horse breeder handing over reins after 4-decade ride

The man who has bred some of Canada's most iconic horses for more than four decades has retired.

John Phillips first took the reins at the RCMP's breeding farm in Pakenham, Ont., in 1976 to help produce the trademark black horses of the force's renowned Musical Ride.

"Since I came to the breeding farm, I tell everyone I have the best job in the RCMP. I love to watch the babies grow up, go to the Musical Ride, travel all over the world. It's been pretty interesting," said Phillips on CBC Radio's Ottawa Morning.

A Mountie in red serge atop a black horse isperhaps the image most synonymous with the RCMP, and thetravelling equestrian show has impressed audiences around the world.

Bold foals show early promise

The Pakenhamfarm producesbetween 15 and 20 foals a year, six of which are selected for the Musical Ride. As its longtime breeder, Phillips can identify early on which foals will go on to the prestigious unit.

"Basically within three weeks I could probably tell you whether or not they're suitable for the ride," he said.

Basically within three weeks I could probably tell you whether or not they're suitable for theride.- John Phillips

"When I approach the stall and open the door, if the foal comes to greet me right away, typically it's pretty bold, so I would think that foal is likely very suitable for the ride. If it's a shy foal that hides behind the mother, it with time can turn around and be a great horse for the ride. But if it's a high-spirited horse and it's climbing the back of the wall, I think it's probably better suited as a competitionhorse."

Temperament and behaviour are crucial because 95 per cent ofRCMPmembers aren't familiar with horses when they join the force, according to Phillips. "It's important that the foal is bold and able to meet people and be able to travel and be able to do what we do on a daily basis," he added.

Grew up with horses

Phillips grew up on a dairy farm and always had a passion for horses. He got riding lessons from a neighbour who was an RCMP memberin return for chores as a stable hand.

Phillips says he "got hooked" on jumping, began competingand was even offered a job with the Musical Ride, but turned it down three times.

"At the time I was competing, it was shift work, and it was going to interfere with competition. But I was getting married, and didn't have a good clientele to keep me funded, so I decided to take it for a year," said Phillips.

That year turned into four decades, and after major career highlights includingbreeding a mare for Queen Elizabeth, Phillips says it's timeto retire.

"I have other projects. I do have horses also, and I do compete. And I have students. So I'm not really out of horses," he said.

But he admits he will miss breeding the foals for the Musical Ride.

"The babies are pretty special. They're all different. But I live down the road. I can stop in anytime."