REGINA — RCMP Corp. Paul Elias brushes to a beautiful shine the coat of an eight-year-old horse named Warren and is rewarded with a flick of the tail from the slightly annoyed gelding.

It seems Warren doesn't really care for the brushing that comes as part of the preparation for the RCMP's Musical Ride.

"It's just that I think he's ticklish and so he tries to take his frustrations out either on himself or maybe me sometimes," laughs Elias.

Warren's grooming session took place as the Musical Ride rehearsed at the RCMP's training academy in Regina known as Depot Division. The ride will perform two shows at Depot on Saturday to mark the academy's 125th anniversary.

According to the RCMP's website, legend has it that the first Musical Ride was performed as early as 1876. However, the first officially recorded ride was performed in Regina in 1887.

Elias said they need one horse for the officer in charge and 32 horses to do all the manoeuvres. They'll execute intricate figures and cavalry drill choreographed to music.

Leading those horses will be the task for Elias and Warren.

"I set the pace for the other three lead file riders in the Musical Ride," says Elias, a native of Swift Current, Sask.

"The whole Musical Ride is based on timing and distance so we need to have a horse at the front that is as steady as possible. But I also need a horse that -- while I'm busy concentrating on looking to see where everybody else is -- that I don't have to worry about the child with the balloon or the spectator with the umbrella in the rain or any other distractions that might set off a horse.

"That's why I need a little guy like this. He's proven himself to be quite bold and I really don't have to worry about him in that regard."

Elias, who is an instructor on his second tour of duty with the ride, notes that many of the members didn't have riding experience before joining the RCMP. They get their equestrian training with the force and stay with the Musical Ride for three years.

Riders are assigned a horse at the beginning of the tour year in January and are responsible for their horse and equipment, including bridles custom-made for the RCMP.

Sometimes that also means grabbing a shovel and being a pooper scooper.

"The less glamorous side of the Musical Ride," laughs Elias.

He wouldn't have it any other way.

"When I think about my job, it's nothing but happiness," says Elias, grinning broadly and brushing hay out of Warren's tail. "I've got probably the best job in Canada ... in my opinion."