Behind the ride: Cst. Simkins

August 26, 2026 - British Columbia, British Columbia
From: British Columbia RCMP

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When Cst. Jed Simkins joined the RCMP in 2015, he never imagined that riding a horse would one day become a part of his daily job. In fact, becoming a police officer wasn’t originally part of his career plan either.

That changed after he attended an RCMP career information session and decided to take a chance on a new career, leaving behind his work in the logging industry to pursue policing.

During the first stop of the 2026 BC RCMP Musical Ride tour in Abbotsford, marking the Musical Ride’s return to British Columbia for the first time in four years, BC RCMP Communications caught up with Cst. Simkins and his horse, Nordic, for a rapid-fire interview about his journey to the Musical Ride, life on tour and the unexpected career path that brought him there.

How many years of service do you currently have with the RCMP, and where was your first posting after Depot?

“I have 11.5 years of service with the RCMP, and my first posting after Depot was at the Fort St. John Detachment.”

Prior to joining the Musical Ride, did you have any experience riding or working with horses?

“No, I had no experience with horses at all. I did go on a horseback trail ride once while on vacation, if that counts.”

What made you apply to become a member of the Musical Ride?

“This is my first year as a rider with the Musical Ride. I wanted to join because it was an opportunity to try something completely different from my day-to-day role as a frontline police officer. It also gave me the opportunity to relocate and experience working at our National Headquarters in Ottawa.”

“I applied for the RCMP’s five-week basic equitation course in Ottawa, where officers learn how to ride and care for horses. It’s also an opportunity to see if you’re a good fit for the team and if the Musical Ride is the right fit for you.”

“It’s hard on the body and it’s a lot of work, but I feel like it’s where I’m meant to be. It has been one of the most enjoyable experiences of my RCMP career so far.”

What has been your favourite part of being a member of the Musical Ride?

“We train year-round to prepare for the Musical Ride, so one of my favourite parts has been building that bond with Nordic and with my fellow riders. We spend our days training together and practicing the different formations and drills that make up the show.”

“It takes time to find the right horse-and-rider pairing, and you really build that relationship through training. Getting to train every day, preparing for the shows and experiencing everything that comes with being part of the Musical Ride has been amazing. It has been one of my favourite parts of my career with the RCMP so far.”

How many Musical Ride tours have Nordic been on?

“Nordic is definitely the veteran between the two of us. This is her fourth tour with the Musical Ride since 2022.”

Any fun facts about Nordic?

“Nordic is a 10-year-old mare with lots of youthful energy and a feisty personality.”

“People might not know that behind the scenes, she’s also a sweetheart and she loves her green grapes.”

“After a long day, her favourite treats are green grapes or apples, but if she had to choose, I think she would pick the grapes.”

What advice would you give to future Mounties or anyone considering joining the Musical Ride?

“I encourage anyone who is interested in becoming a police officer to take that first step and apply. Attend an information session, meet officers, ask questions and learn as much as you can. If you’re still interested, keep going and follow through with the process.”

“I joined the RCMP when I was 40, and I haven’t looked back since. Now, more than a decade into my policing career, I’m incredibly happy to be where I am.”

“When I first joined, I never imagined that one day my career would have me riding horses and travelling across Canada as part of the iconic RCMP Musical Ride. It just shows you where taking a chance can lead.

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