Burmese, a pure black mare, was born in 1962 at the RCMP re-mount ranch at Fort Walsh in Saskatchewan's Cypress Hills. She was a small horse, but with special care, grew to a height of 16.1 hands - and became a favorite of the RCMP members.

When the horse was two years of age, the RCMP shipped her from Fort Walsh to the Force's Regina stables. At age 3, she became a recruit equitation horse and fulfilled the hopes of many people who wanted to see her take part in the famous RCMP Musical Ride.

In 1967, Canada's Centennial year, Burmese performed so well that she became the leading horse for the Musical Ride, ridden by the most experienced rider of the group.

Burmese was presented to the Honorary Commissioner of the RCMP, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, at a ceremony at Windsor Castle in April 1969. Only six weeks later, the Queen rode Burmese in the Trooping of the Color Parade.

Burmese performed her duties well, even in adversity. In 1981 a young man fired a started pistol at Burmese and Her Majesty during a parade. Burmese took a hop forward and continued walking. Her Majesty was unharmed in the incident.

Burmese became the Queen's favorite mount. Her Majesty rode her for many ceremonial duties, including 18 consecutive Birthday Parades. She also rode the well tempered horse for pleasure.

Burmese was the only horse the Queen rode for the Trooping of the Color from 1969 until the horse retired in 1987. The Queen stopped riding a horse for her Birthday Parades and, instead, has ridden in a carriage ever since.

As soon as Burmese retired, the Queen gave orders that no one was to ride her. Burmese spent the rest of her life in a pasture at Windsor Castle. The Queen chose the particular pasture so she could see her long-time friend when she spent time at the castle. Burmese died in 1990.