That was Trailrider on the Philippines. Sam Steele of the mounties, commanded Lord Strathcona's Horse during the Anglo-Boer war. He carried a broomie, and thought enough of it that when he returned to the NWMP , recommended it for police service. It wasn't adopted 'though, but the Colt New Service, which equipped most of the Strathconas, did so in 1904 (I believe).