Our Featured Junior Rider of the Month is Brooke Naas
Brooke is one of the many riders who have come to Lancers through our camps, starting in our March Break camp in 2017 as a gift from her grandparents. She loved riding and Lancers so much she asked for it every year and was put on our beginner course waitlist. In September 2019 Brooke was able to join the beginner course as a 10-year-old and is now a Lancer Junior Member in Ride 11.
Though new to Lancers, Brooke has wholeheartedly thrown herself into many of the activities and opportunities Lancers has to offer, like volunteering for barn clean up and shavings deliveries. “I think I enjoy volunteering and of course riding, the most. It’s fun to help deliver shavings and I love trying out different horses and getting to know them. They’re all so different! Some of my favourite things to do in camp were mounted rookie rider exercises with Inga and helping unload hay. Riding felt like flying.”
Brooke says Scooby has been her favourite horse since riding him in summer camp last year. “We were riding bareback and he was amazing. I really love grooming Scooby because he’s so adorable and easy. Not to mention handsome! He can be fast at times, but I love his canter.” Her favourite memory of Lancers includes Punkin, a now-retired Lancer pony who was a favourite in the barn. “My absolute favourite memory was probably meeting Punkin. She was the first Lancer horse I ever saw and was my favourite for a long time. I was so sad when she retired, but am happy she went to a good home.”
Lancers has had a huge impact on Brooke’s life, introducing her to new friends and new skills. “I wouldn’t have known some of my best friends if it weren't for Lancers and I’m just really happy when I’m there. I can forget everything and focus on learning new stuff and hanging out with the horses. Everyone’s super nice and I love how I can talk to the horses and they listen. All the instructors, barn monitors, and older riders are really helpful.” This year Brooke hopes to keep working on her riding skills so she can try out showing and is looking forward to going to our Salmon River camp this summer.
Brooke spent the last year saving up a portion of her allowance to give to a cause of her choice, with a promise from her parents that they would match her contribution. Brooke chose to donate her savings to the Lancer Therapeutic Riding Program.
It has been a delight to watch Brooke grow as a Lancer though she is relatively new. She regularly expands her comfort zone and brings with her an enthusiasm that is contagious. We look forward to seeing what the future will bring for Brooke.
