Our Featured Volunteer of the Month is Meaghan Shubaly
Meaghan and Bud
Meaghan came to Lancers when her daughter, Matilda, started the junior beginner course in 2017 after attending camps and being on our waitlist for a number of years. As a parent, Meaghan jumped in and volunteered fairly quickly at Lancers as she realized that the opportunity was there and that it was both encouraged and needed. Meaghan explained, “Lancers is a very special and unique place - not only is it a lesson barn right in the downtown core of the city...but it is also a not-for-profit organization that is truly an incredible part of our community”.
Meaghan has been involved with a number of things - such as sweeping the barn floor, helping with hay and shaving deliveries, working the canteen at Lancer events, selling raffle tickets, sitting on the board of directors (as of January 2020) along with different committee work. She feels like she only does a fraction of what a lot of other people do day in and day out! Meaghan explained, “both the horses and the members (especially the junior riders) are a testimony of all the volunteer work put in by a lot of people. It is truly a labour of love and I am proud to be a part of it”.
Meaghan always enjoyed being around horses but as an adult, it never occurred to her that she could learn to ride. At Lancers, she discovered the adult beginner course and jumped at the opportunity to enroll when her name came up on the waitlist. “I was a bit apprehensive but everyone at Lancers was very supportive and championed me to give it a try (which is one of things I love about the barn and what it represents)”, she said.
Meaghan and Bud on a trail ride at Salmon River Camp
Meaghan gives so much of her time to the Lancer community for a variety of reasons. She explained, “I believe in what they are doing, I believe in the not-for-profit model, I believe that they have a strong mandate for diversity and inclusivity. I believe in the staff (from the coaching to the operations to the barn monitors/stablehands) and that they are the best. I believe that they have been fundamental with my child's emotional, mental and physical growth & wellbeing (and for that I am very grateful and can never thank them enough) AND I don't think that this is unique to my child and that it is provided to all the members equally across all ages and levels”.
Overall, Meaghan says, “I think that Halifax is very fortunate and lucky to have Lancers and it is important for me to get the word out about how special this place is and how it changes lives - I see this happen all the time with the junior and adult riders. It is awesome!”
We are pleased that Meaghan is able to share in her daughters’ passion by contributing to Lancers. Meaghan is perceptive, thoughtful, extremely welcoming, and supportive of the Lancer community and everyone who is a part of it! We are so happy to be the beneficiary of Meaghan’s time and energy and we look forward to so much more!
