Our featured adult rider of the month is Tamzen Black!
“I have been riding at Lancers for 27 years now!! Shocking to put that in print! I rode as a child but only enough to get the bug and never lose it. So my mid-life crisis at 40 led me to Lancers! It has been a constant source of joy and growth for me over many years. Riding has pushed me beyond my comfort zone many days and when I overcome something it means so much more.”
During her time at Lancers Tamzen has also had her 3 daughters grow up in the program “As a parent I am grateful for the many attributes that they learned from Lancers and our horses. At one point, all three were in the Musical Ride, which was very special.”One of Tamzens favorite things about Lancers is the relationship between the junior riders and how from day one in the beginner course the older riders begin helping and teaching, “This organic growth and caring continues until they are the older riders and they are in a position to foster caring relationships with the younger riders. This is a very special place for that reason alone. Our horses provide the opportunity to learn from them, overcome fears, develop confidence, and know what it means to love and care for an animal.” and that is what we like to call ‘Lancer Magic’.
Being a Lancer for this longs means Tamzen's role stretches far beyond just being a rider. She has taken on every volunteer position imajinable. In particular, Tamzen was the President of our Board of Directors during a huge fundamental change of our organization “ It was exciting and gratifying and a whole lot of work but I loved every minute of it. We have grown into an organization who knows who we are and where we want to go. We have transitioned into a significant contributor to the wellness of many citizens through our Equine Supported Wellness programs and our Therapeutic riding. We hope that our goal of expansion takes place and that more Nova Scotians will be able to experience the healing and joy horses impart.” Tamzen is still an active member of our Board of Directors and continues to work hard to help make the Horses of Halifax accessible to everyone.
Tamzen has formed many relationships with the horses over the years, in particular Patrick holds a special place in her heart, “he was lovely to ride and be around, and he had many big lap dog characteristics!” Lancers has not only allowed for the relationships with horses for Tamzen, but also friendships that will last a lifetime. Through the camaraderie of volunteering and riding together “The adults are much like the kids in that we support each other through all the trials of riding and life.”
Tamzen works very hard to continue to improve her riding skills, and never takes for granted how lucky we all are to be a part of Lancers and to have this amazing organization in Downtown Halifax. She is full of passion and determination, both of which only grow stronger the longer she keeps working with horses. Tamzen's contributions permeate through Lancers, and we are so grateful that this is where she focuses so much of her energy!
