Our Feature Volunteer of the Month is Julianne Acker-Verney
Julianne’s friendly face frequently greets many people who come through Lancers, particularly those involved with our Therapeutic Riding Program. As both a rider and a volunteer with the program she’s a familiar and joyful presence in the barn.
Julianne first came to Lancers 26 years ago when she was introduced to the Therapeutic Riding program by a friend, not long after moving to Halifax from rural Nova Scotia in the early 90s. “I walked in what was then the main entrance to the barn and instantly felt the familiar warmth and sense of inner stillness that I had always associated with barns, horses and—to a large extent—home. I remember thinking ‘it’s going to be fine here’ as I was leaving the barn later that afternoon.” She volunteered and rode with the therapeutic program on and off throughout the 90s. In 2018 Julianne was reintroduced to Lancers and joined the Therapeutic Riding Committee, coming back to Lancers as both a rider and volunteer.
Not only is she a participant in the Therapeutic Riding Program but she has been an invaluable asset as a volunteer in the sessions and also sits on the Therapeutic Riding Committee. Julianne brings a wealthy of knowledge to the table with previous experience surrounding accessibility policy and disability rights. She was instrumental in helping to formalise policies and procedures for our Therapeutic Riding Program. She has also recently joined the Communications and Public Engagement Committee and we are excited for her input on our communications plan and ensuring our communications are accessible to all.
As a sewer, she has volunteered to lend her talents in creating items for our Christmas Party Silent Auction which we can’t wait to see!
Julianne has had a lifelong interest in horses and riding and currently rides at Lancers and at a small barn in Windsor, NS. When asked her who favourite Lancer horse is she has a hard time narrowing it down to just one, “Everyone is my favourite for different reasons. Inga is my favourite because she demands respect and a focused mind from people around her. Ben is my favourite for his gentle and helpful manner. I love Bud’s playfulness and sense of humour. I have been riding Lola lately and I adore her. She is what I refer to as “all in” when we’re in the arena. She has such enthusiasm. She is inquisitive and brave. She is also open and incredibly giving with me; she engages in a level of communication that gives me more than the minimum amount of information necessary for us to independently frolic around in a space with other equine-human teams. I definitely have an affinity for mares but Lola is a special partner and I am humbled to be a recipient of all that she gives.”
When not at Lancers Julianne enjoys spending her time being physically active in many ways, particularly cycling. In 1999 she did a speaking tour around the province talking on the subject of bicycles and disability awareness. Now she rides as a stoker on a tandem bike with her husband, Tim (who is also a Lancer), as pilot.
