Our Featured Adult Rider of the Month is Lynn Knapp!

Lynn has been riding at Lancers for 32 years and has loved every minute of it. We are grateful to have Lynn and her daughter Emma as a part of the Lancer community. Lynn speaks beautifully about her life of horses and Lancers.

“I began at the age of 28 with my then fiance (now husband) Rob Knapp, when the opportunity to join an adult beginner class presented itself. We completed the course together and I continued on as I loved it so much and have been a part of Lancers ever since.

Horses have always been an important part of my life. As a child, I was a huge harness racing fan and spent several evenings a week and every Saturday at Sackville Downs with my Father. Some of the best days spent at the track included a visit to the barns to pat and groom the horses. I just loved being around them. I often think while I am riding, how pleased my Dad would be that I have continued to make spending time with horses a priority. I believe it would have made him very happy to know that I went on to learn (and continue to learn) how to ride them.

One of the things I most enjoy about Lancers (besides the horses) is the people that I have had the privilege of getting to know and the amazing friendships that I have made. Even though we are all so different, we all share the love of horses. One of my favorite memories at Lancers was the time we threw a special "Barbie" themed birthday party for my dear friend Barb Mabe who I continue to ride with to this day. We draped the barn in all things "Pink" (her least favorite color) including her favorite horse. We still giggle about that day.

I feel so lucky and blessed to be a part of Lancers and still feel the same level of excitement as I make my way to the barn each Tuesday and Friday morning. Even though I am about to celebrate my 60th birthday, I still feel "like a little kid" when I am on the back of a horse, and that's pretty cool.

One of my greatest joys during my time here at Lancers has been sharing the experience with my youngest daughter Emma, who began riding at the age of 8 and continues to ride in the J ride. Lancers and caring for horses have played a huge role in making her the supportive, confident, caring adult that she is today and for that I am grateful and proud.

Some of the Lancer experiences that I have enjoyed over the years have been helping to organize and run a Saturday canteen that the kids really enjoyed, signing up for night hay, serving on the Board of Directors, and helping with summer clean up. All of these opportunities allowed me to spend more time at the barn and get to know the horses and the people that much better.

I have experienced "Lancer Magic" and will try to explain. One day a few summers ago, I signed up as a volunteer to help with the pony rides that at our Open House. My job that day was to lead the horse around the outdoor arena with a rider aboard. My partner that day was "Bud". A woman and her kids had waited in line to receive a pony ride. After her kids had each had a turn, she stepped up to have a turn on Bud. I will never forget how emotional she was when she explained how the experience took her right back to the excitement she felt as a child. I completely understood her joy and she and I both shed tears as we made our way around with Bud. It was magical!

My favorite horse in the barn right now is Giquau! He has a sweet disposition and is sure footed, trustworthy and honest which as an older rider are qualities that I appreciate. He has been such a great partner to me over the past several years and he has taught me a lot. Over the years I have loved Pumba, Phyllis, and Bud and so many more.

My hope is to remain fit, flexible and able to enjoy riding for many years to come. I will forever be grateful for Lancers”.