Our Featured Adult rider of the month is Andrea Lussing!

“Lancers has been a wonderful addition to my life. When I first started at the Lancers I would tell people that riding now fills a part of my brain that was otherwise just causing trouble. Now that part of my brain is busy anticipating lessons, reflecting on previous rides, replaying moments of total connection with a horse or a lesson highlight, or going to the website to re-read about a horse I just rode”

Andrea has spent most of her life with horses. It was not until November 2021 that she was able to join Lancers. “For a few years prior I had been writing, “Spend more time with horses” as a New Year’s resolution. Eventually, I decided to put myself on the wait list at Lancers.” Riding has been Andreas' hobby since she was 5 years old. “As a kid I loved riding with my friends and pushing all the boundaries of fun we could have with horses and on farms. I spent weekends on my friend’s farm playing cops and robbers on horseback and camping in the fields. I went to riding camps and shows and even met my sister in Ireland for a riding holiday. When I was in university I had a job in Lunenburg driving a single-horse carriage and giving tours of the town.” Andrea has loved being black in the saddle as an adult and she values her time in the barn, with the horses “They’re each so unique to be with and to ride. Vanna is so beautiful, Cunningham has the sweetest personality, I love connecting with Sadie with all her complexity, and who doesn’t love to ride Merlin and Cory?!”

Since joining Lancers, Andrea has volunteered with the Therapeutic Riding program, participated in a Lancer Day and Training Show, she has helped with shavings deliveries and barn clean-up days. In the future, Andrea hopes to be able to participate in more clinics and training shows. “ I know my younger self would be proud that I’m back to riding. And maybe one day I’ll even get out to Salmon River and join a trail ride and feel like I’m back at a summer camp just for a day.”

We are grateful to have Andrea as a part of the community, it is very clear to see how much she cares, loves, respects, and appreciates all of the Horses. Andrea is a registered counselling therapist and will be taking part in EAL training and certification later this Summer. We’re excited to have her join our team delivering Equine Supported Wellness programs with the Horses of Halifax.