Our Featured adult Rider of the Month is Suzanne Ramsey!

We are featuring Suzanne as a rider although she is involved with Lancers in so many more ways. Suzanne started riding at a Pony Club in Fredircton in 1976 alongside her brother and sister. She loved all aspects of riding and horsemanship right away “Summers were filled with training, mucking out, cleaning tack, fitness rides in Odell Park, and Sunday barn duty. I was so lucky to have a local club that owned such amazing ponies and horses, [with] a dedicated head coach and volunteers.” During this time Suzanne achieved her Ponly Club C2 Level, competed at horse shows, and took part in National Pony Club Rally! In 1985, Suzanne put her love of horses on hold to focus on raising her kids and she and her husband, Conrad established their medical careers.

Fast forward to 2011, Suzanne started riding at Lancers. Her daughter Caroline had just started taking lessons and she couldn't stay away. “I hadn’t realized how much I missed horses and riding. In one of the first lessons, our instructor Maddie asked us to tie [our] reins in a knot while she set up a x-rail, so I knew we were in for fun with some no-hands jumping on BUD, feeling like a teenager again (That’s Lancer magic for you. It takes 25 years off!). I haven’t looked back. Four years later we bought our amazing Dutch WB cross Jakey, who lived at Lancers until his retirement in 2023. It had been such a thrill.” Jakey was a well loved member of the Horses of Halifax, and we are grateful for the time he spent here helping teach our riders so many lessons both in and out of the saddle.

When it comes to volunteering, Suzanne has done it all! “I've volunteered throughout the organization depending on the time and skills I had starting with coordinating the kitchen for the December potluck and horse show canteens. As Caroline progressed through the program, I volunteered as Musical Ride parent co-lead which was thrilling as we moved to Exhibition Park to perform at the Maritime Fall Fair and then opened for the RCMP on the Garrison Grounds. In 2018 and 2019, I spent the better part of 2 weeks each August camping and running the kitchen at Salmon River Camp, taking me back to camping in my Pony Club days. I love contributing to a supportive environment where the riders care for horses, learn an amazing sport, feel safe and are part of a network, working toward personal development and individual and common goals.

Spending time on the Board of Directors, including as President, was challenging and rewarding. It was such an honour to serve with such a diverse and dedicated group. I love my work on the Program Committee where we get to reflect on and plan for the impact of Lancers in so many aspects of our community.” Suzanne has played such an important role in all aspects of the Lancer community. If you know Suzanne you know she is always prepared for anything, she has saved the day on many occasions, and riders reference the phrase “What Would Suzanne do”.

While Suzanne has had a huge impact on Lancers, Lancers has done the same for her. “When Jakey came to Lancers 9 years ago, the stables became an extension of our home and family. It provided Caroline with amazing sport and competition experiences, deep connection with horses, confidence and leadership skills and lifetime friendships. It also helped launch her toward her career in veterinary medicine. Nick did the adult beginner course and Conrad had one ride on Norman during [an] open house. Conrad now enjoys building jumps and they both prefer their feet on the ground.

Personally, the Lancer community has supported me through challenges I could never have imagined. Upon my cancer diagnosis in 2020 (I am now cancer free!), I had to take a step back to navigate the unknown. Many stepped in to continue my responsibilities with Lancers – there are no words to describe how grateful I am for the friendship and support my family and I received during this time. When I was ready to come back, Angie assigned me quiet and steady “ponies” like Ben, Scooby and Candy to help get me back in shape before riding a good variety of others…Cory, Ava, Vanna, Mato, Eddie, Cunningham, Rupert, Giquau, Oliver, Comache, Ollie…I love them all”. After a lifetime with horses Suzanne is always trying to learn and further develop her skills as a horse person and rider. Recently she has earned her NCCP instructor certification and is continuing to work towards her rider level 7!

We are grateful for the countless hours of hard work and dedication Suzanne and her family (Jakey included) continue to give to Lancers.