Our Featured Adult Rider of the month is Gwen Last!
“The thing I enjoy most about lancers is the opportunity for personal growth as part of a supportive community.” Gwen took riding lessons as a child and then started riding again as an adult in the beginner course at Lancers in the fall of 2021. Horses have been a part of Gwen's family history. Her grandfather owned a stable in Quebec and would always encourage Gwen to spend time with the horses. “He used to send me books and magazines about horses and riding, and we would talk about what it would be like to have a horse of my own when I was older. Unfortunately, he died when I was in my early teens, and I have since spent most of my life living in big cities where riding or even being around horses hasn’t been an option. Whenever I go to visit family in Quebec, though, I always make sure to spend time with the horses.” When Gwen moved to Halifax and found Lancers, after waiting for a spot to open up she was so excited to reconnect with horses in the city.
Out of all the Horses of Halifax, Gwen has a soft spot for Doc. They both came to Lancers around the same time and she said that they were able to learn and settle into being in a new barn and work together. Gwen has had the pleasure of riding many other horses and has also enjoyed her time with Candy, “She’s spunky and keen, requires patience, but is always ready for a beautiful canter.”
Being around horses and fellow riders at Lancers has been has had a positive effect on Gwens' overall health. “I have an autoimmune disorder that can cause pain and fatigue, and I have dealt with mental health issues my whole life. There are days when getting out of bed is hard and convincing myself to get to the barn at 8 pm is even harder, but the community at Lancers has encouraged and supported me so much that I almost never miss a lesson and I never regret going.”
In her everyday life, Gwen is a circus coach and performer, being an acrobat has been a great compliment to her riding! She hopes one day to be able to combine her love of horses with the circus and learn vaulting. Until then, Gwen has started passing her love of horses down to her son who will be starting in the junior beginner course this fall.
