The Horses of Halifax

As a non-profit, Lancers owns and cares for all 29 of the Horses of Halifax who have, for over eight decades, become integral to the athletic, cultural, and historic fabric of Halifax. Being located in the centre of the city, our horses greet many visitors and friends. We are proud to share with the public what have become affectionately known as the “Horses of Halifax”.

Our horses and ponies are well suited to serve all abilities ranging from beginners to more experienced riders. Each of our horses are loved and embraced for who they are. We teach our riders to care for horses with highest standards of horsemanship, stable management, and compassion, making Lancers not only strong riders but good horse people. In turn, our horses teach us great lessons in respect, discipline, and perseverance for which we are forever grateful.

We are committed to our horses’ welfare and prioritize their physical and emotional well-being.

At Lancers, we greatly value our horses and the service they provide for us, often for many years. In return, when they are ready, our Retire a School Horse Program strives to give them a wonderful retirement where they can enjoy their golden years.

  • Bud, also known as “Mr. Wonderful”, is one of our most reliable and coveted mounts. He is a Clyde x TB and stands at 17 hands high, making him the second largest in the barn. Born in 1998, Bud is our oldest and longest-standing members of the Horses of Halifax. He has been here since he was three years old and is “top dog” with the other horses. After many year serving in the Musical Ride, he now has pride of place as the Coach’s Mount in our Musical Ride, and has taken many riders to their first horse show, first rider level, and even first canter or jump. Bud is a favourite of riders young and old and is often relied on to take care of some of the more timid riders despite his size. He recently joined our roster of Therapeutic Riding horses as well. Bud knows his job well which includes teaching riders how to do their job well. He loves his job and shows no signs of slowing down. He already has a long list of people hoping to give him the best retirement home when the time comes.

  • Bud, also known as “Mr. Wonderful”, is one of our most reliable and coveted mounts. He is a Clyde x TB and stands at 17 hands high, making him the second largest in the barn. Born in 1998, Bud is our oldest and longest-standing members of the Horses of Halifax. He has been here since he was three years old and is “top dog” with the other horses. After many year serving in the Musical Ride, he now has pride of place as the Coach’s Mount in our Musical Ride, and has taken many riders to their first horse show, first rider level, and even first canter or jump. Bud is a favourite of riders young and old and is often relied on to take care of some of the more timid riders despite his size. He recently joined our roster of Therapeutic Riding horses as well. Bud knows his job well which includes teaching riders how to do their job well. He loves his job and shows no signs of slowing down. He already has a long list of people hoping to give him the best retirement home when the time comes.

  • Alice is a Clyde Thoroughbred cross mare born in 2002. She came to Lancers many years ago. She is one of our resident schoolmasters, having competed in competitions as far away as Quebec and even Florida. Although she is a trusted mount for our beginner riders, she still loves to have her fun with the advanced rides. Alice hoofbeats can’t be mistaken but the sound of a horse’s canter. She is quite certain that she knows her job better than her rider does and most of the time, this turns out to be right! Over the years, Alice has taught hundreds if not thousands of riders, both juniors and adults, and has shared her talents and gifts with all of them.

  • Alice is a Clyde Thoroughbred cross mare born in 2002. She came to Lancers many years ago. She is one of our resident schoolmasters, having competed in competitions as far away as Quebec and even Florida. Although she is a trusted mount for our beginner riders, she still loves to have her fun with the advanced rides. Alice hoofbeats can’t be mistaken but the sound of a horse’s canter. She is quite certain that she knows her job better than her rider does and most of the time, this turns out to be right! Over the years, Alice has taught hundreds if not thousands of riders, both juniors and adults, and has shared her talents and gifts with all of them.

  • Ben’s show name comes from his heart of gold and steady nature. He was born in 2005 and is a barn favourite! Instructors and riders alike love Ben for his steady-eddy nature and willingness. His heart of gold makes Ben the ideal mount for our Therapeutic Riding program where he has earned the nickname “Gentle Ben”. Ben can sometimes be seen out in about in other parts of the city during some of our public outreach events and maybe you have even had a turn riding Ben during one of our pony ride events. Ben has been at Lancers for many years and is still very happy in his home.

  • Ben’s show name comes from his heart of gold and steady nature. He was born in 2005 and is a barn favourite! Instructors and riders alike love Ben for his steady-eddy nature and willingness. His heart of gold makes Ben the ideal mount for our Therapeutic Riding program where he has earned the nickname “Gentle Ben”. Ben can sometimes be seen out in about in other parts of the city during some of our public outreach events and maybe you have even had a turn riding Ben during one of our pony ride events. Ben has been at Lancers for many years and is still very happy in his home.