We are a non-profit stable and are led by a Board of parents and riders. Our horses are owned by the Lancer organization. Our Board of Directors is committed to the highest standard of governance. Our Board is comprised of adult riders and parents of our junior members, all of whom are elected by our membership for a three-year term. Our Board mandate includes guiding the strategic direction of Lancers, developing and implementing policies, maintaining our financial stability, and ensuring the preservation of our historic building.

Meet our Board of Directors

Lynn Flewelling

President 

Occupation: Lynn retired from a thirty-year corporate career to begin her next chapter as a writer.

Q: Why do you choose to give your time, effort, and energy to Lancers?

“Horses and community outreach give me great joy and Lancers brings these both together. In 2019, I returned to riding after an extended absence to discover that my connection to horses was stronger than ever. I’m an advocate for the therapeutic benefits of horses and the value they bring to individuals and communities alike. The opportunity to join the Lancers Board of Directors is my way of supporting an organization that has been enriching lives and enhancing the landscape of Halifax since 1936.”

Kip Grasse

Vice President

Occupation: Veterinarian

Q: Why do you choose to give your time, effort, and energy to Lancers? 

A: “I feel it is very important for communities to have robust social and cultural institutions, such as Halifax Lancers. Those institutions require strong, diverse and responsive governance to ensure their ongoing growth and success. As a parent of two Lancers riders, a coach of youth sport and a volunteer I am very happy to be able to give my time to an organization that has served the community of Halifax these many years. The [youth] riding at the Lancers deserve representation from a broad range of technical and administrative personnel. The physical infrastructure of the Lancers organization needs ongoing and active management to ensure the health of the facility. Most importantly, the horses need responsive professional management to ensure they experience a healthy, stress free environment for optimal health and to provide maximum enjoyment for all. I have been fortunate to enjoy the experience of horsemanship my entire life and can provide valuable input to the Board of Directors, act as advocate for the families of riders and safeguard the health of the horses as a member.”

Renee Lutwick

Past President

Occupation: Physician

Q: Why do you choose to give your time, effort, and energy to Lancers?

A:  “Lancers is a great organization! My daughters are learning so much more than horsemanship such as how to take responsibility and how to mentor younger ones. They get to practice valuable life skills in a supportive, respectful environment.  My husband, 2 daughters and I all participate in and benefit from everything that Lancers offers.”

Nathalie McLean

Treasurer

Occupation: Chartered Accountant 

Q: Why do you choose to give your time, effort, and energy to Lancers? 

A: Gratitude. I have been involved with Lancers since my daughter, Emma, joined in 2008. It was a way to help out and pass some time during the many hours I spent at the barn. On March 29, 2015 at 12:38 am I was awoken by a phone call from my husband saying that his plane had crashed but that he was okay.  That moment forever changed my life.  Life is short and is meant to be lived.  When Emma graduated in 2016, I decided that it was time for me to learn to ride. I give my time, effort and energy to those things that play a big role in my life.  For 14 years, Lancers is probably the biggest commitment I have had outside of family and work.  At Lancers, I have developed what I believe will be life long friendships both as a parent and a rider. It’s really about completing the circle and paying it forward, the good fortune that has been blessed upon me. 

Melissa Trenbirth 

Secretary

Occupation: Literacy Consultant

Q: Why do you choose to give your time, effort, and energy to Lancers? 

A: “I have been riding at Halifax Lancers since 1990 and enjoy being involved in many aspects of this unique and vibrant horse community.  I also had the benefit of watching my daughter build confidence, resilience, and leadership in her 10 years working with horses and from the guidance of Lancers.  Halifax Lancers is a rare and precious institution that offers far more than time with horses and lessons in sport; as Lancer Board members, our time and effort to support it for generations to come is gratifying.”

Tamzen Black

Member at Large

Occupation: Retired

Q: Why do you choose to give your time, effort, and energy to Lancers?

A: “I choose to give my time because I know we are changing the lives of children and adults for the better on a daily basis. My own 3 children gained confidence, responsibility, and empathy throughout their time at Lancers and this has helped shape their adult lives. I want to help ensure that this organization remains vibrant and an essential service in the fabric of Halifax.”

Michele Chappell

Member at Large

Occupation: Research Quality and Manager
Q: Why do you choose to give your time, effort, and energy to Lancers? 

A: “I have been a lifelong rider and equine enthusiast. I have great passion for the art and science of horsemanship and the partnership that can develop between humans and horses. Pride and compassion of our equine partners bring respect and humility of caring for, and being in charge of another sentient being. These qualities stretch into life experiences and the way we relate to the world.

Halifax Lancers is a perfect place to offer these life lessons in a safe and encouraging environment. As an adult rider in the program, I see how the Lancer community operates within the stable and outside. I am thrilled to be a part of the board, Lancer community, and riding program. I hope I am able to give back by being part of the board and look to the future for the best outcomes for riders, the Lancer programs, and the fabulous horses that allow it all to happen.”

Erin Creighton

Member at Large

Occupation: Lawyer
Q: Why do you choose to give your time, effort, and energy to Lancers? 

A: “Horses have an amazing ability to teach us how to be more confident, patient, trusting and assertive. I am proud to work with an organization that understands the value in the therapeutic advantages of working with horses while also giving those who live in the city an opportunity to ride and learn all about these fantastic animals!”

Andrew Walker

Member at Large 

Occupation: VP Responsible Investment and Fund Management

Q: Why do you choose to give your time, effort, and energy to Lancers? 

A: “My daughter has been involved with Lancers' therapeutic riding for, I believe, a little over 7 years. It is a wonderful program and has provided such a tremendous benefit to our family, that it will be my pleasure to give back by way of providing my time in support. Lancers, its people, and the organization's heritage as an integral part of the city are more than worthy of supporting and helping to grow. So I hope that I will be able to assist in some way.”

Genevieve Zimmerman

Member at Large

Occupation: Manager, High Risk Client Management

Q: Why do you choose to give your time, effort, and energy to Lancers? 

A: “Halifax Lancers is a very special organization and one that I am proud my family is part of. I rode at lancers for a few years in the late 90’s, again from 2017-2019 and now I am living vicariously through my daughter who is a junior rider. I have loved watching Lancers grow into the community minded, inclusive organization it is today and am grateful for all the knowledge, empathy, skills and responsibility it is teaching my daughter (and others like her!). Being around horses and having an opportunity to be part of their lives is a truly magical experience, and is something that Lancers is making accessible for so many people. I am very grateful to have this opportunity to give back to the Lancer community.”