Lancers at a Glance
MORE THAN A RIDING SCHOOL
Since 1936, Lancers has made horses and riding accessible to children in Halifax. As Canada's only urban non-profit riding school and equine therapy centre, our mission is to build better lives through horses.
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.
Our therapeutic, junior, and adult riding programs serve a diverse community of nearly 200 riders aged 6-75+ with varying abilities. We are more than just a riding school.
In addition to our Therapeutic Riding Program, which has been operating since the 1960s, we offer Equine Supported Wellness programs. Youth and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities, or mental illness and addictions, and women who have experienced domestic violence, as well as refugee youth have all benefited from the healing power of horses.
We also offer many free public events to enable residents and visitors of Halifax to experience the benefits and joy of being with horses. Lancers is also known for our famed youth Musical Ride, established in 1936, which draws hundreds of people in the city each year to watch the performance.
Lancers thrives by fostering an environment of teamwork and inclusivity amongst all our riders. Our programs help riders develop confidence, responsibility, community-mindedness, and sustain their physical and mental health. We empower youth (primarily young females, who have been historically underrepresented and denied equity), teach leadership, and foster a sense of connection within our city. Halifax Lancer instructors are qualified under the NCCP program, and many of our riders follow the Equine Canada Rider Level Program.
We strive to keep our programs as financially accessible and offer rider bursaries so that people from different incomes levels can enjoy the Horses of Halifax.
Lancers is known as a welcoming and strong community. Our weekly “features” illustrate our mutual affection and respect for the horses and one another.
“Lancers is one of the only riding schools in the world where horses are stabled downtown and hold an active presence in city life.”
CANADA’S ONLY URBAN NON-PROFIT RIDING SCHOOL
Since its founding in 1936, Lancers has brought life and character to central Halifax through its stables, horseback riding performances, and honour guards.
Lancers' location at 1690 Bell Road was built in 1908 and is designated as a heritage site. The site has been used as a stable since its creation and became home to Lancers in 1942.
Lancers and the facilities are integral parts of Halifax’s prime tourist area that includes such historic sites as the Public Gardens and Citadel Hill. We are proud to be Haligonians.
“The location of the barn and the Lancers’ history are untapped Halifax treasures.”