Help Halifax Lancers continue its mission to build better lives through horses

The only urban non-profit riding school in Canada, Lancers was founded in 1936 to make horses and riding accessible to children living in the city of Halifax. Our therapeutic and junior and adult programs now serve a diverse community of nearly 200 riders of varying abilities ranging in age from 8-75. Our programs help riders develop confidence, responsibility, community-mindedness, and sustain their physical and mental health.

As a non-profit, we own and care for all 27 horses who need food, water, bedding, veterinary care, and shelter. 100% of your donations will go to caring for the horses and supporting our programming.

We strive to remain financially accessible to riders of all income levels by keeping our fees as low as possible. As a result, our current fees do not fully cover our operating costs. To keep the horses healthy and happy and our riders safe, we have to fundraise. COVID continues to limit our in-person fundraisers which usually generate critical funds.

The No Stirrups November Ride-a-Thon

In the equestrian sport, there is a well-known riding challenge called "No Stirrups November". Last year, our riders came up with a creative (and COVID safe) way to leverage this challenge and raise critical money for Lancers - pledging to ride without stirrups for the whole month of November! 

Riding without stirrups challenges the rider’s balance, horse control, physical strength, and mental fortitude (it is a tough workout)! *Riders no-stirrup work will match with their ride skill level to maintain our high safety standards.

Lancers: Accessibility, Sport, and the City since 1936

Our approach of keeping ride fees low dates back to 1936. Even in the 1960s, the Board of Directors at that time decided not to increase ride fees despite the high level of interest in the sport at Lancers. A newspaper article from the time noted, 

"Lancers is not just another riding school. It is an institution that has become a part of the civic life of Halifax and belongs, in a very real sense, to all the people of the city. Every civic ceremony is brightened by their red and white uniforms and the burnished accoutrements of the youthful riders. And the pride and regard which the people of Halifax hold for the Lancers have been shown on the many occasions they have helped".

Support Lancers build better lives through horses and help care for the “Horses of Halifax.”