Adult Membership
Not just a place to ride, but a place to belong
Program Details
For those without riding experience, please see our Adult Beginner Course.
The Lancer Adult Membership program is for riders over the age of 18 who have previous riding experience. Lessons range from intermediate to advanced skill levels. The program term is 11 months (September - July) in duration and riders participate in at least one scheduled lesson per week. Class sizes are limited to eight riders. All instructors are NCCP qualified, first aid certified, and experienced riders and horse people. Our most beginner-intermediate riders will be able to walk, trot, and canter independently.
The Lancer Approach
Lancers is not only unique due to its location in the centre of Halifax but because of our longstanding and well defined approach to riding, horse care, community, and altruistic values. To learn more about our approach, click here.
“These days, the world moves very quickly. The time spent here at Lancers on the back of a horse helps me to slow down and to appreciate what really matters in life. It brings me infinite joy. ”
Program Highlights
Adults aged 18 - 88 (+)
Riding experience required
$210/month
1 lesson per week
Lessons run Sept-July, 11 month term
Option to also add a second ride / week if space permits ($415/month)
Option for private and semi-private lessons
Training shows and off-property competitions
Extra-curricular activities
Strong, welcoming, and supportive community
Focus on riding and horsemanship
Note: all riders must ride in one less per week; semi and private lessons are available for members only
The Lancer Community and Lancer Spirit
We are very proud of the strong and supportive Lancer community which is comprised of members, their families, alumni, and friends. We pride ourselves on the fact that our members feel that the stables are “home” and are a safe space for them to learn and grow both as equestrians and people.
A significant part of the Lancer spirit is helping those around you and contributing to your community. As a not-for-profit, we depend on volunteerism within our community and there are many ways that riders and their families can become involved in their community and volunteer. In turn, being “a Lancer” brings a great deal of pride. To read more about our perspective on and expectations for volunteerism, click here.
Extra Curriculars
Riding at Lancers is about more than just lessons!
In addition to riding lessons, Lancers prides itself on offering a host of extra-curricular activities (many of which low or no additional costs). Such activities further shapes Lancers as a unique riding school and bonds together our strong community. Click on any of the photos below to learn more!
Rider Levels
Lancers follows the Equine Canada Rider Level testing system which tests rider skills at ten levels. All lessons at Lancers are taught using the progressive guidelines of the Program.
Clinics
Lancers hosts a number of special clinics for our riders throughout the year which often focus on jumping, dressage, and groundwork.
Committees
All adult riders can participate and help Lancers through our various committees.
Training Shows
Four times a year, we host on-property training shows for riders to practice their skills, gain show experience, and have fun!
Off-Property Shows
Junior Lancers compete at shows around the province in both the hunters and jumpers.
Board of Directors
Adult riders can be elected on to the Board of Directors and play an integral role in the governance of this fine institution.
Barn Monitor and Stablehand Jobs
Some of our adult riders enjoy earning some extra income spending time with horses by filling in as Barn Monitors and casual stablehands. Barn monitors are crucial for the running of our safe and educational lesson program and stablehands work on weekends and holidays.
Instructor Training
We greatly value mentorship, learning, and self improvement and therefore, support riders who wish to train to become Equine Canada and NCCP qualified instructors.
Enrollment
Throughout the year, sometimes a space in our membership becomes available. Spaces may open in advanced riders or more beginner-intermediate rides. We welcome inquiries and if we do not currently have a space available, we will add you to our waitlist.
Please note: all riders who become adult members have completed Lancers adult beginner course OR have some riding experience. To enter our membership program, riders must be able to walk, trot, and canter unaided. Limited riding experience from camp or trail rides do not meet this requirement.
For more on how to join our membership and for information on how our waitlist works, click here.
Attire and Equipment Requirements
Attire
Closed-toe, hard-soled boots with a small heel. Paddock boots or tall boots are acceptable.
ASTM approved helmet
Neutral coloured riding pants that are comfortable, stretchy but sturdy (no jeans). Good leggings are a great alternative to breeches!
Riders are to wear red shirts (with collars) tucked in and belts that are visible. Official Lancer shirts with logo are available through the office for purchase or exchange
Long hair must be tied back (with a hair net if necessary)
Jackets and vests must be either zipped up or removed (flapping jackets are not safe)
Riding gloves are strongly recommended for protection as well as warmth
Hooded sweatshirts and tank tops are not permitted for safety reasons
Equipment
Lancers provides tack and riding equipment
Each horse has their own set of brushes so grooming equipment is not necessary but many riders like to have their own for shows or special occasions.
Some riders will choose to use their own tack cleaning equipment
We recommend riders purchase their own crop
