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 in Halifax. Our therapeutic, junior, and adult riding programs now serve a diverse community of 200 riders aged 8-75+ with varying abilities. As a non-profit, we own and care for all 29 of the Horses of Halifax. 

We’ve created a new pathway for donations over $20 to be eligible for tax receipts through the National Sport Fund - Lancers Urban Equestrian Access Plan (NUEAP). All NUEAP donations go to purchasing new horses, equipment, and making improvements to our heritage stables to maintain and improve horse welfare. 

For the 2026 NSN, we’re fundraising $15,000 for:   

  • Purchasing the next Horses of Halifax 

  • Regular vacation in the countryside for the horses ($450 sends one horse to the countryside for two weeks)

  • Buying 2 saddles  

Lancers are pledging to ride without stirrups for a month for “No Stirrups November”. Riding without stirrups challenges the rider’s balance, horse control, physical strength, and mental fortitude (it is a tough workout)!  

Support Lancers building better lives through horses and show your love for the “Horses of Halifax.” 

The National Urban Equestrian Access Program. Halifax Lancers is a national and international model for equestrian sport development in urban and rural settings in Canada. Equestrian sport is one of the least accessible amateur sports in Canada, particularly in urban environments. As Canada's only urban non-profit riding school and equine therapy centre, Lancers provides access to individuals who otherwise would be less likely to participate in the sport. 

Proceeds will go towards purchasing new horses and equipment, and for improvements to our heritage stables, particularly focusing on horse welfare 

Eligible donations of $20 or more, via the National Sport Trust Fund will receive a charitable tax receipt. 

Project number 26-0005

Building Better Lives Through Horses

Canada’s only urban non-profit riding school since 1936

 In the Heart of Halifax


 

Who We Are

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 Mission and Purpose

To continue to build better lives through horses for individuals with varying abilities and ages in the heart of Halifax. 

 

Through horses, for horses, with gratitude

What We Do

Our therapeutic, junior, and adult riding programs serves a diverse community of nearly 200 riders aged 8-75+ with varying abilities.

Our riding programs help riders develop confidence, responsibility, community-mindedness, and sustain their physical and mental health. In addition to our Therapeutic Riding Program, which has been operating since the 1960s, we offer Equine Supported Wellness programs and Equine Assisted Learning programs. Our programs support the physical and mental health needs of Nova Scotians.

We invite you to visit the Horses of Halifax while outside and enjoy a respite from urban life and experience the healing powers of horses.

 

In other News

Halifax Lancers was also featured in the Canadian Horse Journal’s Autumn/Winter edition. The article can be read here.

‘An incredible milestone’: Halifax Lancers celebrate 90 years in the city

CBC covers the Lancer horse and rider teams joining the Century Club


Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility

 

Halifax Lancers staff, members, volunteers, program participants, and community are treated equitably, and members of diverse groups are included, recognized, welcomed, and valued. 

Halifax Lancers is committed to being an organization that values and promotes equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. It is important that our staff, members, volunteers, program participants, and community are valued and respected regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or physical ability. 

Calling all Alumni

We are proud to have a strong alumni community of individuals who rode at Lancers as either children or adults. Our alumni community extends back over our eighty+ year history and is characterised by the ethos “once a Lancer, always a Lancer”. Whether you rode at Lancers for two years or 20 years, we welcome former Lancers to contact us and become part of our Lancer Alumni Community. 

 
 

Our Programs

Junior Riding Lessons

For experienced riders aged 8 to 18

Equine Supported Wellness

Email office@halifaxlancers.com for information!

Therapeutic Riding

Adult Riding Lessons

For experienced riders over 18

 

Calling all Alumni

We are proud to have a strong alumni community of individuals who rode at Lancers as either children or adults. Our alumni community extends back over our eighty+ year history and is characterised by the ethos “once a Lancer, always a Lancer”. Whether you rode at Lancers for two years or 20 years, we welcome former Lancers to contact us and become part of our Lancer Alumni Community.