About Us
The history of the Halifax Junior Bengal Lancers is
inevitably entwined with the history of horses and their integral
connection with human lives. Horses have impacted people through the
centuries with a multitude of services from carrying soldiers into
battle, to pulling milk wagons on their morning deliveries. Halifax is
one of the only cities worldwide where horses are stabled downtown and
hold an active presence in city life.
Children growing up in Halifax have been learning to ride horses since
the city first settled. A riding and equestrian school was operated
here as early as 1829. George Low constructed the building in 1908 as a
stable for various horses including Fire horses, Livery horses, Police
horses and Fire Equipment. The history of the Halifax Junior Bengal
Lancers itself began in 1932. During that year, M.B. (Dick) Zwicker
founded the Halifax Ride and Drive Club and began teaching students. In
addition to his equitation program he developed a drill that the
students, mounted on their ponies, learned to perform. This "Musical
Ride" was stabled on the premises on Bell Road as it still is today. It
is a landmark building in present day downtown Halifax and is
designated as a heritage building.
Zwicker's Halifax Junior Bengal Lancers was first and foremost a school
of riding equitation. The school was intended to be of benefit to city
children who could not practically own and house horses. This way, city
children could continue to learn the sport of riding. As the Lancers
perfected the Musical Ride, another whole benefit blossomed. They
became widely known and highly respected for their lively and clever
performances.
In 1949, the Lancers were scheduled to receive their regimental colours
from Lord Cornwallis (descended from the city's founder) In the early
hours of that very morning, tragedy struck. The stables were badly
damaged in a devastating fire. Although 36 horses were miraculously led
to safety, four well-loved ponies were lost. Despite their bereft
spirits, the young students bravely groomed and braided their horses.
They then presented themselves and their mounts to Lord Cornwallis. He,
in turn, presented them with their colours: red, blue and white
(combining the colours of the Nova Scotia flag and the City of Halifax
Crest). In his adulate address to the Lancers, he credited their
determination and their fortitude to their disciplined experience that
was "developed by riding ponies".
The stories of the Halifax Junior Bengal Lancers are many and as bright
as their colours. Over the years, the great legacy begun by Dick
Zwicker has been carried on. Today, Haligonians can sometimes see the
mounted students parading through the city in their ceremonial dress,
perhaps to attend the Shilling Ceremony in Point Pleasant Park or the
Blessing of the Animals at All Saints Cathedral or performing the
Musical Ride.
Throughout our seventy-year history, we have performed for Governor
Generals and Royal Visitors to the city including The Queen, and
Princess Anne. The Lancers have performed in and have keys to cities
such as Boston, Toronto, Ottawa and Fredericton and have had the great
honour of performing the Musical Ride with the world famous R.C.M.P.
Musical Ride. Lancers have been the subject of films, television
programs and numerous media stories.
Please do not hesistate to contact us to obtain more information about
The Halifax Junior Bengal Lancers by sending an email to
info@bengallancers.com.
Halifax
Junior Bengal Lancers is home to 30 horses. Each year about 100
children and adults from all parts of the Halifax Regional Municipality
take part in our horseback riding programs under the guidance of
certified instructors. These programs teach the fundamentals of riding
and allow all the participants to take an active role in the care of
the horses and develop a strong sense of responsibility and
self-esteem.
