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 using our online Contact Form or sending an email to info@bengallancers.com.