Spend Your Summer With The Horses of Halifax!
Summer 2023 Public Programming and Events
The Horses of Halifax love their home in our city and want to spend their summer with YOU!
As a non-profit, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience the benefits and joys of horses. Let the horses touch your heart through:
Musical Ride Performances
Public Hands-on Workshops
Free Stable Tours
Downtown Horse Show
All are welcome!
See the Magic of the Musical Ride
The Musical Ride began in 1936 by Mr. Dick Zwicker as Canada’s first youth equestrian “drill team” performing precise choreographed shapes and figures to music. From both the 16 horses and junior riders, the Musical Ride requires great technical skill and ability but also patience, character, dedication, and determination. Enjoy the pageantry, sportsmanship, and art of the Musical Ride!
Performance Dates
Sunday, July 1 at 3:00 pm - Proudly Sponsored by J2K Properties
Free Performance Garrison Grounds at Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, Free pony rides, and barn tours at the stables after the performance.
Sunday, September 24 - Hants County Exhibition, Windsor, Nova Scotia
Go to the Hants County website for ticket details!
Sunday, October 1 - Halifax Lancers’ Open House, outdoor paddock, 1690 Bell Road
Free Performance followed by pony rides and barn tours!
Free Pony Rides and Barn Tours on July 1 and October 1 after the Musical Ride Performances
No booking is required and we will accommodate as many as we can within one hour!
All ages and all are welcome but to avoid disappointment, for safety individuals MUST:
Wear closed-toe shoes (no sandals or flip flops etc.)
Be able to walk up three stairs (to mount)
Hold themselves upright (vertically)
Wear a Lancer-provided riding helmet (disinfected between use)
Small children are welcome but parents cannot accompany them into the ring so children should be comfortable with someone they do not know. We will have leaders and side walkers for safety.
***There may be size limitations for safety and the horse’s health.
We kindly ask for those who have had the opportunity to ride often in their lives, to leave room for others.
Public Hands-On Workshops
Connect with the Horses of Halifax through hands-on workshops! Each workshop will be one hour long for groups of up to 8 participants for adults and children ages 7 and older. Workshops are located in the stables and happen on the ground (no riding). Cost: $25 for children, $30 for adults
We are offering three workshops:
Learn to Groom - Experience the power of horses through touch, learn how to groom a horse, and become comfortable with a horse on the ground. This workshop is open to adults and youth (7+).
Learn to “Speak Horse” - Horses don’t verbally speak but they do communicate with us. Learn to “speak horse” and how to communicate with them by interacting with a horse on the ground in this hands-on workshop. This workshop is open to adults and youth (7+).
Life lessons From Horses - Experience firsthand the incredible power horses have to teach us more about ourselves and life. This one-hour experiential learning includes some quiet observation of the horses in their environment, movement with the horse, and touching/grooming the horses in ways that will enable you to connect with the horses and yourself. This workshop is open to adults and youth (12+).
No horse experience is required!
Whether you have never been near a horse or are a long-time horse person who wants to spend some time with horses, the Horses of Halifax want to see you!
HOW TO BOOK:
Step 1:
Find a time on our sign-up that works for you, and choose from our three different programs.
Step 2:
Complete the registration form with all necessary waivers and information for the program.
→ Submit one form per participant. All participants under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian complete the form.
→ If parents wish to come in the barn with their child, they must also signup to participate in the workshop
Step 3:
Send payment to summer@halifaxlancers.com within 24hrs of booking. Once your payment has been received, you will get a confirmation email.
→ Payment is within 24hrs of booking your workshop. If payment is NOT received within 24hrs of your request, we will cancel your booking and open the spot to someone else.
→ Cost per workshop: $25/Child, $30/Adult
Step 4:
Ensure you have booked a timeslot, completed the registration form, sent your payment, and received your confirmation. Show up for your booking time and enjoy! Email summer@halifaxlancers.com with any questions!
Important Notes:
→ Parents are not required to stay on site during the workshop but children must be picked up promptly. Parents are not permitted in the workshop space unless they have also signed up for the workshop. There is a waiting area for parents.
→ Please arrive 5-10 minutes early
→ Groups are welcome to book together.
→ You’re welcome to book multiple workshops - there is always something to learn and experience!
Safety rules
Working with large animals such as horses comes with risks. We always treat our horses with the utmost respect and with that comes safety rules to make this a positive and safe learning experience for everyone!
No opened-toed shoes (e.g. no sandals, crocs, flip flops)
No running
No yelling
Do not enter horses’ stalls
No feeding the horses by hand
Respect the stables, the horses, the people
No phones while handling horses
Stable Tours
The Horses of Halifax want to welcome you into their home! Join us for a tour of the stables, explore Halifax’s historic urban barn, learn about operations including hay and shavings deliveries, horse care, routines and country vacations, history and heritage, and of course, meet the Horses of Halifax!
No opened-toed shoes (e.g. no sandals, crocs, flip flops).
Monday - Thursday From 2:30 - 4:00 pm
For larger groups requests e.g 6 or more people contact:
Summer@halifaxlancers.com
32nd Annual Downtown Horse Show - July 30, 2023
The Downtown Horse Show is an equestrian jumping competition and is a unique opportunity to bring your family and friends to witness a traditionally rural competition right in the core of downtown Halifax. We welcome competitors from around the province.
This year marks the 32nd annual Downtown Horse Show and as always, we will be closing off a large portion of Bell Road to create a festival-like equestrian atmosphere for all to enjoy. The day-long event attracts approximately 75 competitors from across the province, ranging in age from 8 to over 50. This unique event is free and open to the general public to spectate. The show will begin at 9:00am. Everyone is welcome! The show will go on rain or shine!
