UPDATE  -  2005

Another year has gone by, and with it many new happenings at the Stables.   Early in 2005, we entered negotiations to relocate the outdoor paddock from its present position to the other side of Bell Road – essentially the current parking lot plus some of the Museum property. What began as a fairly simple concept developed into a time consuming effort as agreement to the new ring involved the Province, HRM, and Lancers.  We have at last come to a satisfactory solution and hope that some work will commence before winter sets in.

During the summer, structural work on the interior of the Stables was undertaken while the horses were out on their annual vacation.  Thanks to the supreme efforts of many people, we were able to gut the barn, have the steel reinforcements installed and rebuild the stalls and tack room all within a three week period. The pressure to complete this project was strong especially as horses were being brought in one door as volunteers were completing the installation of stall doors on the other side of the barn!! The contractor hired to do the structural work was excellent, but we would never have finished on time without the fantastic efforts done by Lancers’ volunteers.

The program at Lancers continues to grow. During 2005, the new Rider Levels,

developed at Lancers by Jill Barker and adopted by Equine Canada for piloting across the country, have created new enthusiasm among the riders. 

In August, Lancers offered its first summer camp session for inter-city children.  It was a wonderful success and will become an annual event. The camp will be funded by the Lucy Cuthbertson Memorial Fund.

The 15th annual Downtown Horse was held in June.  It was a very successful day with many competitors arriving from outside the city.

This past October, the Musical Ride performed at the Maritime Fall Fair. The ride on the Saturday evening was in Memory of Lucy Cuthbertson, a former Lancer, who died very suddenly this past year at a very young age.  Lucy had been a very active member of Lancers during her time here and had ridden the lead horse in the Ride for a number of years. Sadly, Grasis, the lead horse passed away in September 2005. We will miss them both.

As winter approaches, we are already making plans for next year’s work.  We are determined to extend the indoor arena in the spring and are putting our efforts towards this goal. Fundraising is ongoing and donations are always appreciated.  A donation form is included with this letter for your consideration.

Visitors are welcomed to the barn to view the recently completed renovations.