Our Team

Angie Holt
Executive Director and Head Coach

Angie is an Equine Canada Competition Coach and a former Lancer. Angie learned to ride in the Lancer Junior Beginner Course and was a junior member of Lancers in the 1980s and 1990s. While at Lancers, Angie owned and competed at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto with her legendary horse Prince of Thieves (Robin). Angie began her teaching career at Lancers before spending a number of years developing her equestrian skills as a working student in the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark. In Holland, she managed a barn of 80 horses and has also held riding and/or coaching positions in Florida, Quebec, and New Jersey at top level Hunter/Jumper facilities. Angie has been coaching in the HRM since 2002 and Lancers is very fortunate to have her back.

As Executive Director and Head Coach, Angie has a very clear vision for Lancers. She strives to ensure that Lancers fosters each rider with a sense of discipline, responsibility, and empathy, and cares for others, be it animal or fellow community members. Above all, she hopes that every rider comes out of the program a better person. Her coaching philosophy is to try to help each rider discover their own potential and work towards a higher level of communication with their horses, recognising that each horse and rider combination will present a unique set of challenges. At the core of her teaching values is encouragement - to do their best, to constantly expand their knowledge of riding and horse care and to be good citizens in the Lancer and Halifax community. Through riding, without really knowing it, riders are learning and developing essential life skills such as verbal and non-verbal communication skills, listening skills, an ability to negotiate through complex relationships, and spatial awareness, and characteristics like courage, perseverance, patience, self-reflection, and an attuned awareness of others. Angie inspires Lancer instructors to approach their lessons with structure and to similarly encourage their riders to uphold Lancer values.

In fall of 2019 Angie was named Nova Trophy’s Community Coach of the Year! Read more about it here.

In their own words:

What do you enjoy most about teaching at Lancers?

“I most definitely enjoy the sense of community and the horses. There is such a broad demographic of people riding here from such interesting backgrounds, all coming together for their love of horses. The horses at Lancers are truly incredible. I’m amazed every day at how much they give our riders. It’s incredible to watch a horse and rider come together as one, and to see the horses offer this special connection to so many different riders is truly humbling.”

What do you think makes Lancers unique? 

“Being in an urban setting offers some unique advantages as well as challenges. We not only have a great sense of community within the barn but are part of the community at large as well. We always try to serve the community with free events like our Musical Ride performances and Open House events. The city of Halifax has these horses as part of its landscape and we enjoy seeing Haligonians and visitors on our fence line observing the horses play outside and watching our lessons.”

How does Lancers compare or contrast to other barns you have worked/taught at? 

“The emphasis on horse care rather than just riding is really put into action at Lancers. Youth spend their days here caring for the horses whether they have a lesson that day or not. The teens help the younger kids with their chores. Whether it’s mucking stalls, loading hay into our loft or putting the finishing touches on a horse to get them show-ring-ready, the riders are a part of it from start to finish.”

What else should riders/members know about you? 

“I am a mother of two young girls who also ride at Lancers. I consider Lancers my “village” that helps me raise them. I am eternally grateful for all of the support I get in helping them grow into caring, responsible citizens.”

A little-known fact about you is...

“I can ride a unicycle and stand on my head!”

Claire L. Halstead, Ph.D.
Operations Manager

Jessica Evans

Office Administrator

Jessica grew up in Cape Breton and relocated to Halifax in 2015. She was not a horse girl growing up and was only introduced to the equine world in 2010 when her daughter started riding at age 4. Although initially quite intimidated by horses, she has grown very fond of them over the years and now truly enjoys being close to them. Jessica has been volunteering at Lancers since her daughter became a member in 2015 and particularly enjoys taking part in the Lancer Training Shows and the Downtown Horse Show.

In their own words:

What do you enjoy most about working at Lancers? 

As the newest member of the Lancers team, I was made to feel welcome and appreciated from the minute I stepped into the office for my first shift. The amount of work that goes on behind the scenes, around the barn, and in the office, was a huge eye-opener for me. The Lancer team are hard-working, passionate about what they do and a joy to work with.  It is so nice to have a job you look forward to going to each day. I am proud to be part of the Lancer community and team!

What do you enjoy most about Lancers?  

I have been involved with a number of organizations throughout the years and have never before felt a sense of community as I do here at Lancers. I am grateful that my daughter has the opportunity to learn in a safe, fun, nurturing environment. Her community of friends here at Lancers are more like family and they are inseparable both in and out of the barn. With today’s pressures on adolescents, I feel confident that my daughter always has the barn to come to and Merlin, along with all of the Lancer horses, are caring, non-judgemental listeners!

Back in 2015, my daughter was one of the youngest Junior members. She looked up to the older Lancers and I appreciated how they mentored her and set such an incredible example. Now I see her turning into one of the older riders and taking on more of a mentoring role. Seeing this organically happen, as the junior members move through the program, is a testament to the positively amazing environment here at Lancers.

What else should riders/members know about you?   

Aside from being a horse mom to my daughter Lucie, I am also a hockey mom to my son Sam (who is terrified of horses but is still a trooper supporting his sister at the barn.) Apart from my learned love of horses, I have always been a cat lover. Maggie and Bunny are our beloved felines and in 2020 we became first-time puppy owners when Iggie joined our family!

A little-known fact about you is…

I rode Merlin during the 2020 Parent Ride. He is such a sweet, gentle boy. I can’t wait to have the opportunity to ride him again! My favorite food is avocado!

Charlotte Grace
Instructor

Charlotte has been riding at Lancers since 2001 and joined the team as an NCCP certified instructor in 2017. Growing up a Lancer, Charlotte has competed in on and off-property shows around the province. Her show experience also extends to the very important and skilled role of groom. She worked as a groom for Evan Phinney for twelve summers and even accompanied her to the Royal West in Calgary. After a year in British Columbia, Charlotte returned to Halifax as was keen to return to Lancers. She was enrolled in lessons at Lancers before she was enrolled in university classes for that fall! She noted, “Since then, I’ve pretty much lived and breathed Lancers. Distance made my heart grow fonder”. A self-proclaimed stickler, Charlotte expects her riders and horses to be well turned out with clean tack, tidy tucked-in shirts with belts, horses that are groomed to a shine with no shavings in manes and tails and hooves that are free of dirt and debris. This is important, Charlotte explains, because it not only shows good horsemanship but it shows respect for your coach, the horse, and Lancers as an institution.

In their own words:

What do you enjoy most about teaching at Lancers? 

“The best part of teaching here at Lancers is the moment when you finally see it all come together for horse and rider. I’ve had the privilege of watching and facilitating riders of all ages learning to communicate better with their equine partners. We work hard on the ground and on horseback, to learn all we can to better the lives of the horses and people around us and its truly magical when you get to see that hard work pay off. Whether its success in the show ring, watching young Lancers become leaders or trepidatious adults grow confident with each equine encounter, magic surrounds us here at Lancers and that is not an opportunity I take lightly.”

What do you think makes Lancers unique?  

“I think every Lancer has the same answer to this question, without a doubt the Lancer community is the most unique part of this magical place. It is rare to find a barn that is filled with people who are here because they genuinely love the horses and the sport. I don't think any Lancer would tell you they are only here to have riding lessons. We come to Lancers because we love every aspect of the sport and all the hard work and dedication that is involved in keeping 27 horses happy and healthy. Lancers wouldn't be what it is without our community of riders, young and old, who come together in good times and in bad to keep this place alive.”

What else should riders/members know about you?  

“I am open to all questions, comments, or criticisms. I still have a lot to learn about teaching and riding and hope that all riders and parents feel comfortable enough to ask me any questions and give me all feedback they may have!”

A little-known fact about you is... 

“I had all intentions of going off to New York and trying my luck with Broadway when I left for university! The closest I come now is singing show tunes while cleaning stalls on occasion.”

Holly Gordon
Instructor

Holly has been riding horses since she was three years old, but she joined Lancers back in 1997 when her family moved from Montreal to Halifax. She became an instructor when she turned 16 a couple of years later — which was as soon as she was allowed to do it. She competed and worked as a groom off and on through her teens and early 20s, and has taught at a few other barns, including Hodgson Stables in Hudson, Quebec. She’s left Lancers quite a few times in her life — to live in South Korea, then Ottawa, then Montreal — but always finds her way back. Holly graduated with her bachelor of journalism from the University of King’s College in 2006, so when she’s not teaching she’s a working journalist. She’s been with CBC Music for eight years now, though she does dream of making documentaries some day. She came back to Halifax just after Christmas 2018 with her mini-husky, Millie, and is very happy to be home.

In their own words:

What do you enjoy most about teaching at Lancers?

“I’ve come back to Lancers as an instructor more times than I can even remember anymore, and every time it’s because I miss the community and the horses. There’s really nothing like spending an hour with kids or adults who are eager to learn, build a relationship with their favourite horse (or supposed least favourite!) and have fun. Teaching horseback riding never feels final; there’s always something more to learn, for the instructor and the students. And when we get to do things like ride in the snow bareback? There’s nothing better.”

What do you think makes Lancers unique?

“I’ve ridden and worked at a few barns in my lifetime, and I’ve never known community like the one we have at Lancers. Whether you’re a competitive or recreational rider, a brand new, eight-year-old member or someone who’s been around for 30 years, everyone gets together on shavings day and empties that truck. Or feeds the horses at Christmas. Or empties nearly 30 water buckets each night so that the pipes don’t freeze during the winter. And we all get to do it downtown, in the middle of the city. It’s a magical place!”

What else should riders/members know about you?

“Don’t ever be afraid to ask me questions or bring things up that you’d like to try or learn. But if the question is “Are we going to jump today?” then the answer is “No,” and your ride is going to find out that you asked that question.”

A little-known fact about you is...

“Normally my little-known fact is that I teach horseback riding! But I have a few work claims to fame: I’ve interviewed Alanis Morissette, David Sedaris, Angela Lansbury and Lindsay Kemp — the man who taught David Bowie how to dance. The names I wish were also on that list? Céline Dion and Dolly Parton.”

Real Clarke
Instructor

Real fell in love with horses and began riding at Lancers at the age of eight. Throughout her youth, she took part in Musical Ride, off-properly shows, and was a weekend stablehand. After taking a number of years away from the stable, she returned in 2016 and has been an active member ever since. She is currently a member of the programming committee, the adult advisor for the Junior Executive, and takes part in the adult lesson program. She has earned her EC Rider Level 6 and is an NCCP Certified Instructor. She currently leases Jack and is looking forward to competing with him next year, but will always have a soft spot for Giquau who she leased for the previous 2.5 years.

In their own words:

What do you enjoy most about teaching at Lancers? 

I love the sense of community that Lancers provides. Horseback riding can traditionally be an individual sport, but Lancers approaches everything as a team. Everyone is so supportive of each other and always willing to help out. After a busy day at work, there is nothing like going to the barn and focusing on the horses. The horses and the people at Lancers have a way of putting everything in perspective.

What else should riders/members know about you?   

I’m a Product Manager at one of Canada largest tech companies.

A little-known fact about you is... 

I’m not sure this is well hidden, but I love coffee. As important as coffee is to me, I am notorious for putting it down and forgetting where I left it. At one training show, I was barn monitoring at I lost my travel mug of coffee only to find it hours later in Scooby’s feed tub.

Sophia Andriopoulos
Instructor 

Sophia Andriopoulos has been an active member of Halifax Junior Bengal Lancers for the past ten consecutive years. She has earned her ride level seven and is a NCCP certified Instructor.  Sophia had her first introduction to riding at the Lancers’ summer camps then continued in the Junior Beginner Course. Since then, she has been riding in the junior membership, participating in horse shows, barn monitoring and teaching during the week, and stablehanding on the weekends. Sophia also holds the position of head of the Social Committee of the Junior Executive and has also been a part of the Musical Ride for the past six years. Sophia leases Rupert and together, they compete in the jumper ring.   

In their own words:

What do you enjoy most about Lancers?  

“I see and feel that Lancers has a family environment. Riders of all ages are connected through the love of our horses. I have met some of my best friends through the barn.  We all stick together through the late nights, early mornings and hard work. Going to the barn allows me to forget about the pressures of being a teenager and is a safe environment. Your horse will never judge you!”

 What do you think makes Lancer’s unique? 

“I love that I live in a city that has a stable which can house 27 horses right in the middle of an urban centre. Lancers is across the street from my high school and is a 15 minute walk from my house. It is special to have a community so heavily involved with our barn. Every day you can see young to old people who stop by to see the ponies.”   

What else should riders/members know about you?   

“For a small person, I have a very large voice which can be heard throughout the barn before I am seen.”   

A little-known fact about you is... 

“I love Rupert.  He has been my partner in crime for almost three years.  He also has his own Instagram account which can be found @kingrupert_.”  *This is actually a very well-known fact about Sophia* 

Emily Rafuse

Instructor

Bio coming soon!

Leah Chevalier

Instructor

Leah has been riding at Lancers since 2013. She has always loved horses and was happy to join as a junior rider. She takes part in off-property shows, Musical Ride, stablehanding, barn monitoring, and is currently the President of the Junior Executive. Leah has earned her rider level 7. She currently leases Doc and is enjoying competing in the hunter ring with him.

In their own words:

What do you enjoy most about teaching at Lancers?    

“As an instructor, I am learning everyday, and enjoy gaining more knowledge in my new role. Teaching has helped me as a rider. I enjoy being able to pass on my love of horses and other things I’ve learned in my years at Lancers.” 

What do you think makes Lancers unique?   

“The Lancer members and community is amazing. No matter your experience level with horses, we all share the same love for them and everyone is always willing to help out. Having 27 horses in the heart of Halifax is unique. It makes the community even more special and people are always dropping by to meet the horses of Halifax.” 

What else should riders/members know about you?   

“I love to travel. I have been on a trip to Europe with girl guides, and have travelled through Canada and the United States. I hope to do more travelling in the future.” 

A little-known fact about you is...  

“As well as horses I also love other animals. I have two dogs and three cats at home.”

Belinda Maier
Substitute Instructor

Belinda is a Level 1 Coach and rode at Lancers in the 1990s and early 2000s. As a rider, she showed in the hunter and jumper ring in Nova Scotia and through her participation in Pony Club, she had the opportunity to compete in Quebec and South Africa. Belinda particularly enjoyed medal classes; the CEF medal was her favourite class. Her love of coaching led her to her current career in education. Having a school teacher who is accustomed to working with youth is a great asset to Lancers. Belinda is particularly happy to be back at Lancers after a number of years away. Working with riders who are passionate and want to learn has reignited her passion for education. When not teaching at school or Lancers, Belinda also teaches the Equine Theory course for individuals looking to earn their instructor certification and she is also an evaluator for the Learn to Ride rider level program for Equine Canada.  

In their own words:

 What do you enjoy most about Lancers or teaching at Lancers? 

“I love the Lancer spirit and sense of community. Everyone is so passionate about the horses and the barn and work so well together to make Lancers the fantastic facility that it is.”

What do you think makes Lancers unique? 

“The history of Lancers, as well as the people over many generations who have worked hard to continue and build upon the many Lancer traditions such as the Musical Ride, make Lancers unique.”

What else should riders/members know about you?  

“I find it very rewarding to be part of that “light bulb moment” when something clicks for a rider or a horse.”

Lauren Willett
Substitute Instructor

Lauren is another enthusiastic former Lancer who is now an NCCP certified instructor. She started teaching at Lancers in 2016 and we are very lucky that she can stay with us during her studies at Dalhousie. Lauren attended the Lancer beginner summer camp in 2008 and was hooked; she graduated from Ride 1 in 2016. During that time, Lauren was involved in Musical Ride, rider levels, barn monitoring, stablehanding and Junior Executive. She was also fortunate enough to participate in competitions and leased Oliver (one of our school horses) in her last year of the junior rides. This means that Lauren has a long institutional knowledge of all the different experiences one can gain at Lancers. Lauren teaches the Saturday morning Lancer lessons but she says it never feels like work. Her experience of learning to ride at Lancers as a child has greatly influenced Lauren’s approach to teaching. She recalls being a horse crazy kid who was excited to learn all she could about horses and now she marvels at the fact that she gets to teach junior riders who are just like that! She can also relate to riders, like herself, who love horses but are a bit timid. She wants all riders to know that they can come to her with any horse questions.   

In their own words:

How has Lancers prepared you to become an instructor?

“I love teaching at Lancers because it never feels like work. I remember being a horse crazy kid who was so excited to learn all I could about horses and now I get to teach young riders who are just like that!”

What do you think makes Lancers unique?

“The best part of Lancers is definitely our horses. When I was learning to ride I rode at a few different barns along the way and no riding school had horses as good as ours. Lancers has so many well-natured horses that are perfect to learn on. There is also a community feeling to Lancers that I haven’t felt at any other barn. Every day Lancers is full of people and there are so many different events going on outside of regular lessons.”

What do you enjoy most about Lancers or teaching at Lancers?

 “Something that riders should know about me is that they can come to me with any of their horse questions or issues. Whether it’s during a lesson or just around the barn I’m happy to help share any information I can.”

 What else should riders/members know about you?

 “In the future, I hope to work in veterinary research and be a professor of equine veterinary science!”

A little-known fact about you is...

“I used to be a bit of a scared rider when I was younger so I can always relate to someone who loves horses, but is still nervous.”

Elizabeth Melvin
Stablehand

Elizabeth Melvin is Lancers’ full time stable hand who has worked here since 1989.  She has an extensive background in caring for horses having grown up in a “horse family” that raised and trained standard bred horses. Elizabeth looks after the horses daily needs as well as playing a vital role in maintaining their overall health and wellness.

Elizabeth is acutely aware of all of our horses quirks. This is important because she is able to note any change in behavior that could affect the horses health and happiness.  

Jennifer Read
Stablehand

Jennifer Read has been riding at Lancers since 2017. She grew up riding and taking lessons on her own horse that was given to her at the age of 13. When he passed away in 2013 Jennifer took a break from riding but was encouraged to return by her husband when they moved to Halifax. Jennifer joined the Lancer team in September 2023. In addition to working and riding here, Jennifer also has 2 young children who are Lancers, so her family spends a lot of time here at the barn!

Barn Monitors 

At Lancers, each lesson day is assigned a barn monitor who, throughout the year, is responsible for overseeing and helping riders groom, tack up, prepare for their lessons, and complete ride chores like watering or feeding hay. Barn Monitors play a crucial role in the Lancer system that ensures that all riders are safe and learn correct horse care and horsemanship and are First Aid certified. The positions of Barn Monitors are filled by experienced junior riders and therefore provides youth with often their first source of employment and one that is within a safe and educational setting. Many of our instructors were former Barn Monitors. 

Weekend Stablehands

In a similar vein as Barn Monitors, junior riders and some adults are employed as stablehands on weekends and vacation. These individuals take on all the care for the horses and are First Aid certified. This stablehand role also gives junior riders the experience of caring for the horses and learning correct stable management protocol.