Junior Membership
Not just a place to ride, but a place to belong
Program Details
For those without riding experience, please see our Junior Beginner Course.
The Lancer Junior Membership program is for riders between the ages of 8 and 18 who have previous riding experience. The program term is 11 months (September - July) in duration and riders participate in two scheduled lessons per week. Class sizes are limited to eight riders. All instructors are NCCP qualified, first aid certified, and experienced riders and horse people. Our youngest riders will be able to walk, trot, and canter independently.
The Lancer Approach
Lancers is not only unique due to its location in the centre of Halifax but because of our longstanding and well defined approach to riding, horse care, community, and altruistic values. To learn more about our approach, click here.
Program Highlights
Youth age 8 to 18 years old
Riding experience required
$355/month
2 rides a week
Lessons run Sept-July, 11 month term
3x week program option for advanced riders wishing to ride more ($520/month)
Option to also add private and semi-private lessons
Training shows and off-property competitions
Extra-curricular activities
Strong, welcoming, and supportive community
Focus on riding and horsemanship
Note: there is NO once a week lesson option
The Lancer Community and Lancer Spirit
We are very proud of the strong and supportive Lancer community which is comprised of members, their families, alumni, and friends. We pride ourselves on the fact that our members feel that the stables are “home” and are a safe space for them to learn and grow both as equestrians and people.
A significant part of the Lancer spirit is helping those around you and contributing to your community. As a not-for-profit, we depend on volunteerism within our community and there are many ways that riders and their families can become involved in their community and volunteer. In turn, being “a Lancer” brings a great deal of pride. To read more about our perspective on and expectations for volunteerism, click here.
Financial Support
We are deeply committed to making the equestrian sport accessible. The Lucy Cuthbertson Memorial Fund provides financial support to junior members in need. Click here to learn more.
Extra Curriculars
Riding at Lancers is about more than just lessons!
In addition to riding lessons, Lancers prides itself on offering a host of extra-curricular activities (many of which low or no additional costs). Such activities further shapes Lancers as a unique riding school and bonds together our strong community. Click on any of the photos below to learn more!
The Musical Ride
As riders become more experienced they are eligible to join The Musical Ride which is made up of sixteen horses and riders. The riders are chosen from the upper junior rides and practice in the summer.
Training Shows
Four times a year, we host on-property training shows for riders to practice their skills, gain show experience, and have fun!
Volunteer Opportunities
Junior riders are able to take advantage of many volunteer roles and opportunities that provide valuable life experience and skills.
Clinics
Lancers hosts a number of special clinics for our riders throughout the year which often focus on jumping, dressage, and groundwork.
Off-Property Shows
Junior Lancers compete at shows around the province in both the hunters and jumpers.
Rider Level Testing
Lancers follows the Equine Canada Rider Level testing system. Riders which tests rider skills at ten levels. All lessons at Lancers are taught using the progressive guidelines of the EC Rider Level Program.
Leasing
Once Junior riders have the option to lease a Lancer horse and will join the 3x program and enjoy a non-lesson Sunday ride each week.
Salmon River Camp
Our “sleep away” rural camp at Salmon River is always a highlight of the year. Junior members enjoy caring for the horses, trail rides, lessons, and cross country courses. The horses always equally love their holiday in the country.
The Junior Executive
The Lancer Junior Executive resembles a Students’ Council. The Junior Executive plans and facilitates fundraisers, social events, and community acts of goodwill. All junior members are invited to participate.
Instructor Training
We greatly value mentorship, learning, and self improvement and therefore, support riders who wish to train to become Equestrain Canada and NCCP qualified instructors.
Barn Monitor and Stablehand Jobs
We are proud to provide many junior riders with what are often their first paid employment opportunities. Barn monitors are crucial for the running of our safe and educational lesson program and stablehands work on weekends and holidays.
A Safe Social Space
We believe that the more time spent around horses, the more we learn. We welcome junior riders to “hang out” in the stables, help others, and enjoy the horses. Riders can always be asked to lend a hand and muck in to chores and tasks!
Enrollment
Throughout the year, sometimes a space in our membership becomes available. Spaces may open in advanced riders or more beginner-intermediate rides. We welcome inquiries and if we do not currently have a space available, we will add you to our waitlist.
Please note: all riders who become junior members have completed Lancers junior beginner course or have some riding experience. To enter our youngest rides, junior riders in membership must be able to walk, trot, and canter unaided. Limited riding experience from camp or trail rides do not meet this requirement.
For more on how to join our membership and for information on how our waitlist works, click here.
The Lucy Cuthbertson Memorial Fund provides financial support to Lancers in need.
Attire and Equipment Requirements
Attire
Closed-toe, hard-soled boots with a small heel. Paddock boots or tall boots are acceptable.
ASTM approved helmet
Neutral coloured riding pants that are comfortable, stretchy but sturdy (no jeans). Good leggings are a great alternative to breeches!
Riders are to wear red shirts (with collars) tucked in and belts that are visible. Official Lancer shirts with logo are available through the office for purchase or exchange
Long hair must be tied back (with a hair net if necessary)
Jackets and vests must be either zipped up or removed (flapping jackets are not safe)
Riding gloves are strongly recommended for protection as well as warmth
Hooded sweatshirts and tank tops are not permitted for safety reasons
Equipment
Lancers provides tack and riding equipment
Each horse has their own set of brushes so grooming equipment is not necessary but many riders like to have their own for shows or special occasions.
Some riders will choose to use their own tack cleaning equipment
We recommend riders purchase their own crop
