Spend Your Summer With The Horses of Halifax!
Summer 2024 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, June 30 at 1:00 pm
Free Performance at 1690 Bell Rd and barn tours at the stables after the performance.
Monday, July 1 at 12:30 pm
Halifax County Exhibition Grounds, Middle Musquodoboit, Nova Scotia
Sunday, September 22 at 1:30 pm
Hants County Exhibition, Windsor, Nova Scotia. Go to the Hants County website for ticket details!
Sunday, October 6 at 2:00 pm
Halifax Lancers’ Open House, outdoor paddock, 1690 Bell Road. Free Performance followed by pony rides and barn tours!
Open House and Barn Tours on June 30 and October 1 after the Musical Ride Performances
All ages and all are welcome but to we have some safety rules:
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
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 two 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+).
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 which program. Click here to sign up! (Links will be available when registration opens on June 3rd!)
Step 2:
Complete the registration form with all necessary waivers and information for the program. (Links will be available when registration opens on June 3rd!)
→ Submit one form per participant. All participants under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian complete the form.
→ If parents or guardians wish to come into the barn with their child, they must also sign up to participate in the workshop.
Step 3:
Send payment to accounting@halifaxlancers.com within 24hrs of booking. Once your payment has been received, you will get a confirmation email.
→ Payment is due 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 or guardians are not required to stay on site during the workshop but children must be picked up promptly. Parents or guardians are not permitted in the workshop space unless they have also signed up for the workshop. There is a waiting area for parents and guardians.
→ 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).
Fridays From 2:00 - 4:00 pm
33rd Annual Downtown Horse Show - July 28, 2024
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 33rd 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!
