Lesson horses, lovingly referred to as “Schoolies” are the amazing horses in equestrian programs across the country that spend countless hours being patient with new and experienced riders. They are wise, tolerant, spunky, brave, gentle, and everything in between.
Without school horses, a child or new adult rider might never get their start. They teach us how to groom, muck, tack up and all the basics in the saddle. These incredible teachers are the reason so many fall in love with the sport and trust the heart of a horse. They are the ones that teach us new skills, help us over our fears, comfort our brokenness, see our ability, become a constant companion for a weekly lesson or for some our first trip to a show.
Their personalities are renowned and stories legendary at their home barns and away. So, when we asked for nominations for horse of the month, we had so many submissions that we couldn’t pick just one. We’re sharing the stories of Bud and Tuvok as two examples of remarkable Schoolies along with a few photos of other stars of schools from across Canada.Nomination By: Claire L. Halstead, Ph.D., Halifax Lancers, NS
Although you would never guess it, Bud was born in 1999 and is 23 years old this year. He has been at the Lancers since he was three and has undoubtedly always been a barn favourite.
As a Clyde-Thoroughbred cross, Bud is one of our largest horses standing, yet we nominate him for his impressive disposition and service. He can always be depended upon to be a trustworthy and reliable horse for our beginner riders and is still used today in our advanced lessons.
Most herds of horses tend to be ruled by a mare, but the Lancer herd is definitely ruled by Bud. Even at 17.1 hands he is most frequently seen looking after very tiny young children and is respectful of every size of rider.
Bud’s show name “Shrek” came from the much beloved green ogre. Over the years he has led the musical ride, competed in 3’6 in hunters and jumpers and has taught both adults and children. Recently he has been trained to participate in HALTR (the Halifax Area Leisure and Therapeutic Riding Association) lessons that enable members in the community with special needs to experience the joy of horses. He definitely plays a starring role in the program.
Despite all the wisdom Bud has gained and shared throughout his years, he is still physically fit and just as agile as he was in his younger days. That we have many names on a waitlist to give Bud a retirement home speaks to his character. But above all, Bud is still extremely happy doing his job! It is little wonder that our Head Coach calls him “Mr. Wonderful” and that he is very much well-loved by all
Bud aka Mr. Wonderful
Nomination By: Claire L. Halstead, Ph.D., Halifax Lancers, NS
All 26 of our schoolies are just magnificent teachers and friends but our dear Bud has taught hundreds of riders for nearly twenty years in his downtown Halifax urban non-profit riding school! From children to adults including therapeutic riding, our musical ride and even pony rides. He is happy and healthy as ever and still loves his job! He’s not one in a million, he’s one in a lifetime. ❤
Tuvok
Nomination By: Hillary Bruner of Low Wood Stables, Essex Ontario
Tuvok is a 26-year young,14.1hh, Arab/Welsh cross. He was purchased as a six -year-old by a young girl (at the time), she had him for about 3 years and showed pony jumper classes in the U.S. and Palgrave, second overall one year at pre-training OHTA (Ontario Horse Trials Association) and competed up to first level dressage.
When she was ready to move up to a horse, Nova Equestrian Centre in Amherstburg, the farm where she rode, purchased him as a schoolie. He spent 17 years at Nova being loved by so many students, often being leased by young girls getting experience in the show ring, heading out to the cross-country field for the first time and teaching them the ropes of the show world.
Five years ago, I was given the opportunity to take over his care and he joined my lesson program. I had seen him out for years at schooling shows and didn’t hesitate to buy him when I had the chance! He is teaching smaller kids now, but still a favourite when they have the chance to pick their mounts. With the most comfortable canter (I did have to test ride him ) he is often our go-to-guy to teach students their first canter strides.
Tuvok is a very “attentive” horse that doesn’t miss a thing and has taught all his riders how to sit back and keep their leg on…he is light on his feet and can move quick when he wants to! Because of this attentiveness he never misses a distance to a jump and is always prepared going into the ring.
He is a smart, sharp, good-natured guy that anyone would love to have in the barn…even if he is hard to catch!
Also, he is very photogenic!
Tuvok is the best schoolie around and we are proud to have him on our roster. He spent many years teaching kids and giving young eventers their first starts cross country. At 26, he is still going strong and came home recently with a red ribbon for his student in her first Pre-entry Combined test. Many of us could write a book on him ❤!
Stars of the School – Honourable Mentions