Holiday Schooling Show & Team Try-outs - Friday, January 5th

Hey Raynham Riders,

We are having our Holiday Schooling show the evening of Friday, January 5th.  As always, schooling shows are open to ALL Raynham Stables students.  Our schooling shows are low-stress, a great learning opportunity as well as a ton of fun!   Instead of having a concession stand, we thought we could do a pot-luck again like last year, which was delicious!

For those hoping to compete in 2018, please indicate "Show Team" in the "Questions?" box on the entry form.  Please also fill out a show team application and submit by December 15th.

In case the weather is chilly, we are going to run using our winter format again this year. Riders will complete a dressage flat class then an equitation over fences round.  This way, all the classes will last approx. 1 hour so riders don't have to wait around all day in the cold!

Division Descriptions

Smurf/Novice Division - $60.00

·       Flat Class - Walk, posting trot, 2-point in trot, individual/group canter

·       Over Fences - Cross rail/2' max course, 6-8 fences

Pre-Entry Division - $60.00

·       Flat Class - Walk, trot, canter, 2-point in all gaits, sitting trot

·       Over Fences - 2'4" max course (verticals & oxers), related distances (3+ strides),

Entry Division - $60.00

·       Flat Class - All of pre-entry plus: sitting trot w/o stirrups & walk to canter transition

·       Over Fences - 2'8" max course, required trot fence, combination (1 or 2 strides)

Pre-Training Division - $60.00

·       Flat Class - All of entry plus: canter w/o stirrups, canter to walk transition, leg yielding

·       Over Fences - 3' max course, trot fence w/o stirrups, skinny fence, roll back turn & 1 stride combination.

Approximate Time Schedule:

The schedule below is tentative, if you cannot get to the barn before a certain time, please make a note on your entry form and we can adjust the order.  Horse assignments and confirmed times will be posted on the blog by Wednesday, Jan 3rd. 

Ring One (Big Arena)

5:00 pm - Smuft/Novice Division (Jump big ring then flat small ring)

5:15 pm - Pre-Training/Training Division

6:00 pm - Entry Division

7:00 pm - Pre-Entry Division

In-House Clinics - Wednesday, Jan 3rd & Thursday, Jan 4th

Hey Raynham Riders,

Here are the details for our AWESOME annual in-house clinics!

Wednesday, Jan 3rd - Dressage Day!

Time: 9:30am - 4:00pm.  Riders are welcome to (and encouraged!) to stay and watch as many of the other lessons as possible.  You can learn a ton from watching!
Lunch: Lunch is included!  Pizza, chips, salad, drinks, snacks etc.
Lesson Type: 30 min Private or 45 min. Semi-Private Dressage Lessons with Nikki!  (We will group riders into semi-private lessons if we have riders at the same level).  Test ride optional but encouraged, especially those of you hoping to show this year!  You will run through your test with Nikki during your lesson, receive feedback, and then go back and work on the areas that need improvement!  Here is the link to the dressage tests (learn the 1 test for your level):
Cost: $75.00/rider ($10 less if you own/lease your own horse)

Thursday, Jan 4th - Jumping Day!

Time: Time: 9:30am - 4:00pm.  Riders are welcome to (and encouraged!) to stay and watch as many of the other lessons as possible.  You can learn a ton from watching!
Lunch: Lunch is included!  Pasta, salad, drinks, snacks etc.
Lesson Type: 1h - 1h 30min group lesson (depending on the # of riders) with Lindsay!  (We will group riders into lessons based on skill level).  We will be working on the skills needs to ride courses effectively.  We will also have a lesson on how to course walk over lunch!
Cost: $75.00/rider ($10 less if you own/lease your own horse)

If you are interested in participating or have any other questions, please email Nikki - info@raynhamstables.com.  Times will be posted on the blog by Monday, January 1st.

Winter Riding Tips!

Hey Raynham Riders,

Despite the balmy weather yesterday, winter is coming! Here are a few tips for staying comfortable and warm in the colder weather:

WINTER RIDING TIPS

• Dress in layers and make sure your base layers are moisture wicking. Thermal long underwear designed for skiing is ideal! Once you are riding you will warm up quickly, so be sure your top layers have zippers so they can easily be removed when mounted.
• Head, hands and feet lose body heat quickly. Wear winter boots with ski socks, warm gloves or mittens and a hat when tacking up. Snow pants or sweatpants over your breeches is also a good idea for chilly days. You can remove the extra layers and switch to riding boots and gloves right before you get on.
• When riding, a headband can fit under a helmet or a cozy helmet cover is also a great option. 
• Winter specific riding boots (some options include: Greenhawk or Pleasant Ridge) and gloves are awesome for staying comfortable during the winter months. 
• If you can’t purchase riding-specific gear, your regular winter boots may be fine. They need to have a ½” – 1 ½“ heel, not too chunky treads and the foot needs to be narrow enough to fit into the stirrup. Ask your instructor to check if you are unsure. 
• For those really cold days, hot packs (www.littlehottieswarmers.com, sold at Costco and many other places!) in gloves and boots are a great way to stay warm

Horseback riding is a year-round sport, but we do live in Canada so please remember to dress appropriately so you can enjoy riding throughout the winter :)