Tuesday, January 30th - 7 & 8pm Lessons Cancelled

Hey Raynham Riders!

It's pretty chilly today and it's supposed to get even colder tonight as the evening goes on.  It's going to get below our -12c cut-off by 7pm so we are going to cancel the 7 & 8pm lessons tonight.   As this is our first Tuesday cancellation this session, you do not have to schedule a make-up lesson but you are welcome to do so if you wish!  Here is the link to the online scheduler - http://www.raynhamstables.com/online-lesson-scheduling.html. 

Let me know if you have any other questions and stay warm tonight!

Nikki

Monday, January 15th - Lessons ARE Running

Hey Raynham Riders!

We are going to run lessons tonight as the road conditions are fine in our area.  If the driving conditions deteriorate over the evening and you do not feel safe driving, you are welcome to reschedule - just send us an email.

I hope to see everyone this evening!

Nikki

Lesson Cancellation - Saturday, Jan 13th

Hey Raynham Riders,

I hope everyone got home safely today with the horrible driving conditions.  Sadly it looks like it is going to be very cold again tomorrow so as per our inclement weather policy, we are going to cancel classes.   Since this is the second cancellation on a Saturday, riders have the choice to reschedule the class or have it deducted from the next session.   The weather is supposed to be quite a bit milder on Sunday and we have some openings (see below). 

Please send me an email if you'd like to reschedule.  Fingers crossed this is the last very cold Saturday this session!

Nikki


Sunday, January 14th 

Private Lesson Openings:
10 am
2:30 pm
3:00 pm

Group Lesson Openings
10:30am - Novice - 1 space
11:30am - Advanced Beginner - 2 spaces
11:30am - Novice/Intermediate - 3 spaces
1:30pm - Intermediate - 2 spaces

Winter Riding Tips

Hey Raynham Riders,

With the crazy-chilly weather we've had the past week, I've had a few riders asking about how to dress for winter riding.  I'm one of those people that's always cold, so if I could stay warm enough to ride this past weekend, anyone can!

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 riding 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 or this option at 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, Marks Work Wearhouse 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 :)

Lesson Cancellation - Sunday, January 6th

Hey Sunday Riders,

While it looks like it's *finally* going to warm up tomorrow, it won't get up to a reasonable temperature until later in the afternoon.  Since it's still going to be pretty darn cold in the morning, we've decided to cancel classes again so enjoy one last day of freedom in the warmth before school starts back on Monday!   Some exciting news - we've ordered a large heater for the tack-up area, which will be arriving next week.  As a rider, I'm rarely cold while in the saddle, it's tacking up and untacking that is chilly so hopefully heating the tack up area will make winter riding a little more enjoyable for everyone!

See you next weekend,

Nikki

Inclement Weather Cancellation - Saturday, January 5th

Hey Raynham Riders,

It's looking like it's going to be extremely cold again tomorrow so we have decided to cancel classes.  As per our inclement weather policy, below, riders do not need to schedule a make-up for the cancellation as we bill for one less class for the winter session.

Stay warm tomorrow and see you next week!

Nikki 


Inclement Weather Cancellations:

Lessons will be cancelled if the temperature is below -12c before the wind-chill or during unsafe driving conditions (such as heavy snow or icy rain).   Please remember to check the blog or our Facebook page to ensure classes are running.  Any cancellations will be posted by 7:30 am on weekends, 1:00 pm on weeknights.  
 
As we did last year – students do NOT need to book a make-ups for inclement weather cancellations so there’s no reason not to ride over the winter!  For the winter session, we bill for one less class so if we have to cancel a class, we are square.  If we have to cancel any additional time(s), riders will have the option to schedule a make-up or deduct the class off of the spring session fees if you prefer.  

Schooling Show & Show Team Try-Outs - POSTPONED

Hey Raynham Riders,

Unfortunately, the forecast for tomorrow is looking VERY chilly so have decided to reschedule the schooling show and try-outs.  Thankfully this cold snap is supposed to end on Sunday so hopefully, we will be enjoying some warmer weather soon!  We will rebook for another Friday evening, date TBA shortly.

Stay warm everyone and see you in the barn!

Nikki

Session Two Schedule Posted!

Hey Raynham Riders! 

Sorry for the delay in getting the schedule posted, I wasn't able to get it finished before Christmas and then I was away the past few days. 

If there is an issue with your scheduled time, or if you are missing from the schedule, please let me know ASAP!

I can't wait to see you all back at the barn :)

Nikki

*NOTES*:

* Lucy S & Erika I - You guys could do a semi-private and Laura could join you when she returns in March
* Sophia G, Vivian G & Gabriela C. - I would ideally like to group you guys together eventually, I think Gabriela just needs a few more private lessons
* Marjorie - Do either of these times work for you?   Tuesday would be ideal so you and Katie don't ride the same days both days
* Rheanne K. - Would you be able to do 5pm on Thursdays instead?
* Charlotte P. - I know you had requested Wednesdays - would Thursday work instead? I'd prefer to keep the groups smaller.  If not, let me know and I can switch it around.

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

Hey Raynham Riders,

Here are the times for the clinic tomorrow and Thursday!  If you are missing from the list or there is an issue with your time, please let me know ASAP!

There is still space available for the jumping clinic on Thursday if you are interested!  Just send me an email, info@raynhamstables.com and I will add you in.

Just a reminder that riders are encouraged to stay and watch as many of the other riders as possible, you can learn a ton from watching!  Lunch will be included both days (pizza on Wednesday, pasta on Thursday) as well as snacks and hot drinks.  The heat will be on in the camp trailer but please dress warmly!  The cost is $75/day, e-transfer is preferred but cash/cheque on Wednesday is also fine!  See you all tomorrow :)

Dressage: Wednesday, Jan 3rd

Riders should learn test 1 for the level they hope to begin competing at this year (https://www.equestrian.ca/sport/eventing/tests).  If you are uncertain, email me and I can let you know which test to learn!  Riders should mount 10 - 15 min before their time to lightly warm up.

9:00am - Amy & River
9:30am - Katie & Ernie
10:00am - Noa & Holly
10:30am - Dawn & A.P.
11:00am - Steph & Scooby
11:30am - Gabby & Echo
12:00pm - Hope & Autumn
12:00pm - 1:00pm:  LUNCH BREAK
1:00pm - Ariana & Arizona
1:30pm - Nicole & Sampson
2:00pm - Hannah & Noah
2:30pm - Isabella & Herc
3:00pm - Niki & Jynx

Stadium: Thursday, Jan 4th 

All riders should come for 8:45am to help set course & learn how to walk a course.  Riders should mount 10 - 15 min early in the small ring to get warmed up.

9:15 – 10:00am
1. Amy & River
2. Katie & Ernie

3. Bianca & Butter

10:00 -10:45am
1. Gabby & Freckles
2. Steph & Noah

10:45 – 11:30am
1. Nicole & Sampson
2. Noa & Holly

11:30am – 12:15pm

1. Hope & Autumn
2. Dawn & Noah/Echo?

12:00pm - 1:00pm - LUNCH BREAK

12:45 - 1:30pm - Pre-Entry Group
1. Ariana & Arizona
2. Emma & Patches

1:30pm – 2:15pm

2. Hannah & Freckles
3. Isabella & Herc
4. Niki & Jynx