Holiday Schooling Show & Team Tryouts - Saturday, January 4th, 2020

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!

For this year's show, we are going to run using our winter format again. 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!  You can enter online here!

For those hoping to compete in 2020, please indicate "Show Team" in the "Questions?" box on the entry form.  Please see further details about Show Team 2020 here.

In-House Clinics - Thurs. Jan 2nd & Fri. Jan 3rd

Here are the details for our AWESOME annual in-house clinics!  The clinics will be held over two days, the first day will be dressage day with Nikki and the second day will be jumping with Lindsay! You can decide to do both days or just one of the days but it is a great way to keep up your riding skills over the winter break. Everyone is welcome to come and watch, you can learn a TON from watching! Our in-house clinics make a great gift idea - certificates are available!

Thursday, Jan 2nd - 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: $80.00/rider ($10 less if you own/lease your own horse)

Friday, Jan 3rd - 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!  Pizza, chips, salad, drinks, snacks etc.

Lesson Type: 1h - 1h 30min small 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: $80.00/rider ($10 less if you own/lease your own horse).

Come both days and save - $150.00 for both days :)  If you are interested in participating or have any other questions, please email Nikki - info@raynhamstables.com.  Times will be posted on the blog Tuesday, December 31st.

Important Updates for Banquet Tickets and Fundraisers

Banquet and Fundraiser Updates

So far we have a great turnout for this year's Holiday & Awards Banquet! Thanks to those who've purchased tickets. If you've ordered tickets but haven't paid please leave your cash or cheque (payable to Raynham Show Team) in the payment box at the barn. There is still time to get your ticket...email me at robin.johnson@rogers.com. Looking forward to a fun night celebrating the Holiday Season, amazing accomplishments and good friends.

Some GREAT news! North Country and MacMillans orders have been extended until November 25! That gives you 3 extra days to sell! GET OUT THERE AND HUSSLE!

Show Team 2020!

Hey Raynham Riders,

Show Season 2019 may have ended less than a month ago but it's already time to start preparing for the 2020 season!  At this point, we are looking to gather information on who is interested in competing in 2020.  If you think you'd like to show, please fill out this google form.

We have not finalized the details for 2020 trailering/coaching fees, part board rates, etc. but it is unlikely to change very much from this year.  Please send me an email if you would like the 2019 show package sent to you.

Many of our talented and beloved school horses that have given us years of show opportunities are getting older and close to retirement. We are actively looking for some new horses for the show program and would like to offer riders the opportunity to get in on the ground floor.  By paying your yearly part board/lease upfront, we will horse shop together to find a great horse for the show program and for you! If this is something that interests you and would like further details, please let us know.

We are looking forward to wrapping this season up with a bang at our 11th Annual Holiday Banquet.  It's open to ALL riders - we hope to see many of you there!

Please let us know if you have any other questions!

Nikki, Lindsay & Caryn

Tack Up Area Renovation Fundraisers

Hey Raynham Riders!

We are excited to announce that we are having our tack-up area renovated!  It will be enclosed and insulated with additional doors to keep it warmer for our horses and riders while tacking up and untacking!    It is a BIG undertaking so we would greatly appreciate any support you can give.  We are running a few fundraisers to help offset the cost, details are below.  We have also added a heater in the big arena over the bleachers to keep parents warm while spectating and the heat is on in the small arena viewing lounge as well.

Meat & Treats Fundraisers!

Both order forms are due on Monday, November 25th and delivery will be on Friday, December 13th. There are also paper forms available to be picked up in the riding school tack room if you prefer.  Completed forms can be dropped off in the cheque box in the tack-up area. Please make cheques payable to "Raynham Show Team" (the account we use for fundraising).

North Country Meats
We have done fundraising with North Country for our show team for years and have very impressed with the quality of their products!  Barn favourites include chicken breasts, chicken fingers, steaks, salmon, and ribs!

• Order Sheet 
• Product Information

MacMillan's
We tried MacMillian's for the first time last year and it was a hit!  The muffin and cookie batters are delish and so are the soup mixes and ready-to-bake appetizers!

• MacMillan's Product Information & Order Sheet

11th Annual Raynham Holiday & Awards Banquet!

BANQUET

The Banquet countdown continues!  We are now 1 week away from the close of ticket sales.  Don’t delay, get your tickets today!! (yes I know that rhymed).

Date: Friday, November 29th
Time: Doors open @ 6pm, Dinner @ 7pm, and all night long: FUN, FUN, FUN!

Adult Ticket $75.00

Child Ticket $40.00 (12 and under)

For tickets please email: robin.johnson@rogers.com

Cash or Cheque (payable to Raynham Show Team) can be left in the mailbox in the tack up area.

SILENT AUCTION

As in previous years, we will be running our exciting silent auction at our Holiday and Awards Banquet. The funds raised will help to offset both banquet costs and a facility upgrade that will benefit all riders (and parents) by providing them with an insulated tack up area that will keep them comfortable all year round!

This year we would like to present a special opportunity to get in on the auction anytime, anywhere! If you want to pre-bid or can't make it to Banquet but want an item, this is your chance. We are offering some of the items donated this year for your bidding online! Perhaps you know someone outside of Raynham who would be interested? Share this opportunity with them!

The online auction site will be live from November 15th at 12:00 pm until the evening of Banquet, Friday, November 29th at 9:30 pm.  If you are attending Banquet, you can bid on these online items by visiting one of the online bidding stations. If you are not coming to Banquet, no worries, you can continue biding until close! Go to 32auctions.com/rsb to view and bid. Please share the link with friends and family as well!  More items will continue to be added throughout the next two weeks so keep checking back. There will also be additional items to bid on that will only be featured at the Banquet!

Want to donate an item?

Thank you to everyone that has already donated items to the auction already.  Many have told me of the fantastic items would still like to donate.  Please bring them to Raynham, and leave them in the camp trailer, at your convenience.  We would love to collect all the items by November 18.

If you would like to help by donating an online auction item, it is not too late and would be very much appreciated! Items can be added to the online auction as late as November 25th by 6:00 pm. Email: Robin Johnson at robin.johnson@rogers.com and please include a photo of your donation. 

Thank you for all of your support, we look forward to seeing you at the banquet!

Winter Riding Tips!

Hey Raynham Riders,

Winter has decided to arrive early and with a bang! Here are a few tips for staying comfortable and warm in the colder weather:

• 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 are 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 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, Marks Work Warehouse, Canadian Tire, 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 :)  

Monday, November 11th - Classes ARE running

Hey Raynham Riders,

We have decided to run classes this evening as they are just forecasting light snow for our area.  Some of our riders later this evening are coming from Toronto - if the commute is a total mess, and you would prefer to reschedule, please let us know via email. There are some openings on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday morning this week. 

Nikki & Lindsay

Inclement Weather Cancellation Policy

Hey Raynham Riders,

Winter has sure arrived with a BANG!  We wanted to remind everyone of our inclement Weather Policy, below.  If you ever have any questions about our riding school policies or procedures, they can be found on our website.

Inclement Weather Policy

Lessons will be canceled 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.  

During the winter session, students do NOT need to book a make-up for inclement weather cancellations, so there’s no reason not to continue riding 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.   If we have to cancel a class in the Fall or Spring sessions (very unusual), we do ask that riders reschedule their class and we will offer an additional day for make-up classes if needed.

Please let us know if you have any questions!  As always, we are constantly working to make Raynham the BEST place to ride!

Nikki

Banquet, Auction and Fundraisers

BANQUET

The Banquet countdown continues!  We are now 3 weeks away from close of ticket sales.  Don’t delay get your tickets today!! (yes I know that rhymed).

November 29, 6pm doors open, 7pm dinner is served, all night long:

FUN, FUN, FUN!

Adult Ticket $75.00

Child Ticket $40.00 (12 and under)

For tickets please email: robin.johnson@rogers.com

Cash or Cheque (payable to Raynham Show Team) can be left in the mailbox in the tack up area.

AUCTION ITEMS

Thank you to everyone for the auction donations.  Many have told me of the fantastic items you have to donate.  Please bring them to Raynham, and leave them in the camp trailer, at your convenience.  I would love to collect all the items by November 18.

FUNDRAISERS

The North Country and MacMillans fundraisers are in full swing!  You can get all the info and selling tools needed in the school tack room (2 separate binders), or if you prefer, send me an email.  A reminder that all orders and payment are due November 22^nd with delivery December 13^th.   Please put your orders in the mailbox in the tack up area.  Cash or cheque (payable to Raynham Show Team).    

Raynham Stables: Social Updates!

Hello again Raynham Riders, and Families!

So we have moved into the wet and windy month of November...what better way to spend it than to look forward to a warm and inviting night at Nobleton Lakes Golf Club!  Let's celebrate the Holiday Season together.  You still have a few weeks left to purchase tickets, but DON'T leave it until the last moment!!  Bring the whole family and make it a fun night.

November 29, 6pm, shmoozing, auction and games, dinner at 7pm.
Adult Ticket $75
Child Ticket $40 (12 and under)

We are also looking for auction items...so far we have a great assortment of items, but MORE IS BETTER :)  If you or someone you know is interested in making an auction donation we are ever so grateful.

Did I mention cold, dreary, wet weather?  Well we've just the solution for that!  North Country and MacMillans fundraisers have begun!  Funds raised will go towards a warm and weatherproof tack up area.  Get selling, stop freezing!  All the info you need to sell is located in the school tack room, or email me and I'll send you a copy.

If you have any questions about tickets, auction items or fundraisers please email:
robin.johnson@rogers.com