Sunday December 22nd - LESSONS CANCELLED, OPTION FOR PONY GAMES

Hey Raynham Riders,

It looks like it's going to be mighty chilly again tomorrow morning, below our cut-off temp of -12c, so we are going to cancel regular lessons.

It is going to warm up to a "balmy" -9c in the afternoon, so Gabby has offered to run holiday-themed pony games from 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm.  If you'd like to come have some fun with the horses instead of having to reschedule at another time, please sign up here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1rgiYyoDWSby5z3qj3kruSOnJdeoeKW3uI5PPin5zMlg/edit?usp=sharing.  If there is enough interest, we will add a second group from 1:30 - 2:30 pm.

If you would prefer to reschedule your lesson, please email the office and we will get back to you with options. 

Nikki & Gabby

Saturday, December 21st - LESSONS CANCELLED

Hey Raynham Riders,

Brrrr!! It is going to be mighty cold tomorrow!  Our policy is to cancel if it is colder than -12c before the windchill and it's forecasted to be -12c or colder all day tomorrow.   We have already bundled up the horses with extra blankets and feed to keep them cozy!

We will send out an email tomorrow with options to do a make-up over the break.

Stay warm tomorrow!

Nikki

*** Just a reminder, here is our inclement weather policy from the website!***

Inclement Weather Cancellations:
Lessons will be canceled in the event of freezing rain, heavy snow, or extreme cold (below -12c before the wind chill) so that no one is driving in unsafe conditions.  In addition to any openings in the online scheduler, we will also offer make-ups one Monday a month for inclement weather cancellations. On Make-up Mondays, students will have the option of booking a regular lesson OR an unmounted stable management lesson in our heated tack-up area if you prefer!

Please note that cancellations will be posted on the blog ONLY so please check before heading to the barn.  On weekends, cancellations will be posted by 7:30am and weeknights will be posted by 1:00pm.

Winter Riding Tips 2025!

Hey Raynham Riders

It's been pretty mild so far this year, but it looks like the cold weather is arriving tomorrow!  Chances are lessons will be canceled (we cancel if the temp is below -12c before the windchill, we will post by 7am tomorrow!), but here are some winter riding tips for future chilly, but not so ridiculously cold, days!

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.
• Staying warm while tacking up is key! 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 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 make a huge difference and there are some great options under $100 this year at Greenhawk or Pleasant Ridge. Your regular winter boots may be fine if you can’t purchase riding-specific gear. They need to have a ½” – 1 ½“ heel, not too chunky sole, and a narrow enough foot to fit into the stirrup. Ask your instructor to check if you are unsure. 
• Winter riding gloves or mittens really help too but even non-riding specific gloves are fine, as long as they have some grip.
• Winter riding breeches are great, but if you don't want to purchase more breeches, then long johns under your breeches are a great option. You can also layer sweatpants or snow pants on top of your breeches too it's really chilly. 
• For those really cold days, hot packs (www.littlehottieswarmers.com), are sold at Costco and many other places!) in gloves and boots are a great way to stay warm
• This is a luxury item, but I've added a heated vest to my winter apparel arsenal in the past couple of years and it's been a game-changer!  I seldom need it while riding, but it's great while tacking up and untacking. Mine is by Orono and I purchased it on Amazon.

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

Wednesday, December 4th - Lessons ARE Running Today!

Hey All!

It is finally starting to look like winter around here! Thankfully it is only snowing lightly and the roads are cleared/just wet right now.  If the driving conditions are poor in your area, let us know.  We have some spaces available on Friday!

Nikki

Halloween Schooling Show!

Hey Raynham Riders,

Below are the start times for the Halloween Schooling Show. If you are missing from the times, don't panic; send us an email and we'll get it sorted!

Here are all the details for Saturday!

• Arrival & Check-In: When you arrive, please head to the camp trailer to check in with the secretary. Riders should plan to arrive early enough to give their horse a thorough grooming and be ready to mount at least 15 minutes before the start of their flat class.
• Payment: E-transfer OR you can give cash or cheque to the secretary on the morning of the show.
• Attire: Show attire is not required - dress neatly and appropriately for the weather!
• Spectators: Friends and family are welcome to come watch! Parking is limited so carpooling when possible is appreciated!
• Parking: Please part efficiently in the parking lot. Once the parking lot is full, please park alongside the driveway, being careful not to block gates or paths to paddocks.
• Dogs: Please don't bring dogs on Saturday, it will be busy enough as is!
• Food: We will have food available for purchase - coffee, tea, hot chocolate, water pop, muffins, cookies, chips, chili (veggie & beef), hotdogs, chili dogs, and WALKING TACOS - YUM! Concessions will be CASH only.

Just a reminder that, as always, there is NO SMOKING PERMITTED on the property. Please let us know if you have any other questions. We are looking forward to a fun show on Saturday!

Nikki & the Raynham Team

START TIMES

TENTATIVE Fall 2024 Lesson Schedule Posted!

 Hey Raynham Riders, 

Thank you very much for your patience as we worked through the schedule for the Fall session. Please find the link to the TENTATIVE schedule below. 

We ask that EVERYONE please fill out the CONFIRMATION FORM by 3:00pm WEDNESDAY AUG 28 so that we know that you have seen the schedule.  The form asks you to confirm if your assigned time works or let us know if you need us to make a change.   We will work through any required changes on Thursday and will send out the revised schedule by Friday morning.   Lessons resume on Tuesday, September 3rd. 

We look forward to seeing everyone back in the saddle!

Your Raynham Team

TENTATIVE FALL SCHEDULE

Fall Coaching Schedule: 

	Daytime	Ring One	Ring Two
Mondays	No classes (practice rides for part boarders)
Tuesdays	Nikki	Lindsay	Gabby T
Wednesdays	Lindsay	Nikki	Gabby T
Thursdays	Nikki	Lindsay	Rachel
Fridays	—	Lindsay	Nikki
Saturdays	—	Lindsay/Nikki	Dawn
Sundays	—	Gabby T	Hope

FALL 2024 LESSON SCHEDULE COMING SHORTLY!

Hey Raynham Riders!

Thank you for your patience in awaiting the fall lesson schedule. We are just working out a few issues and will be sending it out via email blast later this evening! I will update this post once it is sent out Rest assured, we were able to fit in all returning students from last school year and this summer!

If you have not already subscribed to our mailing list, sign up now so you don't miss the email when the schedule is done! https://tinyurl.com/rs2024mailinglist

Nikki

Thurdsay, June 20th - Lessons ARE Running

Hey guys,

It's still hot today but the forecast is almost 10c cooler with the humidex than yesterday!  We will run lessons today and shorten/modify them as needed to take a break from the heat.  Please be sure to bring lots of water! 

See you in the barn!

Nikki

HORSEMANSHIP LESSONS TODAY!

Hey Raynham Riders,

It is another scorcher today, with the humidex climbing into the mid-40s this afternoon. For the health and safety of the horses and riders, we will be running horsemanship lessons instead of mounted lessons again today. 

We will run three sessions today:

1. 2:00pm - 3:00pm.

2. 5:30pm - 6:30pm

3. 7:30pm - 8:30pm

We will cover a variety of subjects based on the level and interests of the group - you can see a list of sample topics in yesterday's post.  You do not need to let us know which session you will attend - just pick the one that works best for your schedule!  As a bonus - you can meet Lindsay and Caryn's new puppy!! 

He still needs a name, but isn't he adorable!?

Gabby will also review your rider skills checklists and give out your level certificates with her students!

Stay cool and hydrated today!

Nikki

HORSEMANSHIP LESSONS THIS EVENING!

Hey Raynham Riders,

It is HOT again today and only getting hotter this afternoon and evening, with a heat advisory and air quality advisory in effect. For the health and safety of the horses and riders, we will offer horsemanship lessons instead of mounted this evening. 

Gabby will do two sessions, 5:30pm - 6:30pm and 7:30 - 8:30pm and based on the level and interests of the group, we will cover a variety of the topics listed below.  You do not need to let us know which session you will attend - just pick the one that works best for your schedule!

Gabby will also review your rider skills checklists and give out your level certificates!

Stay cool and hydrated today!

Nikki

HORSEMANSHIP TOPICS

Horse Health

• Temperature, pulse, respiration
• Pinch test for dehydration
• Capillary refill
• Things to look for when grooming and in their feet (cuts, swelling, heat, thrush, etc
• Measure weight with a weight tape
• Measure height with a measuring stick

Horse Parts and Colours

• Parts of hoof
• Shoeing - when and why
• Find horses of all colours
• Good grooming habits

Leg Protection 

• Bell boots
• Jumping boots
• Cross boots
• Dressage boots
• Wrapping legs

Horse Teeth 

• How old are our horses - aging using teeth
• Tattoos

Feed

• What we feed our horses
• When to feed and not feed, feeding rules
• How we decide what to feed
• Hay vs grain

Tack 

• How to properly clean a saddle & bridle
• Parts of the bridle and saddle
• Take the bridle apart and put it back together
• Different types of bits
• Saddle and bridle fitting

Interested in learning something not listed? Just let us know!

Spring Schooling Show Start Times!

Hey Raynham Riders,

We are getting very excited about the show on Saturday! Here are all the details you need to know:

• Arrival & Check-In:  When you arrive, please head to the camp trailer to check in with the secretary. Riders should plan to arrive approximately 45 min before their dressage time/flat class to ensure enough time to give their horse a thorough grooming and have time to warm up before your class.

• Payment: E-transfer (please send ASAP) OR you can give cash or cheque to the secretary on the morning of the show

• Attire: Show students should ideally wear show apparel but if the weather is less than cooperative, the priority is to dress neatly and appropriately for the weather!  Non-show riders should dress neatly but appropriately for the weather.

• Spectators:  Spectators are welcome!  Only riders are permitted in the barns and tack up area to prevent crowding.  Spectators are permitted wherever there are bleachers! 

• Parking: Please park efficiently in the parking lot. Once the parking lot is full, please park alongside the driveway alongside the paddocks.  Please do not park on the sides of the driveway between the house and the barn, it gets too congested.   Please be careful not to block gates or paths to paddocks.

• Dogs: Please do not bring dogs on Saturday, it will be busy enough as is!

• Food: We will have food available for purchase in the camp trailer - coffee, tea, hot chocolate, water pop, muffins, cookies, chips, chili (veggie & beef), hotdogs, chili dogs, and WALKING TACOS - YUM! Concessions will be CASH only.

Please let us know if you have any other questions!  We are looking forward to a fun show on Saturday!

Your Raynham Team                                

CLICK HERE FOR SCHOOLING SHOW START TIMES!

Thursday, February 15th - EVENING LESSONS CANCELLED

 Hey Raynham Riders,

They are calling for some heavy snow this afternoon and since it's hard to predict if they will have the roads cleared up in time for evening lessons, we have decided to cancel.  Amy will send an email with options to reschedule.

Stay safe tonight!

Nikki

Saturday, January 20th - Some Lessons Cancelled, Please Read

 Hey Raynham Riders,

It's going to be mighty chilly tomorrow morning!  We are going to cancel ALL the lessons for the morning. ALL of Dawns lessons will be cancelled for the afternoon as well.   

I will message my/Lindsay’s lessons individually about some options for the afternoon  

Amy or I will send an email with options for rescheduling!  Stay warm tomorrow,

Nikki

Wednesday, January 17th - Lessons ARE Running Tonight

 Hey Guys,

Once again, it's hovering right around our cut-off temp for lessons but it looks like it's not going to drop below -12c so lessons will be running tonight.  We have the heat cranked in the tack-up area and with the sun, the arenas are quite a bit warmer than outside. Please be sure to dress warmly - hat, mitts, snow pants, winter boots, hot packs, etc. 

For Gabby's little riders, she has designed a stable management scavenger hunt that can be done in the heated tack-up area if riders need to shorten their ride a bit. 

See you tonight!

Nikki

Tuesday, January 16th - Lessons ARE Running Tonight!

 Hey Raynham Riders,

It's not calling for the temp to drop below -12c (our cut off temp) until after 9pm tonight so classes will be running!  Dress in lots of layers - winter boots, snow pants, headband under your helmet, etc!  Gabby has also created a fun stable management scavenger hunt if riders need to shorten their lesson slightly if they get cold :)

See you tonight!

Nikki

Monday, January 15 - LESSONS AFTER 5PM CANCELLED

 Hey Raynham Riders,

Winter has arrived!! We have been spoiled this winter with mild temps, but today is COLD.  The forecast is calling for the temps to drop below -12c by 5pm.  Our cut-off for lessons is -12c, so we will cancel classes after 5pm.  Amy or I will be in touch with options to reschedule.

Stay warm today!

Nikki

Tuesday, January 9th - LESSONS CANCELLED

 Hey Raynham Riders,

The snow and wind are already awful, and it's only supposed to get worse, so we are going to cancel classes for today.   We will be in touch regarding options for rescheduling.

If you have to go out today, drive safe!

Nikki

Winter Riding Tips 2024!

 Hey Raynham Riders

We've had an unseasonably warm winter so far, but the damp weather can make you feel colder than those really chilly winter days!  It's been a few years since I updated this post, so I thought I'd do a new one :)  I am someone who is pretty much always cold, so if I can dress to stay warm while riding, so can you!

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.
• Staying warm while tacking up is key! 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 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 make a huge difference and there are some great options under $100 this year at Greenhawk or Pleasant Ridge. Your regular winter boots may be fine if you can’t purchase riding-specific gear. They need to have a ½” – 1 ½“ heel, not too chunky sole, and a narrow enough foot to fit into the stirrup. Ask your instructor to check if you are unsure. 
• Winter riding gloves or mittens really help too but even non-riding specific gloves are fine, as long as they have some grip.
• Winter riding breeches are great, but if you don't want to purchase more breeches, then long johns under your breeches are a great option. You can also layer sweatpants or snow pants on top of your breeches too it's really chilly. 
• For those really cold days, hot packs (www.littlehottieswarmers.com), are sold at Costco and many other places!) in gloves and boots are a great way to stay warm
• This is a luxury item, but I've added a heated vest to my winter apparel arsenal in the past couple of years and it's been a game-changer!  I seldom need it while riding, but it's great while tacking up and untacking. Mine is by Orono and I purchased it on Amazon.

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