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 :)