TENTATIVE Fall Schedule

Thank-you to everyone that sent in their fall availability.  I am still missing quite a few so this schedule is not yet final.  If I do need to make any changes I will let you know.  If you have not submitted a fall registration form and would like to enrol in classes, please fill out the form as soon as possible.

If there is an issue with your lesson time or you are not on the schedule, please contact me ASAP via email as I will be out of the office all weekend.

Please click here to view the Tentative Fall Lesson Schedule!

Fall Lesson Schedule

Hello Everyone!

I am still working away at the Fall Lesson Schedule but is is slow going as I am missing many peoples forms.  If you have not yet submitted your Fall Lesson Availability, please do so ASAP.

I WILL have at least a preliminary schedule will posted here by the end of the day today.  Please do not call or email to ask about the schedule so I can focus on getting it done!

See you next week!

Nikki

Fall Lesson Information

Hello everyone!  We hope you had a terrific summer and are ready to get back in the saddle.  We have been very busy here at the farm with our terrific campers, show season in full swing and Zoe puppies arriving!

One of Zoe's eight adorable puppies!

If you have not yet submitted a fall lesson availability form, please do so as soon as possible.  We will have the schedule posted on the blog by this Friday, August 31st.  

There are few minor changes to our lesson program for this fall:

• The 2012/2013 Session Calendar has been posted.  Please note that this year, we are closing for some holidays. Lessons that fall on that day will only have 7 classes that session, as is indicated on the calendar.  

• Due to huge increases in hay and grain costs, lesson prices have increased by approximately $2.00 per lesson. Our updated lesson pricing has been posted on the website.  There is now also a package price for 7-week sessions, ONLY valid for barn closures, not personal absences. 

• As some classes will now be 7 week sessions, we are no longer offering a package of 16 lessons.  Instead, we are offering a multi-session discount of $20 off each package for those riding 2 or more times a week or for multiple family members.  (This equals a savings of $120 off the per lesson price when purchasing 16 lessons, same discount as before) 

We have also updated our Make-up Lesson Policy:

• Students may have one make-up lesson per session. 

• Students must provide at least 24 hours notice of cancellation, preferably via email, to receive a make-up lesson. 

• Make-up lessons will be in a group lesson, regardless of the lesson type missed. (You can upgrade your make-up to a private lesson for $10, space permitting).

• Make-up lessons must be booked before the end of the session.  

• Make-up lessons are non-transferable and cannot be deducted off the next session fees.  

• Under no circumstances will we provide a make-up for a missed make-up lesson.

• If you provide at least two-weeks notice (i.e. for an appointment or vacation), we will reschedule and it will not count as your make-up for the session.

Can't wait to see everyone back at the barn soon!

Camper Update!

Hello Moms and Dads!

We've had a busy first few days of camp!  The girls have all settled in well and the weather has been great.  We have enjoyed delicious meals including Fruit Smoothies, Toad in a Hole, Chicken Caesar Wraps, Mexican Rice and Pasta.

We played pony games on the first day to get to know each other and so the instructors could assess everyone's riding level.  Then, first thing Monday morning campers were divided into their lesson groups and did their first lesson! Everyone has been riding well, the newer riders are mastering their posting trot, some of our returning campers did their first jump today and the older girls are polishing their dressage tests and have had a cross country lesson!

When not riding, we have also been spending a lot of time in the pool to stay cool.  This group of campers also loves making bracelets!  The horse treats we made yesterday were a huge hit with the ponies and today we made treat containers to store them in.  Our evenings programs so far have been a campfire and playing Man Hunt and tonight we're going to play Spotlight!

We are getting ready for Parent Show, 2:30pm on Friday.  See you then!




Your Camper and Staff



 

Some campers choose to make bracelets...

while others were cleaning their tack!

Goodbye El General

On November 22, 2007, El General galloped across the finish line of Maryland’s Laurel

Park racetrack for the final time in his career. The 9th place finish was a quiet ending to a race

record that included 35 starts, 8 wins and $272,038 in earnings. At 8 years old, the veteran

gelding was rewarded with retirement, and was rehomed by his breeder and owner Adena

Springs. While one half of his career had ended, another began as he joined the Raynham Stables

family.

General earned a place among the hearts of Raynham Stables riders with his never-

ending work ethic and forgiving nature. His years at the track bred into him the try needed to

school 3’ courses with advanced students, or teach adult beginners how to post. General was a

gentleman both under saddle and on the ground – so much so that even the timid show moms

didn’t mind taking him for a stroll across the show grounds. A successful lower level event

horse, General qualified for the OHTA Championships after his first competitive season, taking

every new experience in stride.

On the morning of July 14th, General was three-quarters of the way around a pre-entry

level cross-country course when he suffered a catastrophic injury on the approach to a fence.

Emergency veterinarians responded immediately, and the decision was made to humanely

euthanize the big bay gelding on course. General passed peacefully and quietly, displaying the

class and wisdom that he exuded throughout his life.

Raynham Stables would like to thank Will O’ Wind farms, Geoff & Ann Morgan, and

Dr. Andrea Malatestinic for their compassion, sensitivity, preparedness and seamless

response. We would also like to thank the many event volunteers at Will O’ Wind horse trials for

their kind words, tact and patience. We extend our sincere condolences to the Sandoval family

and to the many individuals who had the pleasure of knowing and loving this kind soul.

General represents each hard-working off-the-track Thoroughbred that forms the

backbone of our sport. He was a pleasure to work with, ride and watch. Thank you for all the

gallops you gave us.

El General – May 11, 1999 – July 14, 2012

Lessons ARE Running Tonight

Hello All!

We will be running classes tonight as it is quite a bit less humid and there is a lovely breeze.  We will still take it easy and please remember to bring a water bottle!

See you tonight,

Nikki

Extreme Heat Cancellation

Unfortunately we have decided it is necessary to cancel the lessons tonight due to the high temperatures and humidity.  We are closed next week anyway for camp set-up, so we can run tonight's lesson next Wednesday instead.  If that does not work for you, please email to arrange another time.

Stay cool!