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