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