How to Dress for Winter Riding!

Hey Raynham Riders!

Once again, I am posting my winter riding tips! As someone who is ALWAYS cold (think sweatshirts in the summer), it's taken me many years to learn how to dress for winter riding. Here are all of my best 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 that can be easily undone while 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 riding pants 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 thin fleece headband can fit under a helmet to keep your ears warm! A cozy helmet cover is also a great option.
• Winter-specific boots will work as riding boots so long as they have a ½”–1 ½” heel, a not-too-chunky sole, and a narrow enough fit 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.
• Long Johns under your riding pants are a great option. You can also layer sweatpants or snow pants on top, too, if it's really chilly.
• For those really cold days, hot packs (www.littlehottieswarmers.com) are sold at Costco and many other places!) Gloves and boots are a great way to stay warm
• This is a luxury item, but many riders have added a heated vest to their winter apparel arsenal in the past couple of years, and it's been a game-changer! You are unlikely to need it while riding, but it's great while tacking up and untacking. They can be purchased 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 :)

Nikki

Winter Blanketing Tips

Hey Raynham Riders,

Since it appears winter has arrived and is here to stay, most of our horses have winter blankets on. Here are some important things to know:

• If your horse is very sweaty, they need to be cooled out by hand walking them with a cooler on before their blanket is put on. Coolers are available in the tack-up area.
• Blankets are sized and straps are adjusted specifically for each horse. Please ensure you are putting the correct blanket on by checking the name tag on the front of the blanket. If you are unsure, please ask a staff member.
• It is very important that blankets are put on/taken off correctly, for both the safety of the horses and riders and to prevent damage to the blankets. Below are the steps.

As always, if you are ever unsure, please ask one of our friendly staff! Thank you for your help in keeping our horses safe, warm, and blankets in good repair.

Your Raynham Team


HOW TO REMOVE A BLANKET - Watch & Learn: https://youtu.be/B_qJSnjR-Mc

1. Unclip leg straps at the back of the blanket
2. Undo the belly straps
3. Undo the chest clips/buckles
4. Fold the back 1/3 of the blanket forward to ensure the leg straps are not tangled around their hind legs
5. Fold the front 1/3 forward and then slide the blanket off the horse towards you. Please hang up neatly while you are riding on the grooming stall partition.

HOW TO PUT ON A BLANKET - Watch & Learn: https://youtu.be/TjXvmJnblqA

1. Ensure you have the front of the blanket orientated toward the front of the horse and slowly drape the blanket of the horses' back.
2. Do up the chest buckets, ensuring you put the strap back through the buckle (not just the pin) so it is secure. If the blanket has chest clips, please attach them with the opening of the clip towards the horse's chest, so they do not get caught on anything.
3. Do up the belly straps (they cross), and ensure they are lying flat, not twisted
4. Attach the leg straps by passing the strap around the hind leg and attaching at the back of the blanket on the same side. When doing up the second strap, also loop it through the first strap to make the blanket more secure.
5. If any of the straps are missing or the blanket is damaged, please check with staff - it may not be safe for the horse to wear.

Here are some photos:


Chest buckles need to be done up correctly - please 

put the strap through the buckle AND the keeper.

Snaps should be clipped with the opening towards the horse.

Belly straps should be done up diagonally, and 

ensure that they are not twisted.

Raynham Holiday Banquet 2025!

This year’s awards and holiday banquet will once again be held at the beautiful Nobleton Lakes Golf Club. The banquet will be held on Friday, December 5th, 6:00 - 10:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased by filling out this form by Wednesday, November 19th.  This event is for ALL RIDERS and their families, everyone is welcome!  Tickets include a delicious holiday meal (kids’ meal option available), prizes, games, silent auction, and our year-end awards presentation! 

This year's silent auction is raising funds to add indoor wash stalls to the 

• Adult Tickets: $110+HST ($124.30)

• Child Tickets: $55+HST ($62.15)

DINNER MENU

• Butternut Squash Soup

• Roasted Turkey with Gravy or Vegetarian Option

• Served with all the fixings! - Harvest Stuffing, Cranberry Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables, Artisan Dinner Rolls, and Butter Balls 

• Coffee/Tea, and Dessert!

• The Kid’s Plate is chicken fingers, fries, and ice cream

Holiday Banquet Silent Auction - CALL FOR DONATIONS!

The silent auction is a popular part of the Raynham Banquet and a huge source for raising funds for extra projects that benefit our riders which would otherwise not be possible. Our past fundraising has allowed us to upgrade the footing in both areas to a soft, dust-free sand/fibre mix, develop the cross-country schooling field, install mirrors in the small arena, offset the cost of our lovely stadium jumps, and more! 

At last year’s banquet, we were able to raise a significant portion of the funds needed to install an indoor wash stall in the tack-up area with hot and cold running water. This would also include a new insulated boarder tack room, which would house the hot water tank. This will be a huge benefit for all horses and riders as it will provide a space for cooling out, bathing and first aid treatments year-round. Our goal for this year’s banquet is to raise the additional funds needed to move forward with the project over the winter. 

We are currently working on collecting items for the silent auction. Your help in providing donations is greatly appreciated. Popular donation items include:

• Equestrian-related products and services 
• Unique items and themed gift baskets
• Tickets for sporting or cultural events
• Restaurant gift certificates
• Kids’ Items are always fun for our younger riders to bid on

If you know of a local business that would be willing to donate a product or service, please email me at maryd@skyridge.net and I can send you a fundraising letter. Donations can be dropped off at the Raynham office. If you could fill out the form provided on the table with the item description, value, and the name of the donor. We ask that all donations be provided by Monday, December 1.

SPONSORSHIPS

We are again seeking Sponsorships, which include a $1000 Premium Sponsorship and the $500 Supporting Sponsorship.   Included with these sponsorships:

$1000 Premium Sponsorship

• Business logo displayed in all Banquet communications leading up to the event
• Business Logo displayed on an individual slide throughout the evening, and at the beginning of the slide show presentation
• Thank you recognition during the Banquet presentation
• Business name, logo and link to website added to a new Sponsorship page on the Raynham website

$500 Supporting Sponsorship

• Shared Recognition in all Banquet communications leading up to the event
• Brand logo displayed on a shared slide throughout the evening and at the beginning of the slide show presentation.
• Thank you recognition during the Banquet
• Business name, logo and link to website added to a new Sponsorship page on the Raynham website

Family/Individual Sponsorship

• If a family would like to contribute as well, any donation is greatly appreciated
• Family/Individual name will be displayed on a shared slide throughout the evening and at the beginning of the slide show presentation.
• Thank you recognition during the Banquet
• Family/Individual named on the new Sponsorship page on the Raynham website

Halloween Schooling Show Start Times

Hey Raynham Riders!

Here are the start times for this weekend's Halloween show! If you are missing from the start times or the costume class don't worry! Send us an email and we will get it sorted. 

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ymAk_D8Iz0_eHuzxVm_5h6HTBdzPwEsGubWKa6g9qlw/edit?usp=sharing

The start times also include what time each dividsion needs to be on their horse ready to warm up.

Here's everything you need to know:

• The SHOW OFFICE will be in the house office around the back of the farmhouse (by the chicken coop)
• Payment: Cash or cheque to the secretary on the morning of the show, or e-transfer.
• Attire: Just dress neatly and according to the weather!
• Spectators: Are more than welcome, but please stay out of the barns and tack-up area - it will be busy enough without extra bodies!
• Dogs: As much as we love dogs, please leave them at home as it will be busy!
• Food: We will have food available for purchase - coffee, tea, hot chocolate, water, pop, muffins, cookies, chips, chilli, hot dogs, and walking taco for lunch! 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!

Nikki & the Raynham team

16th ANNUAL VOLUNTEER DAY - Sunday, May 18th

Hey Raynham Riders!


As always, we have tons of projects to tackle around the farm! Our 16th Annual Volunteer Day will run this SUNDAY from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, but you do not need to stay all day; any help is appreciated! We hope to see many Raynham riders out to lend a hand!


There will be jobs appropriate for students of all ages as well as parents (moms, dads, spouses - we’re looking at you!). Don’t worry, there are lots of jobs that do not require interacting with horses for those non-horsey-savvy family members!

Volunteers receive a raffle ticket for each hour contributed. At the end of the day, we will draw for TWO free private lessons! We have a few other raffle prizes as well! A BBQ lunch and refreshments will be provided for all volunteers as well!

If you have any gardening tools or general tools (weed eaters are always helpful!), please feel free to bring them.

THANK YOU!

Your Raynham Team

Spring Schooling Show Start Times!

 Hey Raynham Riders!

A huge thanks to Gabby for all her work putting the start times together. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1bNFuuPOn8cWHuf2x5ehK5bi8kKm-zmNlu_Zpm_Z6w6M/edit?usp=sharing 

For the combined test divisions, riders should be in the warm-up 20 minutes prior to your dressage time, and 10 minutes before show jumping (since your horse will already be warmed up from dressage). For the equitation divisions (Grasshopper & Smurf), there are warm-up times included in the start times.

Here's everything you need to know:

• The SHOW OFFICE will be in the house office around the back of the farmhouse (by the chicken coop)
• Payment: Cash or cheque to the secretary on the morning of the show, or e-transfer.
• Attire: Show Team Riders should *ideally* dress/prepare their horse as if it were a regular off-property show (full show attire & braid). New show riders may not have all their show gear yet - that's totally fine, just dress neatly!
• Spectators: Are more than welcome, but please stay out of the barns and tack-up area - it will be busy enough without extra bodies!
• Dogs: As much as we love dogs, please leave them at home as it will be busy!
• Food: We will have food available for purchase - coffee, tea, hot chocolate, water, pop, muffins, cookies, chips, chilli, hot dogs, and walking taco for lunch! 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!

Nikki

  

Mid Session Update!

Hey all!

In case you don't receive our email blasts, here is the latest Raynham newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/40e43a234fdc/spring-session-update.

See you in the barn!

Nikki

Wednesday April 2 - LESSONS CANCELLED

Hello everyone,

Freezing rain is forecasted again for tonight (isn't it supposed to be spring???), so to keep everyone safe, we have decided to cancel lessons this evening. 

Please keep an eye on your email for options for rescheduling!

Stay warm,

Gabby

Sunday March 30 - Lessons ARE Running!

Hey Raynham Riders,

Despite some freezing rain overnight, the barn seems to have escaped the worst of it! The driveway has been sanded and the grass is nice and soft, so we will be running lessons.

If conditions in your area are unsafe, please let us know! 

See you soon,

-Gabby

Wednesday February 19 - Some Lessons Cancelled, Please Read

Hello Raynham Riders,

We just can't seem to catch a break with this weather!

It will be below our cutoff temperature by 7pm tonight, therefore we will be canceling lessons FROM 7PM ONWARDS. 

We will be announcing more makeup options very soon, so stay tuned! Until then, if you see any spots in the online scheduler, feel free book your makeup using the codes provided in the previous posts.

Stay warm everyone,

-Gabby

**UPDATE** - Monday February 17th - Lessons CANCELLED

Hello Raynham Riders,

***UPDATE***

Conditions at the barn have gotten worse fast with the blowing snow continuing to undo the hard work being done by everyone working today clearing the snow. We will therefore be CANCELLING LESSONS THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING.

We will let you know about alternate dates as soon as we have the chance.

Stay safe everyone,

Gabby

------------------------------------------------------

Happy Family Day! Despite the crazy amount of snow, the plows have miraculously cleared the roads and the sun is shining, so we will be running Make-up Monday this evening!

If conditions worsen in your area, please let us know! 

Gabby

Sunday February 16th - Lessons CANCELLED

Hello Raynham Riders,

It looks like we will be getting another round of significant snowfall beginning this morning, therefore we will be canceling lessons today. 

You are welcome to book any suitable spot in the online scheduler to book your make-ups from inclement weather cancellations. We will also continue to open up some extra days in the online scheduler to ensure there are enough spots available, so please check the scheduler periodically. Please use the correct code, below, when booking your make-up: 

• If you missed a group lesson: SNOWGR25

• If you missed a private lesson:  SNOWPR25

If you are having trouble finding a suitable spot, please email the office and we will give you a hand! Here is the link to the online scheduler: https://www.raynhamstables.com/make-up-lesson-scheduling.html. 

You are also welcome to put your make-up lessons towards our EC Rider Level Testing Prep Sessions this March Break! The Equestrian Canada Rider Level program helps riders improve their riding skills and learn about horse care and stable management. The program also prepares riders to become certified instructors or coaches if they are interested in pursuing those goals in the future.

Here is the TENTATIVE schedule:

Tuesday, March 11th - Rider Level Prep Day

• Semi-private or small group lessons to practice the mounted skills required for testing 
• On each day, we will conduct a stable management lesson to go over the written and practical stable management skills required for your level
• Please review the rubrics for the levels and review the stable management topics in advance. We will go over everything in detail for your level.
  
• Ideally 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm, but we can be flexible with timing based on the participants' availability.
  
• Cost: $150.00

Thursday March 13th - Testing Day

• Testing will likely be 10 am - 4 pm, but it will depend on the final # of participants, full schedule will be sent out once everyone confirms.  
• Levels 1 & 2 will start in the AM and should be done around lunchtime.
• Levels 3 - 6 will start late morning and will run into the afternoon
• Anyone wishing to start higher than level 1 must complete the written stable management tests for all previous levels. 
  
• Cost: $175.00 
• The cost includes the $40 fee to submit the exam to Ontario Equestrian (OE), the fee for the use of the horse, and the fee for the examiner.
• If you are not already a member of OE, you will have to join - https://ontarioequestrian.ca/membership/
  

Please let us know if you would like to participate by March 1st, 2025, so we can finalize schedules!

Stay safe today everyone!

Gabby

Saturday February 15th - Lessons ARE Running

Hello Raynham Riders,

It looks like the worst of the next round of snow will hold off for another day, therefore we will be running lessons on Saturday!

If weather conditions are unsafe in your area, please let us know. 

See you Saturday! 

Gabby

Thursday, Feb 13, 2025 - Lessons ARE running!

Hi Raynham Riders! 

Despite all the snow last night, the plows have been out working hard to clear the roads. Therefore, we WILL be running lessons today!

If weather conditions are too unsafe in your area, please let us know. 

Drive safe! 

Thanks, 

Amy 

Wednesday February 12 - Some Lessons Cancelled, Please Read

 Hello Raynham Riders,

We have been paying close attention to the radar and the weather forecast and have decided to cancel lessons tonight from 6PM ONWARDS. If your lesson time is prior to 6pm, it looks like the snow will hold off until you have finished taking care of your horse.

Please see the previous post from Saturday February 1st below for information about scheduling Inclement Weather Make-up Lessons. Please check the online scheduler and our Facebook page regularly for openings as some do come up last minute!

If weather conditions are too unsafe in your area, please let us know.

Stay safe!

Gabby

Sunday February 9 - Lessons ARE Running!

Hello Raynham Riders,

Despite the snow last night, the plows have been out working hard to clear the roads. Therefore, we WILL be running lessons today!

If weather conditions are too unsafe in your area, please let us know. 

Drive safe!

Gabby

Sunday, February 2nd - Lessons ARE Running

 Hey All!

I just realized that the post from Friday letting riders know classes would be cancelled on Saturday could be confusing. Lessons ARE running today - we are already above the cancellation temperature and it will continue to warm up throughout the day!

See you in the barn!

Nikki

Saturday, February 1st - LESSONS CANCELLED

Hey Saturday Riders,

Despite the mild weather today, they are calling for tomorrow to be mighty cold! The forecast hasn't budged all week, so we have decided to cancel lessons for tomorrow now. 

In case you missed it, here are the details for rescheduling:

Inclement Weather Make-up Lessons

You are welcome to book any suitable spot in the online scheduler to book your make-ups from inclement weather cancellations. We have also opened up some extra days in the online scheduler to ensure there are enough spots available. Please use the correct code, below, when booking your make-up: 

• If you missed a group lesson: SNOWGR25
• If you missed a private lesson:  SNOWPR25

To start, we have added spots on Monday, February 17th and Monday, March 3rd.  We have the following group lessons on those days:

• 5:00pm - Beginner/Advanced Beginner
• 6:00pm - Advanced Beginner/Novice
• 7:00pm - Novice/Intermediate

If you are having trouble finding a suitable spot, please email the office and we will give you a hand! Here is the link to the online scheduler: https://www.raynhamstables.com/make-up-lesson-scheduling.html. 

You are also welcome to put your make-up lessons towards our EC Rider Level Testing Prep Sessions this March Break! See the previous post on this blog for more details!

Equine Canada Rider Level Prep & Testing Days!

Hey Everyone!

Back by popular demand, Equestrian Canada Rider Level Testing will return this year during the March Break. If your lesson was cancelled this winter session due to inclement weather, you can use your makeup lessons toward the prep day for your rider-level testing! The Equine Canada Rider Level program helps riders improve their riding skills and learn about horse and stable management. The program also prepares riders to become certified instructors or coaches if they are interested in pursuing those goals in the future.

Here is the TENTATIVE schedule:

Tuesday, March 11th - Rider Level Prep Day

• Semi-private or small group lessons to practice the mounted skills required for testing 

• On each day, we will conduct a stable management lesson to go over the written and practical stable management skills required for your level

• Please review the rubrics for the levels and review the stable management topics in advance. We will go over everything in detail for your level.

• Ideally 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm, but we can be flexible with timing based on the participants' availability.

• Cost: $150.00

Thursday March 13th - Testing Day

• Testing will likely be 10 am - 4 pm, but it will depend on the final # of participants, full schedule will be sent out once everyone confirms.  

• Levels 1 & 2 will start in the AM and should be done around lunchtime.

• Levels 3 - 6 will start late morning and will run into the afternoon

• Anyone wishing to start higher than level 1 must complete the written stable management tests for all previous levels. 

• Cost: $175.00 

• The cost includes the $40 fee to submit the exam to Ontario Equestrian (OE), the fee for the use of the horse, and the fee for the examiner.

• If you are not already a member of OE, you will have to join - https://ontarioequestrian.ca/membership/

Please let us know if you would like to participate by March 1st, 2025, so we can finalize schedules!

Nikki

Wednesday, January 22 - LESSONS CANCELLED

 Hey Raynham Riders,

It is still SUPER cold out today! As the forecasted temperature is below our cut-off of -12c all day, we will be cancelling classes.

Stay tuned for an email with options for rescheduling!  Stay warm today!

Nikki

Tuesday, January 21st - LESSONS CANCELLED

Hey Raynham Riders,

The "polar vortex" has arrived and it is pretty darn cold out today!  As the forecasted temperature is below our cut-off of -12c all day, we will be cancelling classes.

Stay tuned for an email with options for rescheduling!  Stay warm today!

Nikki

Sunday January 19th - Lessons ARE Running!

 Hey All,

It seems like the worst of the polar vortex has held off for one more day, so just to confirm, lessons are running today! Just a reminder that our policy is that we cancel if it is below -12c before the windchill and we use the forecast from The Weather Network for Nobleton (https://www.theweathernetwork.com/en/city/ca/ontario/nobleton/current).

Dress in layers and see you soon!

Gabby

Thursday, January 9th - Lessons ARE Running!

 Hey All!

Again, we've been getting many emails asking to confirm if lessons are running. Yes, classes are running tonight. Our cutoff temperature is -12c before the windchill, and the forecast is calling for it to be above that temperature during our lesson times. The sun has actually warmed up both arenas above 0c right now! I promise we'll post by 1 p.m. if evening lessons are cancelled. 

Nikki

Wednesday, January 8th - Lessons ARE Running!

 Hey All,

We've had a lot of people asking, so just to confirm, lessons are running tonight,  We cancel if it is below -12c before the windchill and we use the forecast from The Weather Network for Nobleton (https://www.theweathernetwork.com/en/city/ca/ontario/nobleton/current).

Dress in layers and see you tonight!

Nikki