Riding in the winter time is tough, whether it be frigid temperatures, freezing rain, ice, and snow—there is a lot of factors that cause cancellations. In an effort to allow us to have as many lessons as possible through these winter months we’re introducing some new winter weather policies.
1. Weather Appropriate Attire is REQUIRED
Students dressed inappropriately for the forecasted temperatures will not be tolerated. This has been a repeat problem in the past of students showing up in light jackets, no gloves, lightweight pants, etc. when temperature are near freezing. This is unsafe riding attire for this weather and is not conducive to a productive and safe learning space. If a student fails to show up properly dressed we reserve the right to turn them away and their lesson will be treated as forfeit.
Students need heavy jackets, multiple layers, gloves, thick pants/lined riding pants, ear/neck coverings, etc. Students are safer with too many layers than not enough!
2. Temperature Restrictions on the Horse’s Workload
The cold air and hard ground is strenuous on our horse’s bodies while they’re in work. To keep our horses in healthy working conditions we will be restricting what activities are allowed in lessons at certain temperatures.
≤ 40℉ Walk, light trotting, small jumps
≤ 35℉ Primarily walk, limited amount of trotting
≤ 32℉ Walk only
In conjunction with limiting how much work our horses do in lessons we will be putting more emphasis on horsemanship on the ground. This means more time in the barn grooming and caring for our horses and shorter ride times. In some cases, a lessons may be an on-ground only horsemanship lesson depending on conditions. (Ex: Arena is frozen and we cannot ride, but the driveway is safe and weather is decent out.)
3. Winter Condition Cancellations
Lessons scheduled where the forecast is projecting temperatures under 35℉ are likely to be cancelled. In the event the conditions out are favorable, such as sunny weather, no wind, dry footing, etc. lessons may not be cancelled but will abide by the temperature restrictions on our horse’s workload.
Temperature is not the only factor at play for lessons to be cancelled through the winter. Lessons may be cancelled for other unfavorable conditions such as poor arena footing due to ice or moisture, frigid winds, driveway inaccessibility, arena solar lights being out, etc. Lesson cancellations will be approached on a case-by-case basis.
Working with horses through the winter time requires some delicacy. We will have to get creative on lessons plans to enable our rider’s to continue their education despite less-than-ideal conditions. We appreciate everyone’s flexibility and we hope to keep students around horses as much as possible this winter season!
Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe this winter!
Ms. Jade and Mr. Tobi
