03/23/2020
COVID 19 UPDATE for lessons.
Hello everyone! We have been going week by week regarding the COVID 19 emergency, and I thought I would update everyone on the page here to make things easier.
I'm adding to the post today (Tues Mar. 24), because I just have to share that it is breaking my heart to have to have these delays (see below). I want you to know that I have agonized over this, and for right now, I just don't think continuing or resuming lessons is the right thing to do, at this particular time. I hate it though. I miss you all terribly and can't wait until we can start lessons up again....hopefully it will not be too long.....Everyone stay safe, and please stick with us. I will post any updates to the page.
As my mother used to say to me, "This too shall pass".
God bless you all!
I will text everyone a link to this page so you will have a chance to see it.
1.WE ARE DEFERRING LESSONS UNTIL AT LEAST THE END OF THE "STAY AT HOME" ORDER which starts at midnight tonight and goes until midnight on April 6.
2. We are CONSIDERING deferring until May 1st, but we will let you know. It depends on what happens with this thing.
3. We are looking at ways that we might be able to offer some solo lessons while we are paused in terms of the program as a whole. I pretty much know who would be interested in this, but if you are, text me. I will take you into consideration for this if we can do it.
IF you want to read on, here are some things we will put in place when we resume, unless it is deemed unnecessary at that time.....
3. When we do resume, there will be a few protocols in place, including the following. There may be updates to this as well.
a. Everyone will be required to own and bring their own helmet. They are available on Amazon and many other online stores, as well as Rod's Western Palace (Silver Dr., call first), Equus Now (Polaris area, MAY be doing curbside currently, but call first), and most Tractor Supplies (staying open as of now, call first to see if they have helmets, some stores don't).
b. Hand sanitizer will be required to be applied by everyone, students and family members, at entry to the barn area, and upon leaving. Please bring your own if AT ALL possible. (I am considering supplying gloves to be worn by students that I will launder between days.)
c. No more than 2 lessons at a time will occur.
d. Family groups (limit 2 per student) will be required to keep
at least 10 feet (because we can) apart from other groups or individuals and 6 feet from staff.
e. Staff will remain at least 6 feet from one another.
d. This means that either students will get their own horse ready, or parents will help. (No hoof holding with heads a foot apart). If necessary staff will complete the tasks.
e. Tack, brushes, hoof picks and stall handle latches will be sprayed with disinfectant or wiped with disinfectant wipes
between students.
f. Because almost all lessons will be semi-private, with no choice or break available for lessons with 3, the cost will
be $37 per lesson. I would ask that payment be made by
PayPal or Zelle whenever possible. Cash and checks will
still be accepted if necessary.
Because these procedures are fairly burdensome for everyone, please be patient with us while we prepare for them. I will be talking with staff, assessing practicalities and risks, and making decisions as we go along.
However, I am making a schedule in preparation to resume! We hope and pray that we will at least have a robust Late Spring/Summer and Fall session this year.
Stay safe!
