1st June 2020 Update
Reopening 06th June 2020 with Government restrictions
Hello again !
I would firstly like to thank you all for all the lovely emails and messages of support we have had over the past few months, it has really helped to keep staff moral up . The horses and ponies have had a lovely time basking in the sun and enjoying the well-deserved rest.
We are in a position to gently start to reopen. We are strictly following government guidelines and advice from the British Horse Society so as you can imagine your experience here with us will be a little different from before. We are under strict guidelines which limit the numbers of riders and the level of their riding so that they will need none or very little physical interaction. With these restrictions in place and to make it financially viable to remain open we are limiting the 1-2-1 lessons to persons that had already paid for them before the lockdown. This is just for now and until we can offer more normality. We will be offering lots of group lessons instead with a minimum of 3 and an upper limit of 5 riders in a group lesson. The Pony club will open again but will be limited to 5 riders per session. Please be aware all lessons will be held outdoors and our public toilets remain closed following government guidelines.
To abide by the governing rules we are only able to offer tuition to existing customers who are off the lead rein, riding independently and steering in walk and trot as a minimum. No beginners at this present time. Riders must be able to adjust their stirrups but this can be taught at a distance on your first lesson back. There will be no jumping lessons at the moment. Please be aware that riders may be asked to get their horse from the stable and lead it to the arena. All riders will need to fill in a new rider registration form which will only be accepted via email and will need to agree to the protective measures we have in place to keep you and us safe. This includes hand sanitising upon arrival and on departure, adhering to the 2 meter social distancing rule and providing your own PPE which will include wearing protective gloves over your normal riding gloves. Only one additional person is to attend per rider and lessons being given in the arena opposite the car park will be observed from the car park. Riders will need to stay in the car park until their instructor calls them to the arena. If you arrive late to a lesson you will unfortunately be turned away and will forfeit your lesson. We advise arriving 10 mins before the start of your lesson but you must remain in the car.
Following guidelines we will not be able to provide any hat or boot hire. You will also need to provide your own stick. If you need to purchase a new hat that is up to standard hat and professionally fitted you can contact Alice to arrange an appointment alice@widmer.co.uk This is on a strict appointment only. Please do not buy cheap hats off the internet, you will not be allowed to ride in them. You will receive a discount if you tell Alice you are one of our riders. If you have already pre paid for hat hire we can keep it as credit to use against future lessons or donate it to a NHS charity.
If you would like to request a booking please email Chris at widmerec@hotmail.co.uk Please do not call the office as it is still shut. Please state the riders name and availability for a lesson using the guidelines of lessons below. Your booking will be arranged via email for a riding time when there is space to allow and a time that is convenient to the rider. A PayPal invoice will be sent to you straight away. This provisional booking will only be held for 15mins. If you are using up your pre paid lessons you will not be invoiced, you will receive conformation of your agreed day and time . We hope to return all emails within 24hrs Monday to Friday.
Please be aware that 3 working days is required for cancellation as this gives the instructors enough notice to rearrange their precious time. Cancellations must be made via email widmerec@hotmail.co.uk
We will review all government guidelines and keep you updated on any changes.
Lessons availability:
Friday with Jamey 9am to 1pm. Pre-paid 1-2-1 lessons can be used as well as pre-paid discounted adult lessons.
Saturday with Jamey 9am to 10am walk trot group / 10am to 11am walk trot canter / 11am to 12 pm walk trot canter and jump ( no jumping allowed at present). / 12pm to 1pm Mini PC riders OFF THE LEAD REIN .2pm to 3pm adult group lesson previously held on a Tuesday night .Additional groups can be set up if there is demand for them.
Sunday Pony Club with Jamey 9am to 11am silver riders / 11am to 1pm bronze riders / 2pm to 4pm gold riders / 4pm to 5pm Mini PC riders OFF THE LEAD REIN . We will currently be open every Sunday.
Claire will hopefully be starting again from the 13th June. She will teach pre paid 1-2-1 lessons preparing riders to join the appropriate groups.
We look forward to seeing you soon
Chris
