Greetings Students and Parents,
Winter is fast approaching and we are relieved to report that we have had zero illnesses or sickness in the ELS Staff or assistants. The few students who have reported a sniffle, sneezing, fever, or other suspicious respiratory illness, have quarantined and tested negative so far.
In response to an unfortunately expected surge in fall/winter Covid-19 cases in our state and immediate communities, Governor Inslee announced today, a return to earlier activity restrictions that will go into effect Mon 11/16/2020.
Below, we hope you will find answers to questions related to our preparedness and actions we have taken to continue to safely run lessons during Phase 1 if we return to that status from the current Phase 2.
Are there any changes to lessons at this time:
As of this announcement, outdoor activities have not changed from what we are currently doing. We have complied with the state orders as if we have been in Phase 1 since reopening back in June. The following list of precautions remain in effect:
Instructors, students, and assistants continue to socially distance, wear routinely sanitized gloves, and masks throughout their time at Holly Farm.
- Only one adult may sit on the deck per student, although we advise waiting in your car.
- Parents of younger students are asked to assist mounting and dismounting as needed.
- Kids who are not yet confident around or on horses are on a waitlist for Phase 4.
- Bathrooms, surfaces, gear, and borrowed helmets are sanitized routinely.
- Hand sanitizing stations are available on the arena deck.
- Stay home if you have a fever from any source!
The staff at ELS are grateful that we have a huge covered arena that allows ample distancing and this activity is relatively safer than soccer or school monkey bars (it’s true!)
What if I Get Sick at The Last Minute?
The 24-hour cancellation policy is still in effect. However, during this Covid winter, we will allow makeups to be scheduled for lessons that have to be canceled less than 24 hours for suspected last-minute illness symptoms or suspected exposure if texted or emailed within 4 hours of the lesson. There are no ROLL-Forward lessons allowed in this exception. In general, please give us as much notice as possible.
If you have any additional safety concerns or questions about our policies, please email info@elsstables.com (subject: Covid Questions).
We are optimistic that we can continue to offer the kids and adults a fun, safe, physically challenging option vs. staying home. We appreciate all our solid base of amazing students that have stuck with us throughout this grueling ordeal. Additionally, and just as important, are the psychological benefits we typically see with human and horse interactions amplified during this stressful challenge we face.
To all our new students, we appreciate your confidence and patience as we navigate these uncharted waters.
Stay up-to-date on weather alerts, fun activities, videos, and inspiring stories coming soon on the Blog.
Thanks, and hang in there with us!
The ELS Herd of Humans & Horses!
COVID-19 updates:
Staying warm while horseback riding in winter is challenging: Our clothes get damp when we sweat and, we have periods of reduced exertion when we walk around on horses, then we get cold. As a longtime horseback rider, I’ve learned a few tricks over four decades of riding outdoors in frigid temperatures.
COZY BLANKETS
WEAR & ADJUST LAYERS
The air quality is nearing normal and safe to breathe and resume lessons and activities at the barn! Please do your best to help us by scheduling one makeup lesson by the end of September. This helps staff and horses through an already difficult year. Thanks to all of those who already scheduled! 
