Greetings ELS Students and Parents,
Here is some information to help you prepare for the uncertain Covid-19 fall/winter.
Progress vs. Fun & Safe Riding Lessons During Phase 2:
Thanks to all our clients who are enduring this Covid-19 Pandemic with us. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we follow ever-changing guidelines that limit our ability to progress students in a normal fashion. Although progress is made, it is slower as the Covid requirements currently exist. As hospitalizations continue to surge in our area, we are taking more precautions over the winter, to ensure student safety while working around and riding horses. The Instructors are coming up with creative ways to keep you fit and enthusiastic throughout the winter. We expect to increase the riskier aspects of riding in Phase 3 or 4 as permitted such as cantering and small jumps. Meanwhile, thanks again for hanging in there with us.
Deck Overcrowding:
The arena viewing deck is going to become too crowded for parents, students, and assistants to maintain social distancing as required by the state. There will be limited seating available so that the staff and assistants can sit under the deck heater throughout the day to maintain Covid gathering requirements and stay warm. We ask that parents wait in their cars wrapped in blankets or running the engine periodically to stay warm. Please angle-in park next to the north side of the parking lot, in front of the picnic area, and please, NOT NEXT TO THE STABLES! If you need to watch the lesson, please sit in the limited, designated seats and remain seated at all times.
The following are reminders and updates for fall/winter 2020-2021.
To avoid deck crowding: arrive on time and wait in your car until the exact lesson time starts. Students should wait for people to leave the deck before entering to avoid close contact. There is limited seating for one parent/visitor per student.
Check out our Tips For Staying Warm Article! Stay Warm!
COVID-19 updates:
If the student feels sick please stay home.
In the event a student/parent believes ELS staff may have been exposed to the virus by being closer than 6 feet, notify Robyn asap.
In the event a student tests positive to Covid-19 or have suspicious symptoms, please notify ELS asap.
In the event an ELS Staff believe they may have exposed a student, they will be notified asap.
Sanitize and/or wash gloves weekly.
Bring your own blankets to stay warm on the deck.
Provide super warmers for gloves and boots. They work! These warmers usually last the whole hour. You can find them in bulk on amazon or local stores.
Covid-Related Cancellation Revisions:
At least 24-hour notice is still required to avoid being charged for the lesson. This is to ensure the staff and horses get paid for their time.
Bonus: Due to the high level of uncertainty about the worsening and impact of Covid this winter, we are offering an additional make-up lesson opportunity in your package of lessons instead of roll-forward lessons. This helps students that may be directly or indirectly affected by Covid.
Staff may be substituted if they are in a quarantine status until they test negative.
For questions, please email me. I am happy to discuss any concerns.