Success in the Slow Season By Christine Olsen
L
iving in the Chicago area, I learned early in my riding days the value of an indoor arena during the winter months. This cozy comfort is a necessary relief from months of ice, snow, and wind chill. Without this luxury some riders might choose to take a break from lessons over the season or even switch to a new barn that has better accommodations. This reflected my experience with a lesson stable growing up that was not set up for winter. Some riders (like me) waited winter out while others moved to a different barn so they could continue riding. Looking back on those days now as a riding instructor I can empathize how my instructor struggled with such a hard hit every year. Even if you have accommodations for riding during inclement weather, the bone chilling temperatures or the hectic holiday season might be enough reason for some riders to take a break. If your lesson program is impacted by winter, these are some ideas to keep your clients engaged in your program.
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Winter 2019–20 | Riding Instructor
