Cold Weather Cancellation Guidelines
How cold does it have to be to cancel classes at the Windy Ridge Ranch?
Classes are cancelled when the actual temperature is below 0°F (not windchill) . Why this temperature? We could have picked 5 or -5, but below zero establishes a cutoff that riders at WRR can plan around and rely on. We do not factor in windchill, in most cases, because we can stay out of the wind by riding indoors. Read Windchill Facts below to learn more.
If the local forecast predicts below 0°F at classtime, we send emails and put a message on the website at least two hours before class with our plans. When we cancel classes due to weather we usually schedule a makeup day, or provide credit.
Other ranch events and club events may continue even if it's below zero. That depends on those involved -- the decision is made at the time. For example, we have never cancelled a Winter Carnvial Parade, even when temperatures were -15°F!
What if there's a snow storm?
We rarely cancel classes due to snowy conditions. Manning Avenue is plowed regularly during storms. However, if the
University of Minnesota has cancelled their evening classes, we will
cancel our lessons as well. You may contact the U of M at 612/625-5000
or listen WCCO radio to determine if they are holding evening classes.
Don't the horses get cold?
Riders can choose to practice ride at whatever temperature they are comfortable with. Horses just may need more warm up time, and they should not be ridden into a sweat. Horses like to stay out of the wind, just like you, so ride indoors when windchills are low.
Summer storms seem to come up quickly and we have never cancelled classes in advance due to a summer storm. However, you should know that we do not have a basement in any buildings on our property (we are located on a limestone ridge and a basement was not feasible).
Windchill Facts
How Fast Will My Skin Freeze at the Windy Ridge Ranch?
When the temps are low and the wind is high, we usually ride inside to avoid the effects of windchill. Walking from the car to the barn and getting your horse from the feedlot exposes you to the windchill factor.
You may wonder: how fast can your exposed skin freeze at the Windy Ridge Ranch? Here's a chart from the National Weather Service and the Meteorological Services of Canada. As the wind increases, the body loses heat faster, driving down the skin temperature. If the temperature is 0°F and the wind is blowing at 15 mph, the wind chill is -19°F. At this wind chill of -19°F, exposed skin can freeze in 30 minutes.
The best prevention against the effects of windchill is to cover your skin -- wear hats, face masks, goggles, warm mittens and boots -- whatever it takes to cover up and keep warm!
