January 2025 Newsletter

1/16/2025

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Storm Chaser Stables

January 2025 Newsletter

Dear Friends of Storm Chaser Stables,

Happy New Year from our herd to yours! Despite the frosty weather, we’re feeling hopeful and energized about the progress we’re making at the new farm. Thank you for your continued patience, encouragement, and support as we work hard to provide a safe and welcoming environment for our horses and community.

What’s Next: Program Updates

As we transition into 2025, all participants—returning or new—will need to complete updated enrollment forms and waivers. We are planning afternoon lessons on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday (Fluvanna pick-up day), and Thursday. If you have any additional questions in the meantime, don’t hesitate to ask! See more updates below about our class offerings, though please keep in mind that all dates remain contingent on the weather and completion of some important farm projects:

Links to forms:
- Horsemanship Class Enrollment form
- Equine Activity Liability Waiver form
Equestrian Team Classes will resume March 2nd!
- Excellent option for those looking to travel or compete and refine skills.
- Riders must be able to safely handle their horse and ride outside of enclosed arena to attend this class level.
- Please submit an application to the Team HERE!
Regular Horsemanship Classes resume April 6th!
- Great for anyone eager to build confidence, expand their knowledge, and deepen their bond with our horses recreationally.
- Classes will resume only once enclosed training space is completed.
Community Learning Days are coming soon on Fridays!
- These unmounted sessions are open to all enrollees and will focus on topics such as horse care, first aid, equine behavior, rider fitness, and more—ideal for students and team members hoping to broaden their understanding of horsemanship beyond the saddle.
Summer Day Camp dates will be announced once spring weather allows us to finalize our outdoor spaces.
Farm School Day Program remains on hold until August 2025
- We appreciate your patience in the meantime and promise to keep you informed as plans develop and class options become available!

Equestrian Team 2025 Application

Volunteer Shoutout & More Opportunities to Help

We couldn’t have done it all without the generosity of amazing people who’ve come forward to help. We would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the Chavis Family, the Wallace Family, John Taravella, PG Lewis, and Josh Montgomery for their help with the move. The hands-on support of our community makes all the difference, and we’re truly grateful for every hour you’ve contributed.

If you’d like to lend a hand—whether for a single project or ongoing help—please get in touch with us. Every contribution helps us get closer to reopening! Together, we’ll transform this space into a place that fosters growth, learning, and community.

Winter Projects in Focus

Winter weather often brings extra challenges, and we’re prioritizing a few essential projects right now to keep everyone comfortable and secure:

Grooming & Holding Pen to ensure we have a designated outdoor space for daily horse care and treatment
Barn Improvements to include replacing/repairing rafters/trusses, adding an exterior door and interior kick boards, creating a feed room, and constructing an indoor treatment area—our barn will be getting a much-needed makeover!
Permanent Run-In Sheds needed to provide secure sheltered areas for our herd.
Arena Construction and Fencing Upgrades are on the horizon but will progress as weather allows and once we acquire a tractor.

Despite the cold, we’re committed to moving forward—one carefully placed board at a time! We appreciate your patience as we work toward creating a safer, more functional space for both horses and humans.

Support Our GoFundMe!

We know not everyone can volunteer on-site, but there are still ways to help. Our GoFundMe campaign aims to cover essential setup costs, keep our programs accessible, and ensure our horses have everything they need. If you’re able to contribute—or even share the link with friends and family—we’d be incredibly grateful. Every donation, even $5 or $20, makes a real difference in our day-to-day operations and future plans!

View SCS Merchandise

Equine Lease Program

We’re also excited to announce that applications for our Equine Lease Program are now open for 2025! This is a wonderful opportunity for learners looking to:

Spend more time 1:1 with a horse bonding, grooming, and working together.
Practice and refine their skills outside of scheduled lesson times.
Deepen their connection with a specific horse and become more involved in day-to-day care.

If you’ve been dreaming of a more immersive experience, leasing might be the perfect next step. For more details or to request an application, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Mark Your Calendars — Important Dates Below:

Team Horsemanship Classes Resume March 2nd
Regular Horsemanship Classes Resume April 6th
Community Days Coming this Spring

We truly appreciate your patience and warmth as we work through the challenges of this season. Your support makes this place more than just a farm—it’s a community bound by a love for horses, education, and the great outdoors.

If you have any questions, want to volunteer, or need more information about classes, forms, or our GoFundMe, please feel free to reach out. Together, we can keep our community thriving!