Vacation destinations are offering unique equestrian experiences and equine encounters.
There are many benefits associated with horseback riding. Interaction with horses has been known to have therapeutic benefits, such as reducing stress and providing a feeling of relaxation. In addition, riding a horse releases endorphins and other feel-good chemicals that make you feel good. Horseback riding really works the core muscles that stabilize the abdominal, back and pelvic muscles.
From Aspen, Colorado to Saratoga, Wyoming these destinations offer unique equestrian experiences and equine encounters that are sure to bring out the hose lover in everyone.
Guests will be guided through three special equine coaching sessions.
Gallop to the paradise island of Lanai, Hawaii and embark on a horse journey at Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort, hosting its second women-only Unbridled Retreat from July 26-30, 2023. Guests will experience a path to clarity, mindfulness and sustainable well-being during this equestrian retreat as they embrace the healing power of horses to find peace and tranquility on the stunning Hawaiian island, deeply rooted in wellness. Led by internationally recognized Equine Gestalt Coach Devon Combs, guests will be guided through three equine coaching sessions and hands-on interactions with horses during the Unbridled Retreat. The experience provides unique equine encounters, luxury meals at Sensei by Nobu, wellness credits for spa treatments and wellness consultations, access to daily activities including small group yoga and meditation classes, a sunset sail on Lanai II, a luxury catamaran, and round-trip travel from Honolulu on Lanai Air.
The Horse Barn features an on-staff award-winning horse wrangler.
The Residences at Aspen Valley Ranch, Aspen, Colorado is an enchanting equestrian playground that houses luxurious homes for rent or purchase. Residents of the luxurious homes can gallop on beautiful horses through scenic trails across the property gleaming stunning mountain views, with full access to the Horse Barn. The Horse Barn features an on-staff award-winning horse wrangler who is available for training the horses and taking guests out on trail rides or even a ride into downtown Aspen (a mere ten minutes away) for an adventure of guests’ choosing, including drinks, shopping, dinner and more. The Horse Barn has eight horse stalls, one wash bay, tack room, feed room and a large exterior riding arena.
Guests work with and watch horses carefully.
Carmel Valley Ranch, Carmel, California has long been an escape with plenty of room to roam, explore and discover. The 500-acre playground, a site for restorative and regenerative travel, has recently welcomed their signature Equine Experiences program, which offers guests therapeutic ways to forge bonds and find joy by embracing and celebrating the power of horses to provide feedback and strengthen connections. Five immersive activities developed and led by Robert G. Magnelli, Ph.D. (also known as “The Horseman”) include Discover Joy, where guests work with and watch horses to discover what hinders and brings joy, and learning methods for improving physical and emotional well-being through an engaging session with the herd through Growing Awareness. Guests of all ages report coming away from the experience with profound feelings of calm, healing and insight.
Cover unexplored ground on horseback.
Last summer Wagonhound Land & Livestock Co. announced the opening of Reid Creek Lodge in Douglas, Wyoming as the brand’s first seasonal guest lodge located in the heart of the American West. Reid Creek Lodge features an 8,000 square foot lodge with seven beautifully appointed bedrooms accommodating up to 22 guests. Set on a private working ranch, Reid Creek Lodge offers unparalleled access spanning 300,000 acres in the heart of the Laramie Range of the Rocky Mountains. The exclusive experience includes a personal chef, curated programming, cozy gathering spaces and rustic mountain design. For equestrians and horse lovers, Wagonhound Land and Livestock is renowned for its American Quarter Horse, winning the AQHA Best Remuda Award in 2018. Cover unexplored ground on horseback or learn some tricks of the trade in the arena. Whether you are an experienced rider or a beginner, there is a trail and a horse specially chosen for you.
Riders have plenty of options at Triple Creek.
At Triple Creek Ranch, Bitterroot Valley, Montana horseback riding is a year-round activity. Saddle up at Rider’s Roost and set out with a wrangler through wildflower meadows in spring, under blue mountain skies in summer, among the richly scented needles of the ponderosa pine forest in fall or across freshly fallen snow in winter. For more adventure, try a cross-country ride on Triple Creek’s beautiful 26,000-acre CB Ranch from May through mid-October, with breathtaking mountain vistas, wildlife and a delicious packed lunch prepared by the kitchen. Or bring out your inner cowboy or cowgirl on a cattle drive from June through September, helping move anywhere from 100 to 800 head of cattle. When you’re done for the day, savor gourmet cuisine and an award-winning wine cellar in the main lodge before retiring to your private, cozy cabin for the night.
Bespoke horseback riding experiences are tailored to riding levels.
The all-inclusive, adults-only Magee Homestead, Saratoga, Wyoming provides guests with an unparalleled range of luxury ranch activities and endless options to explore the surrounding landscape. Bespoke horseback riding experiences are tailored to the riding level of each individual guest and include: group or private trail rides across pristine meadowlands; cattle drives; private riding lessons which can include general horsemanship, barrel racing, pole bending, arena games and team penning; and full day rides with a picnic lunch.
Guests learn to speak the language of the horse.
Blackberry Pony Time at Blackberry Farm, Walland, Tennessee is designed for children of all ages and their families. This confidence building experience includes an introduction to grooming and leading a mini horse or pony. Each child will have leadline time on horseback. Experience an introduction to the philosophy and practice of Natural Horsemanship, learn to speak the language of the horse and establish an appropriate relationship. Savor the opportunity to “join up” with a horse in the round pen, explore the essence of the human/horse relationship through non-verbal communications, action and perception. Arrive seeking a knowledge of the horse and leave with a powerful connection. Ages eight and up. Only offered when paired with Field and Stream Trail ride.