Horses Move Into The Spa

Spas and horses have gone together ever since therapist Wyatt Webb started "The Equine Experience," a special program where you gain insight into yourself by working with a horse, at Miraval in Tucson, AZ. And I've never seen a bunch of people happier than when they were sitting astride a horse, cutting a steer from the herd and "team-penning" it at Rancho de los Caballeros, a "dude ranch" with a nice spa in Wickenburg, AZ. Most spas with horse programs -- and there are that many -- just have simple trail rides, usually with an "outfitter." But the possibilities are about to get more interesting. A new company called Equi-Spa Lifestyle Solutions in Rockville, MD., is giving spas the opportunity to connect an equestrian and spa environment to enhance wellness, personal awareness, relaxation, team-building and fitness benefits. The Equi-Spa program will offers individuals, families and companies a rich experience of personal transformation. "As social animals themselves, horses can play a specific role in helping us not only to relax but also teach us useful communication tools that can be applied to other areas of our lives," says Jennifer Donovan, co-founder of Equestrian Services, LLC, which plans, designs and manages equestrian facilities. It went into partnership with WTS International, a worldwide spa consulting and management firm, to create Equi-Spa Lifestyle Solutions. Also on their mind -- special Pilates and Tai Chi classes for equestrians, yoga on horseback, personal and group training, and lifelong learning seminars. I grew up riding and think it's a great idea. I just hope spas take them up on it!