In 2019, Try a Life-Changing Horseback Riding Holiday

[Bea Villiers]

According to riding holiday specialist, Ranch Rider, whether it’s enhancing our creativity or taking our first steps towards a healthier lifestyle, in 2019 travellers will place a much greater emphasis on “the self” and life-enrichment.

Ruth Daly, Marketing Director at Ranch Rider comments, “No longer a simple means of escape, we now see the potential for holidays to make a very real and lasting difference to the way we lead our lives, so our existence can be more fruitful and fulfilling.”

Of course, there are numerous hotel programmes catering to the growing demand for vacations which improve our quality of life, but Ranch Rider argues that having horse riding in the mix is an added advantage.

Ruth Daly comments, “The activity of horse riding gives us the space to unplug and clear our minds, in fact, recent studies suggest saddling up helps to reduce stress. Other studies claim there might also be cognitive benefits to be gained from hitting the trail, and the all-important bond we form with our horse often has therapeutic benefits, Equine Gestalt Coaching one of many approaches focused on healing through horses.”

Ideal for guests who want to step out of their comfort zone and embrace their authentic selves, the new four-day women-only, “Unbridle Your Creativity” retreat will be hosted by Devon Combs, “The Cowgirl of the Wellness Industry,” and Kris Drewry, published author and lifestyle blogger.

Based at Arizona’s Rancho de la Osa, the course aims to silence your inner critic and make creativity part of your routine, through Equine Gestalt Coaching (described as healing through interaction with horses), journaling and trail riding. Additional activities include an evening of cowboy poetry (with a real cowboy), a moonlight bonfire and cowgirl cocktails.

Ranch Rider suggest pairing the riding holiday with their seven-night “Soul of Arizona” self-drive, the itinerary covering many of the state’s dramatic landscapes from the Grand Canyon to Monument Valley with its stunning red stone Mesas. Three-night “Unbridle Your Creativity” retreat from £1,895pp (two sharing) including full board accommodation, Equine Gestalt Coaching, horseback rides, and creative activities, taxes, gratuities and transfers. Departing 15 November 2018. Seven-night self-drive from £595pp (two sharing) including accommodation and car hire. Excludes return flight from £879pp.

Start your New Year as you mean to go on with a health and wellness focused stay at the Ant Collection in South Africa. A first for 2019, the Detox Safari will be dedicated to wild moving, wild eating and wild living, with each day tailored to your individual needs. Take your pick from pilates, running, swimming, body weight training, mindfulness, meditation, walking, horse riding and game drives, plus a healthy menu with vegetable and fruit juice smoothies, the well-thought-out meals ensuring you stay trim throughout your stay.

Seven nights from only £1,969pp (two sharing) including accommodation (choice of two luxury bush homes: Ant's Nest or Ant's Hill), meals, drinks, riding safari and game drives, use of facilities and taxes. Excludes transfers, gratuities and return flight from £879pp. Departing 09 January to 09 February 2019. Price before discount £2,297pp. Subject to availability.

Press the reset button on your life in 2019 and sign up for Ranch Rider's Savasana Yoga & Horse Riding Retreat. In its second year, the event is scheduled to be held at Arizona's Rancho de la Osa, the holiday including two yoga classes per day, hiking excursions and the opportunity to hit the trail on the ranch's sure-footed mounts.

Four-night Savasana Yoga & Horseback Riding Retreat from £1,029pp (two sharing) and £1,195pp (no single supplement) including accommodation, meals, most ranch activities including yoga and riding, taxes and service charge.

Option to add additional nights at the ranch (without yoga but with all other ranch activities, including riding, prices available on request from Ranch Rider) and a seven-night self-drive with Ranch Rider from £549pp including accommodation and car hire. Excludes return flight from 879pp. Departing 13 March 2019.

For more information contact Ranch Rider (01509 618 811; ranchrider.com) ATOL PROTECTED No 4660 ABTA 96395/V9150.