Luxury global travel experiences for those who love horses

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Exciting and engaging the most seasoned of travellers can be near impossible, especially among those for whom money is no obstacle. With bespoke travel experiences to surprising locations, however, luxury travel companies are curating opportunities for even the most jaded adventurer, and immersive experiences appear to be the way of the future. In this series, Canadian Family Offices explores exclusive, uniquely crafted travel experiences.

Whether you want to feel a bond with nature by riding through it, or a bond with the animal you are riding on, an equine holiday experience may be just the thing you are looking for.

From British Columbia to Uruguay, for champion riders and beginners alike, there is a vacation destination for horse lovers old and new.

Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort, Thompson-Nicola, B.C.

With their unique horse program, SiwashSynergy, a Destination Canada curated ‘Canadian Signature Experience’, beginners and experts alike can learn the basics of horsemanship and work their way up.

The program begins with a half-day orientation covering groundwork, grooming, saddling, and then riding. “Guests are paired with the same horse for the duration of their stay to fully understand and cultivate the bond between horse and rider,” explains Marshall Fremlin, owner and general manager of Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort.

“They strengthen this bond by brushing, tacking-up, un-tacking, and rewarding their horses at day’s end. [Guests] weave through 80,000 acres of remote wilderness with varying terrains — through rolling meadows bejeweled with lakes, lush trembling aspen groves framed by baby blue skies, and fire-hued conifer forests interspersed with fuchsia seas of fireweed flowers.”

The natural setting at Siwash Lake allows for a luxe experience at the resort, which owner Allyson Rogers and her son Fremlin built and operated for 20 years before a 200,000-hectare wildfire changed the landscape irrevocably. The family fought back, however, and managed to save several of the most beautiful areas of the resort.

“They fought off the fire, saving a lifetime of work and many sacred spaces,” said Fremlin. “Guests will see areas that have burnt and grown back, experiencing the resiliency and regeneration of nature and humans firsthand. This special wildfire story is woven throughout the visitor’s experience at Siwash Lake, inspiring people to do their part in combating the climate crisis while also sharing ways to take action.”

He adds that a trip to Siwash Lake can increase visitors’ connection to the natural world and what it means to be sustainable, while experiencing five-star service in a luxurious Canadian wilderness retreat.

Tsylos Park Lodge, Chilko Lake, B.C.

Designed “by riders for riders,” more seasoned equestrians seek out Tsylos Park Lodge, also family operated in British Columbia.

Located on glacier-fed Chilko Lake, Tsylos is surrounded by a million acres of untouched wilderness. The horses and trails are luxurious in and of themselves, and two generations of the McClean family have worked to give visitors the ultimate, bespoke experience. Many guests arrive at the remote destination by private plane, and guest capacity is limited to 14 for a more intimate experience.

“Their mantra of ‘disconnect to reconnect’ is a big part of what makes it special,” said Kelly Schmidt, a frequent guest at Tsyols. “It is truly off the grid and located in pristine wilderness. The remote, stunning beauty of the area, the fabulous food, the simple, relaxed environment, and the camaraderie among new friends, all add to the experience.”

Alisal Ranch, Solvang, Calif.

A truly immersive experience is what spurs guests on at this working cattle ranch, set on 10,500 private acres of Californian scenery.

“Everything that happens on a ranch is an activity you can learn and experience at Alisal, no matter your skill level.” said Kathleen Cochran, general manager at the ranch. “[This includes] horseback rides, barrel racing, cattle sorting, cattle wrangling, weekly summer rodeos, and a ‘Lil’ Riders’ program for young kids who are new to the ranch environment.”

For the most adventurous guests, Alisal hosts a number of recurring events. The BBQ Bootcamp is a three-day masterclass in all things barbecue led by renowned U.S. chefs. Their California Ranch Cookouts occur from late spring to early fall for one night, hosting guest chefs once or twice a month, and this year the ranch welcomes back renowned interior designer and entertainer Nathan Turner for another holiday workshop, including dinner with Turner, holiday cocktails, yoga and wreath-making.

Estancia Vik, José Ignacio, Uruguay

Described as where “Marlboro Country meets a laid-back St. Tropez,” Estancia Vik is a popular destination for rumoured celebs such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Zuckerberg.

A traditional Uruguayan ranch located on 4,000 acres in the rolling countryside of José Ignacio close to the ocean, the fishing village of José Ignacio has everything guests could want for a truly bespoke vacation. Visitors are welcome to ride across the open pampas (grasslands) with gauchos (cowboys) or take part in Estancia Vik’s professional private polo field. Professional polo trainers are on hand for private lessons, and attendance at South America’s premier polo matches can be arranged.

“Our exceptional concierge team can curate highly specialized experiences, inviting guests to experience José Ignacio through the eyes of a local,” said marketing manager Jorgelina Masso. “Guests can spend the day like a traditional gaucho, beginning with a polo lesson and ending with an authentic Uruguayan asado (barbeque) under the South American stars. With just 12 suites, guests can also buy out Estancia Vik with a group of friends or family, and truly make it their home away from home.”

Salamander Resort and Spa, Middleburg, Va.

Located in a timeless Virginia destination, steeped in equestrian traditions, this historic resort in Middleburg also allows easy access to Washington, D.C. The Forbes Five-Star resort is described by staff and guests as a luxurious place of discovery on 340-acres encompassed by the Blue Ridge Mountains, vineyards, and horse farms.

The equestrian center is equipped with 25 acres dedicated to entry-level equestrian use, and their equestrian centre features a 14,000-square-foot stable complete with 22 stalls, nine paddocks and an outdoor riding arena with ThorTurf dustless footing. Among many highlights, ‘Cupcake,’ the resort’s resident miniature horse, can be visited daily at the Equestrian Center or on the Grand Lawn during Cocktails with Cupcake.

“Resort owner Sheila C. Johnson has created a luxurious destination featuring an array of opportunities for visitors,” said Matt Owen, vice-president of communications. “Guests can indulge in treatments at the 23,000-square-foot spa Salamander Spa … followed by a relaxing afternoon at the spa’s private infinity edge pool overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. There’s a range of Virginia’s finest wines to enjoy at Gold Cup Wine Bar as well as the opportunity to dine on the outdoor terrace of Harrimans Virginia Piedmont Grill, with views of the grand lawn.” He adds that The Cooking Studio becomes a private Chef’s Table at Harrimans, where guests can participate and watch as the meal is prepared.

Castle Leslie Estate, County Monaghan, Ireland

One of the last great Irish castle estates, and still in the hands of its founding family since the 1660s, Castle Leslie is nestled on 1,000 acres of undulating Irish countryside, dotted with ancient woodlands and glittering lakes, offering an optimum equestrian setting.

“We welcome riders of all age groups, as long as you’re over seven,” said Eimear Winters, director of sales and marketing at the estate. They are BHS [British Horse Society], SJI [Showjumping Ireland] and AIRE [Association of Irish Riding Establishments] approved and offer expert tuition, gentle hacks (pleasure rides) and more involved cross-country rides.

Named as one of the top equestrian destinations in the world by Lonely Planet the estate has extensive equestrian facilities, including about 34 km of meandering bridleways, a 1.6-km-long all-weather gallop, 56 stables, a mechanical horse for beginners or nervous riders, a 50- by 30-metre indoor arena with indoor cross-country fences, tiered seating for 200 and a private dining and viewing room, lounge and showering facilities, a 20 by 50 dressage arena, a 30 by 20 outdoor ménage, sand Gallops, SJI approved show jumps, a horse walker and truck and trailer parking.

At 80 minutes from Dublin airport, the castle offers magnificent views of Ireland, and the castle’s staff can arrange arrivals by private chauffeur or helicopter.

“A dedicated senior manager can be on hand to meet and greet them and will be their dedicated point of contact looking after their every need during their stay,” added Winters. When staying at the castle, “no two of the twenty-one original and uniquely decorated bedrooms and bathrooms are the same. […] If the most well-to-do vacationer wants The Caste all to themselves, private hire can be arranged or, indeed, if they want the entire Estate to themselves, this can be arranged also, subject to availability.”

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