Mia Johnson, who has participated in the Prairie View trail ride for over fifty years, describes it as 'almost spiritual,' emphasizing the importance of working toward this goal throughout the year.
Inspired by the symbolism of the Fire Horse, the story explores the horse as a shared emotional language across cultures balancing Western equestrian refinement with Eastern understandings of instinct, strength, and spiritual presence.
She had this very motherly energy, which is weird to say about a horse. I just always felt like she was going to take care of me. The two even had the same birthday, April 1, though Blumer was 8 and the horse - whom she called "Fancy" - was 12.
The Rural Cut places vintage fashion in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, among vineyards, open fields, and the animals that inhabit the land. As a Beirut-based stylist, I worked with a fully Lebanese team to create a shoot that feels authentic, where each garment and every frame reflects the textures, history, and rhythm of the rural landscape. Photography by Angele Basile / Instagram: @angelebasile Styling by Rinad Saad / Instagram: @rinaaaaddd
While a growing number of luxury hotels and estates now offer bring-your-own-horse programs - with purpose-built stables, veterinary access, and experienced grooms - the golden rule remains unchanged: the horse's happiness, health, and safety must come first. Transport stress, unfamiliar terrain, changes in climate, and short stays can be unsettling for horses, which is why many professionals advise that bringing your own horse only makes sense for longer visits, familiar landscapes, or trips centered around competition or training.
Perched high atop a dappled-colored horse at Alisal Ranch, I stroked the equine's coarse hair in an effort to bond before sauntering off to an authentic cowboy breakfast. I was with a group of like-minded women in search of a wellness weekend but we chose to trade our spa robes for cowgirl hats and forgo mani-pedis for dusty trail rides. This was not a typical dude ranch experience. It seamlessly blended nurturing self-care, enriching workshops, nourishing meals, and fostering friendships.