In 2020, as a population, we stopped spending, socializing and riding subways. Our lives revolved around isolating when only weeks before we were hanging out on patios and travelling. Now that the world is opening up our habits have changed, spending is expected to increase but on what exactly?

Experiences.

There’s no going back to 2019, it’s 2021 and throughout the pandemic Canadians found their way back to the great outdoors checking out activities that combined socializing alongside health and wellness.

NBC reported that nearly one out of every three consumers reported being extremely or very concerned about physical health, and roughly one in four said they were extremely or very concerned about mental health. Since January 2021 searches for horseback riding lessons has increased by 70% in Canada, lending to the trend that people are searching for more outdoor activities that are experiences that are COVID safe and supports overall wellness.

Definitely I can say, I joined in on that trend. On June 22, 2021, I found myself at a stables in Halton, Hills hanging out with some of my favourite people, Raymi The Minx, Nadia Elkaharadly and Sandra Layton and world renowned jockey, Eurico Rosa da Silva grooming and riding horses thanks to Lookahead Sport Horses.

Over the last seventeen years Eurico has worked his way up the rankings at Woodbine Racetrack, detailing his career in his autobiography, Riding for Freedom. Eurico has now expanded his skills into the coaching world as well.  Leveraging his own experiences, and his knowledge of the beautiful therapeutic power of horses, Eurico helps equestrians and non equestrians alike achieve their goals and improve their lives.  You can read more about Eurico and his work on Canadian Thoroughbred magazine and Horse Sport magazine.

After the experience we sat and talked with Louise Masek, Eurico’s friend and the woman behind Look Ahead Sporthorses. Louise’s stables are unique in that she breeds, trains and keeps horses that compete in shows and races as well as providing equine therapy, both physical and mental, Louise and Eurico collaborate on a powerful and unique practice that was wonderful to experience.

The power of equine therapy was definitely felt. We spent the day forgetting about vaccinations and the pandemic while connecting with the horses. What was interesting to learn was Equine therapy, also known as Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT), is a treatment that includes equine activities and/or an equine environment in order to promote physical, occupational, and emotional growth in persons suffering from ADD and Anxiety.

Overall, the availability of horseback riding and experiencing equine therapy up close was really profound and I’m now going back to do more sessions with Louise – Hopefully with Chrissy in tow when she’s back in town. However, while Chrissy’s been in L.A. she also hit the horseback with her own excursion. So if you didn’t think it was a trend before, it sure is now!

If you’re checking out some experiences beyond the patio let us know in the comments below!

• By marie
• In alt.pop.zine