While most people have heard of cryotherapy, hydrotherapy, and even oxygen therapy, the time-honored practice of equine therapy remains less widely known. However, this October, Alisal Ranch, California’s premier luxury dude ranch resort nestled in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley, invites women to see just how transformative equine therapy can truly be at the Unbridled Retreat– a three-night, four-day experience led by globally recognized Equine Coach Devon Combs.
Named “The Equine Whisperer” by COWGIRL Magazine, Devon guides women through intuitive horseback riding and equine coaching sessions designed to foster emotional clarity and confidence. Rooted in a tradition dating back to Ancient Greece, this respected therapeutic method uses guided horse encounters to calm the mind, open the heart, and contribute to personal transformation. Equine therapy has been shown to ease symptoms of PTSD, anxiety and depression while also nurturing emotional balance and improving mood.
Devon’s own journey of healing with horses informs her powerful, heart-led approach, which includes guided trail rides and gentle interactions with the horses at Alisal Ranch. Participants are able to slow down, reconnect with their inner selves, and gain insight through the intuitive presence of horses. Set on Alisal Ranch’s 10,500 acres of rolling hills, oak trees, and riding trails, the Unbridled Retreat includes scenic horseback rides, immersive equine coaching sessions, and communal healing in Alisal’s luxury-rustic accommodations. In addition to the retreat programming, participants also have access to the ranch’s signature amenities. From restorative spa treatments to private fishing, archery, and even heli-adventures! And with space limited to just 12 participants at the Unbridled Retreat, the experience provides an intimate setting for women to gain emotional clarity, let go of self-sabotage, and pick up the reins to create a more purposeful life.
Beyond the Unbridled Retreat, Alisal Ranch offers rich, everyday equine programming for guests of all experience levels. Riders can explore more than 50 miles of scenic trails on daily group outings, ranging from the new one-hour Starter Ride for beginners to a full two-hour scenic trail ride open to all skill levels. For a more tailored experience, private one- or two-hour rides are available. A themed Picnic Ride is also offered, featuring a three-hour horseback journey that culminates in a gourmet lunch by the lake or at the historic Adobe.
