by Wendy Murdoch

Step back in time when life was simpler. Where your day begins with coffee served in your tent, the sun rises over the edge of the earth and a full-monty breakfast is served before the morning ride.

Be surrounded by Kenyans who treat you as honoured family with no pretense and who genuinely care for you, their country and each other, while sleeping in the loving embrace of your canvas tent under a moonlit sky protected by Masai Warriors.

Ride on the vast open plains with only your horse's hooves between you and the earth. Feel your heart beat a little faster when you ride up on a herd of elephants and gallop with the wildlife, as they undulate through tall grasses.

Feel the warmth of the sun, the wind on your face and the breathtaking sights and sounds of the Masai Mara (Kenya-Africa). Leave all the stress of a hectic modern world behind and be rejuvenated by this magical land as you watch herds of impala, wildebeest, topi, gazelles and birds pass by you.

A riding safari holiday with our owners/guides, Gordie & Felicia Church of Safaris Unlimited, takes you back in time to experience the true Safari of old where your crew and horses are your family traveling over 200 km across the Mara. The memories of adventure, the game and horses stay with you, and the experience of belonging strikes a deep chord in the human soul that lasts a lifetime.

Established 1971 and Celebrating 45 Years, Safaris Unlimited is located in Nairobi, Kenya. Visit them online at www.safarisunlimited.com.

Read more: Safari With Horses in Big Game Country - Africa

Written By: Bonnie Marlewski-Probert

As more and more of our forested areas and parks are being shared by bikers, hikers and horses, it is more important than ever that all horsemen understand the rules of the road.

Below are some tips that will make your next trail ride safer and more fun for everyone:

1. Invest in a good fitting helmet for the sake of your horse. For the die-hards out there who refuse to wear a helmet, answer this question; In the event that you get dumped and hit your head, who is going to keep your horse from causing a problem for other trail users or worse, from getting hurt? Frankly, I don’t think wearing a helmet is as much about keeping you safe as it is about keeping everyone else, especially your horse safe.

2. Never ride alone on the trails and be sure to choose riding partners who are safe, responsible and considerate. I have always told people that I will horse show with Jack the Ripper, but I am very picky about my trail-riding companions. The reasons are simple; horse shows are designed to be a controlled environment wherein the ring is dragged, fences are in good repair, the ring crew is there to make sure all is well, and there is a judge watching everything, but on the trails, anything goes. It is because of the unpredictability of nature that I only trail ride with people I trust.

Read more: Seven Summertime Tips for Fun on the Trails

There is a little cowboy in all of us...come find yours today... The Dude Ranchers' Association www.duderanch.org

Liz Mitten Ryan is an expert in horse herd language, liberty horse training, communicating and connecting with horses, horse and animal communication. She offers Horse Healing retreats, equine healing certification and liberty training retreats through Equinisity.com. She is the co-author of four award winning spiritual horse books with her herd of horses, her dogs, cats and a pet steer. When Liz moved to Gateway 2 Ranch in 1999, she embarked on a life changing journey. The 320 acres of untouched forests, meadows and lakes, became the pasture and home to Liz and her herd of Warmblood horses.

EIE: Equinisity is more than just a vacation - is a unique form of horse therapy. For those new to horse therapy, please share more about it.

LMR: Our program was completely inspired by the horses. They are a one family group who have been born here They are very like a wild herd as they have not had any human interference, but are trusting and open to humans. The horses are at liberty to teach and heal as they choose and they choose unique and amazing ways to do so.

EIE: Tell us about some of the most compelling and transformational experiences people have had at Equinisity. Anything which completely surprised you?

LMR: Everything surprises me as it is different for each person who comes here. We have been getting some tough cases yet the horses uniquely work with each individual in surprising ways. One lady came fresh out of chemo and the horses kept tipping her head and blowing in her left ear for long periods. Another lady came a year after chemo and the horses did the same thing to her. That was the first time I had seen the horses do that.

Read more: Equinisity Retreats

Lori Leman is a premier Realtor for Saratoga Springs, NY. She is the "go-to" person for seasonal racing, horse show and ballet rentals. Ms. Leman speaks with Equine Info Exchange about her vast experience in the Saratoga market place, finding the perfect home for individuals, families or companies to achieve their housing needs.

EIE: How did you first get started in Saratoga Springs? Are you a native to this area or were you attracted to it like so many others, for its beauty and history...or for the horses?
LL: I was born and raised in Saratoga, and even graduated from Skidmore College. After spending 6 years in NYC getting my MBA at Columbia and starting my career in real estate, I moved back here in 1988 to open my own firm. 10 years ago, I started developing the rental portion of my business, and it now takes up about 60% of my time. Saratoga is also a great place to live and work year round.

Read more: Vacation at the Horse Races in Saratoga - Ask Lori Leman!