| W23 51
Clare Staples Tell us about Skydog Ranch and Sanctuary for wild horses and burros. Skydog Sanctuary is spread over 9000 acres near Bend Oregon. It is wild and beautiful land that mimics the land they would have lived on when they were roaming free, before they were rounded up by the Bureau of Land Management and stockpiled in holding pens. These wild horses compete with livestock and mining interests for millions of acres of OUR public lands, but sadly cattle lobbyists pressure the government to round them up to allow cows and sheep to freelly graze the same lands to save those ranches money. Wild horses are like no other and their beauty and majesty is apparent in every single one we rescue. Q &A feature
feature | S23 48
feature
We save mustangs. They find themselves in terrible situations where they are at serious risk of death. We take in horses from all kinds of situations from the slaughter pipeline where they would be killed in Mexico or Canada for their meat: from the BLM corrals where they are at risk of euthanasia for minor ailments, from owners who can’t care for them anymore, trainers who have failed at trying to domesticate them, and sometimes from the most terrible abuse, starvation, neglect and some close to death when we rescue them. There is nothing more rewarding than bringing a horse back to health. Seeing the light come back into their eyes and finally turning them back out to the wild lands to be themselves again. They have been separated by roundups never to see each other again. Seeing the reunions of these families is one of our most rewarding and most heartwarming parts of our work. We also rescue special needs mustangs as we have the resources to rehabilitate them and get them the expensive vet care they need to be healthy. With multiple properties making up the Skydog Sanctuary, the 9000 acre property in Bend, OR being the largest, tell us about the current herd and how many equine friends live on your lands? We currently have 228 rescued mustangs and around 50 donkeys, mules, hinnies, zonkeys and even two baby zebras. Each herd has their own space and some are single-sex herds while others are mixed together. We have two families, which span four generations of a wild horse family and are now back together and living their best wild life. Every year we focus on one different issue to raise awareness. Currently, we are taking in two baby zebras from a kill pen in the south, the by-product of the canned-hunt ranches in Texas and Oklahoma, where people pay money to shoot exotic animals including zebras. What inspired you to embark on this philanthropic journey offering this palatial soft landing for so many animals? (Skydog also is home to several zebras, zonkies, zorses, equine rescues and mules as well) When I got sober and woke up finally at age 50. I very much wanted to make my life about being of service. Animals and horses in particular were my passion, so I saw the need of so many horses landing in the slaughter pipeline. I want to save lives. I want to leave a lasting legacy to raise awareness for the American mustangs and burros and their plight. I looked for happiness in all the places that the world tells you it can be found: in things, people, places, stuff, but this truly has been the thing that has filled the “hole in my soul” and been a sustainable happiness that inspires me to jump out of bed ridiculously early every morning to do what I love and what I believe is my calling. There is so much spiritual wisdom we can glean from these incredible horses and I soak up their energy and strength every day to keep me going. Now that we have a growing social media following I want to use that to educate people about many different cruelties these horses and donkeys suffer. But always keeping our main focus on the wild horses, our living symbols of the American west, who represent our most cherished values of family and freedom. We can only imagine the constant despair you must witness during the auction and rescuing process, what do you find to be the greatest obstacle facing our future wild herds? A piece of legislation called The SAFE Act would co-sponsor and support the SAFE Act which would shut down the slaughter pipeline and the cruelty inflicted on our horses and donkeys and mules every single day in this country. These horses have been our companions for centuries and deserve respect and kindness and one of our biggest messages is to get away from the mindset of what a horse can do FOR us in the show ring, or as a tool, or to win blue ribbons and to value feature
feature | S23 52
feature “horses have been our companions for millenia, they built our society with us together, they deserve our respect...”
feature | S23 54 | W23 54
them for the sentient incredible beings they are from whom we can learn so much in getting to know them as friends and companions and not attach their worth to their riding ability but learn to see them through an entirely different filter. The sadness we witness daily needs to be seen by a wider audience as it is unacceptable for this inhumane treatment of these horses to continue. We hope that by raising awareness we will reach a tipping point where enough outrage finally brings change for them. FOLLOW @skydogsanctuary DONATE skydogranch.org 501c3 Non-Profit Organization EIN # 81-3188893 https://www.skydogranch.org/skydog-store https://www.skydogranch.org/donate https://www.patreon.com/skydogsanctuary feature | W23 55
RB_EQLuxe_AD.indd 1 6/23/23 3:54 PM
Bvlgari Resort DUBAI Written by Maddy Pasqualini, Photos courtesy of Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts So, let’s talk Dubai. For most, The United Arab Emirates, or just Emirates as it’s commonly called, usually means one place: Dubai. What comes to mind? Shopping? The tallest building in the world? Massive beach resorts and city -sized malls? Yes. All of these things are true. Dubai is one of the world’s fastest growing tourist destinations in the world and why not? It offers sun, sand, sea, sports, unbeatable shopping, top notch hotels amazing restaurants and intriguing cultural nuances. Did we mention the love for horses and equestrian sports? Yes, that too but we’ll get to that later, I promise. For now, follow us to the city of luxury, along the blue waters of the Arabian gulf, as we take you to what we can only call….um, paradise of course: The Bvlgari Resort Dubai. | W64
jetset | W65
The Bvlgari Resort Dubai is a jewel created with its very own Italian interpretation of luxury. Exclusively situated on the manmade seahorse shaped island of Jumeira Bay, connected by a 300m bridge to central Dubai, the Resort is the destination of choice for visitors seeking the solitude of an island escape, the residential feeling of a private house, yet situated just minutes from the heart of the vibrant city and its cultural attractions. Styled with illuminated gardens and pools and resembling a traditional seaside Italian village, it blends Mediterranean landscaping with the natural surroundings of the shores of the Arabian Gulf. As in every Bvlgari creation, comfort is of utmost importance. In its jewels, the Roman designer insists on wearability; in its watches, ease of performance. For The Bvlgari Resort Dubai, a supreme hotel guest experience is paramount. Before Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel partnered with Bvlgarito create a new hotel experience, the architectural firm was known for its unrivaled luxury home design. Kindred spirits in their approach to luxury living, Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel and Bvlgari wished to create a whole new hotel concept, geared towards exceptional guest comfort, convenience and services with undoubted Italian flair. The Resort includes 101 hotel rooms and suites, 20 standalone villas all of which are exquisitely furnished and regal in expansive views of the skyline or gulf. In addition to the resort, this first of it’s kind development also jetset
includes six sea facing residential properties, 15 private mansions, a beach club and Bvlgaris’ first ever Marina and Yacht Club. The villas provide 5 categories ranging from 1 to 3 bedrooms enabling families and friends to create a bespoke experience. All provide personal butler service and private pools and gazebos. Services The guest service at the resort is highly personalized. All guests enjoy the privacy of in-room check-in with the possibility of an unpacking and packing service. Breakfast is offered 24-hours a day, and exclusive services for suite guests include a 24-hour butler. Bvlgari’s team of expert concierges can arrange everything for guests, from organizing a personal shopper, booking a sea-plane trip, to organizing desert safaris, tours of the historical district, a trip to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, a visit to the galleries of Al Serkal’s art district or a trip to the world’s tallest tower, in the comfort of the hotel’s Maserati limousines. As a signature Bvlgari service, it is possible to organize in-room Bvlgari jewelry viewings and sales as well. | S20 61
| S19 62 Relax BVLGARI Spa adds a further luxurious touch to the guest experience with eight treatment rooms and25-metre indoor pool with full sea view through its magnificent floor to ceiling windows. Guests will enjoy the ultimate wellbeing experience, immersing in innovative treatments, therapies and grooming for both men and women, in addition to thermal and bathing experiences. Adjacent to the spa, a state-of-the-art fitness centre offers WORKSHOP GYMNASIUM signature training method: a results-driven approach that redefines the very concept of well-being. Dining In true Italian tradition, where excellent dining is a must, the resort offers several sumptuous offerings. Renowned Michelin starred Italian chef, Niko Romito, has curated a blend of modern and classical Italian concepts exclusively for Il Ristorante -Niko Romito, interpreting the exquisite flavors of Italy with modern simplicity. Working from his three-starred restaurant in Italy, and regularly counseling his personally-trained chef resident in the hotel, he brings to Il Ristorante -Niko Romito, a menu that expresses the Italian culture at its best. In the same space of Il Ristorante -NikoRomito, guests will find Il Bar where they can enjoy signature beverages while soaking up the view of the gulf. Guests can also enjoy a more casual dining experience embodied by a menu filled with Italian simplicities at Il Café and the classicallydesigned Lobby Lounge where guests can enjoy Italianthemed teas and coffees in a relaxed and comfortable setting. Beach Club The resort’s beach club features private villa cabanas, a children’s pool and Little Gems Kids’ Club while an outdoor pool and restaurant, La Spiaggia, is the perfect spot to wind down by day or night. During the day, guests can enjoy a variety of international food and drinks, while by night, the beach club glistens under the lanterns and candlelight, and offers the perfect spot to enjoy the sea breeze. Nestled on the end of the Marina, the world’s first Bvlgari Marina & Yacht Club is a unique destination which overlooks a 50-boat harbour and recreates the charm of a Mediterranean village in the heart of the Arabian Gulf. Featuring amenities including the Yacht Club Italian Restaurant specializing in fish, the members lounge, outdoor pool and bar, and the first branded kids’ club, the Little Gems Club. | S20 62
jetset Living Whether guests wish to soak up the resort’s sunsets over the Arabian Gulf, admire the majesty of the world’s tallest tower, or enjoy the European ambiance of the riviera style marina and beach club, there are rooms to suit every taste. Each room and suite has walk-inwardrobes, state of-the-art technology and its own private balcony, a unique feature of the Dubai resort. The resort is split into four floors across two wings. Each room and suites gives the feeling of home, using earthy tones and natural materials and fabrics, such as the cashmere blanket by Enzo degli Angiuoni, to ensure guests relax and unwind from the moment they step through the door. The 100% Italian designer furniture and furnishings, have either been hand-selected or custom-designed by Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, including the signature Bvlgari lamps on each bedroom’s nightstand and the feature designed ‘trunk’ mini-bar in every room and suite. jetset
The Dubai Polo Gold Cup organization is locally organized but internationally recognized by bringing the Sport of Kings in the region since 2009 and placing Dubai at the forefront of the international polo circuit. The Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series was founded in 2009 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai. It started out with one tournament - the Gold Cup and has grown into a series five premier Polo Tournament in the Middle East on a par with world-class events held in Argentina, Spain, United Kingdom and the United States. Emirates and Longines also host a series of CSI 5-star competitions. Held under the supervision of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation (UAEERF), with Championship jumper classes with measurements up to 1.60 meters in height and carrying a total prize purse of 417,000 Euros. Keep in Mind: Some cities have traditions that are totally different from what you and I are accustomed to, and one such city is Dubai, a fun and energetic city known to be one of the most permissive and easy-going places in the Middle East. But while the city exudes an aura very similar to many upbeat urban centers like it around the world, it would be wise to know that it can also be very different from them in so many ways. This beautiful city has its own cultural dos and don’ts that one should adhere to in order to prevent misunderstandings with its locals and authorities. Beyond the Hotel On a horse appeal scale Dubai scores very highly with Polo, Racing and Show Jumping events scattered across the calendar. The Dubai World Cup The biggest sporting and social event on the Dubai calendar, the Dubai World Cup is held on the last Saturday in March at Meydan Racecourse and is the pinnacle of the UAE racing season, which ends two weeks later. However, if it’s a massive cash prize you are looking for, then winning the Dubai World Cup is the one to go for. Held in Meydan on 30th March, this race has an unbelievable $12m first prize. First held in 1996, this year sees the 28th running of this renowned race. It is run over 2000m (about 10 furlongs) and is one of the richest horse races in the world., It’s run on dirt and is usually won by horses aged either four or five years old. Fouryear-olds have won 10 of the previous races. Photo by Khalil Ali How to Book it bulgarihotels.com/en_US/dubai 971 4 7775555 Rooms starting at 760.00 USD How to Get There Fly Emirates emirates.com Image credit EMIRATES jetset
Traditional STYLE MODERN TECHNOLOGY Hunter Escape Stirrups americanequus.com
+772-812-6021 [email protected] 2190 NW Reserve Park Trce, Port St Lucie, FL 34986 From Wellington Equestrian to Palm Beach Waterfront www.INLOVEWITHFLORIDA.COM YOUR DREAM HOME AWAITS, LET’S FIND IT TOGETHER! Danielle Garaicoechea Sells Luxury Real Estate from Barn to Beach Ritz Carlton Residences Featured Listing Limited Collection 3, 4, and 5 bedroom of waterfront residences and private marina Offered from $4,500,000 Palm Beach Gardens
lenacharlwood.com