Equestrian designer and lifestyle expert Noel Asmar believes we can all benefit from embracing the equestrian lifestyle.
Mind, body, soul. It’s simple. Whether you’re competing on the world stage, or simply exploring the great outdoors, to be a successful equestrian one must be able to connect with the intuitive partner that is the horse. The quiet sensitivity of the horse has long made it a favorite means for administering therapy for both physical and emotional healing. There are hundreds of equine therapy centers throughout the U.S. alone, helping tens of thousands of people every day. So, in the age of holistic therapies and meditation centers, could spending a little time on horseback rival the effects of Reflexology or a Balinese massage?
Equestrian lifestyle expert and award-winning designer Noel Asmar thinks we could all benefit from embracing the equestrian lifestyle. Asmar knows a thing or two about wellness having spent two decades in the Spa and Hospitality worlds. She founded her first company Spa Uniforms, Inc. in 2002 and today they service some of the most well-known companies in the world from the Ritz Carlton to the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. She has experienced a myriad of wellness techniques from around the globe, but as a lifelong rider, Asmar has always come back to horses for the ultimate grounding. “The equestrian lifestyle is unlike anything else you can experience,” stated Asmar. “Working with horses instills confidence and improves mindfulness. You get to spend time in nature, establishing this beautiful connection with an animal that you can enjoy well into your older years. Look at the Queen of England. Still active and connected to her animals at the age of 92!”
So, should we all be trading in our yoga mats for riding boots? Getting into riding can seem a tall order for anyone not raised in the saddle, but it’s actually not as intimidating as it might seem. Beyond finding the closest stable, there’s all the special gear, right? You might be surprised to learn how affordable and practical riding gear can be. The rise of athleisure and garments that are both functional and stylish, hasn’t just happened in the yoga world, it has extended to the equine world as well. “Riding apparel should be able to extend to all areas of one’s life,” says Asmar, who founded Noel Asmar Equestrian, her line of equestrian apparel and accessories in 2011 after she was unable to find functional riding apparel that was stylish enough to wear outside of the barn. “We design stylish, technical clothing that supports women during their ride, but also in their everyday life.” Asmar’s award-winning All Weather Rider jacket is perfect for a fall trail ride, but equally as appropriate for running errands around town. And her Unity Sun Shirt with UPF 50 protection is as perfect for an afternoon soccer game, as it is for an afternoon riding lesson.
A passion for both horses and wellness drives Noel’s current portfolio of businesses, but empowering women in their everyday lives is her bigger purpose. She believes we can all benefit from embracing the equestrian lifestyle and the values that are intertwined within it.
