Year of the Fire Horse
Set across 4,000 acres of pristine wilderness in the Wasatch Mountains near Park City, Utah, the Year of the Fire Horse Equine Experience at The Lodge at Blue Sky honors the transformative power of equine connection in celebration of the firehorse year through intentional programming and meaningful rituals. Guided in partnership with The Saving Gracie Equine Healing Foundation, this one-day itinerary invites you to engage with our rescued and retired horses through purpose-driven sessions designed to deepen presence, trust and the courage to move forward with clarity and compassion. Rooted in the symbolism of the Fire Horse, an emblem of energy, confidence and growth, this experience offers a rare opportunity to ground yourself, honor the land and connect with the intuitive wisdom of horses.
Programming includes experiential equine sessions, curated wellness offerings, sunset trail rides and a celebratory WildKitchen dinner with a special fire blessing to close the day.
To reserve your retreat, please call 866.226.8998, email [email protected] or book online
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About Barb Phillips & The Saving Gracie Foundation
Barb Phillips is the founder of The Saving Gracie Equine Healing Foundation and co-owner, alongside her husband Mike Phillips, of The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Collection. Through the foundation, Barb has created a sanctuary for rescued and retired horses, providing individualized wellness programs rooted in environmental stewardship, connection to the land and meaningful healing for both horses and people.
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About Giuliana Marple, Equine Specialist
Giuliana Marple, ESMHL (P.A.T.H. International), is a certified equine specialist who designs and facilitates The Healing Power of Horses experience. With a focus on trust, communication and emotional intelligence, Giuliana creates safe, guided environments where participants engage with horses from the ground to strengthen presence, clarity and authentic leadership.
Itinerary of Events
Morning
9AM | Arrival & Welcome – Begin the day with morning coffee and light bites as you’re introduced to the symbolism of the Year of the Fire Horse by Barb Phillips and Hombre, her trusted companion.
10AM | Remuda Experience – Choose between two ground-based equine sessions designed to deepen trust and connection:
The Healing Power of the Horse | An immersive session facilitated by equine specialist Giuliana Marple. Engage with horses from the ground to strengthen trust, communication and emotional regulation in a safe, guided environment.
Rescue Horse Rehabilitation | Go behind the scenes with The Saving Gracie Foundation. Learn individualized wellness techniques from grooming to mobility exercises as you form meaningful connections with our rescued and retired horses.
Afternoon
12:15PM | Lunch at YUTA – An intimate alpine dining experience using seasonal produce from Gracie’s farm amidst sweeping views of Alexander Canyon.
2PM | Curated Group Wellness Session – Reconnect through sound healing and fire horse astrology readings.
Evening
5:30PM | Sunset Trail Ride to WildKitchen – Ride through Blue Sky’s mountain landscape as the day winds down. Horses’ manes braided with fire-inspired ribbons to honor the occasion.
7PM | WildKitchen Dinner – A celebratory evening featuring a special fire blessing to honor the year of the horse and close the experience with intention, courage and connection.
Enhance Your Stay
Afternoons at Blue Sky invite guests to reconnect with nature through restorative wellness, equine experiences and curated mountain adventures. Guests may enhance their retreat with optional offerings including guided hikes, spa rituals at Edge Spa, fly fishing, sporting clays, horseback riding, meditation and immersive experiences at Gracie's Farm. Each experience is thoughtfully designed to inspire reflection, deepen connection and embody Blue Sky's philosophy of "Luxury with Wild Abandon."
Spa and experiences may be arranged through your dedicated itinerary designer.
