Colorado is currently experiencing a historic heat wave, starting on St. Patrick’s Day and rolling right into the first official day of Spring.

At the time of writing, temperatures are supposed to hit 80°F… in mid-March.
I suppose the Year of the Fire Horse is delivering exactly what it promised.

If you’re still buried in snow, feel free to send it this way, or better yet, send me a message and tell me how you feel about that. I’m serious!

Day Dreaming About Iceland ★

While this early riding weather is certainly a gift, I have to admit, it’s also making me daydream about Iceland. Does it do that for you too?

When I think of Iceland, I picture cute & fluffy horses, vast and otherworldly landscapes, welcoming people, hot springs, good food… and even better company.

Most of all, the thought of riding in Iceland puts a smile on my face, because let’s be honest, you can’t tölt across a green meadow on an Icelandic horse without at least a grin (and probably a giggle).

I’ll be heading there again this summer (July 18–25, 2026), and if those images speak to you, I would love it if you join me. 
We will ride for 4 days and go on a private sightseeing tour on one day. You decide how much or how little you want to ride, no pressure! This is a custom trip, catered to your heart & desires. And yes, it’s surprisingly easy to get to Iceland, with direct flights from multiple major U.S. cities from the East coast, the West coast, and in between.
If Iceland has been quietly sitting on your “someday” list, this might be your sign to bump it up.

You can learn more about the 2026 Fire & Ice Experience HERE

Traveling Internationally To Ride Horses ★

If you still have concerns about traveling (internationally) to ride horses, may I suggest taking a peek at this blog article that was published by Cowgirl Magazine just a few days ago:

How Soulutions By Elli Helps Riders Feel Ready

From Spring Heat… To Desert Magic ★

Speaking of heat waves, Arizona had some record temperatures just a few weeks ago as well. Thankfully, they arrived after my sold-out Snow to Sunshine Escape wrapped up.

And what a week it was.

This year’s group of incredible women got to ride among towering saguaros, play with cattle in the arena, and spend time at the Art of the Cowgirl Gathering—which, if you’ve never experienced it, is something truly special.

To have a platform and multiple arenas filled with just women was very inspiring. The whole event had such a welcoming vibe, even the many vendors were so friendly and happy to have you just walk into their booth and chat. We got to observe educational presentations by the women who participated in the colt starting challenge, saw a mounted shooting demo on how to start from the beginning, witnessed cowgirls in action during the Ranch Rodeo, were in awe of the competitors in the World’s Greatest Cowgirl competition, there were veterinary demonstrations, an art competition where the artists had two days to complete an artwork live in front of the audience, a workshop on hoof function & form, and, and, and.

What made the Arizona experience extra special was the outstanding hospitality at the guest ranch, our home away from home, that just so happens to be around the corner from the Art of the Cowgirl. As one of the wranglers put it, we could ride our horses there!

I felt incredibly lucky to take in the saguaros from horseback, a landscape so different from anything at home. One of the unexpected highlights was running into long-lost friends at the Western store and having them join us for dinner at our historic guest ranch.Moments like that, combined with being immersed in such a genuine cowgirl community, something I don’t have at home, made the whole experience feel especially meaningful and one I’ll carry with me for months to come.

One of the participants summed it up perfectly:

“This trip was fabulous! Great group of ladies, great weather, fun horses, an awesome cowgirl competition, and amazing shopping!”

Moments like these are truly good for the soul.

I will be heading back in 2027 (February 21–26), and if this kind of experience speaks to you, I’d love to have you along.

You can learn more about the 2026 Snow To Sunshine Escape HERE

Stay cool (& connected),

Elli