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C H R O N O F H O R S E . C O M S U M M E R 2 014 113 Billiard Room, has a chummy, clubby atmo- sphere with leather chairs and dark paneling. Both restaurants boast an extensive wine list prominently featuring Virginia labels. ere are half a dozen wineries within a 5-mile radius of the resort, and the state is now the second larg- est producer of wine in the country. e local area is known for a dearth of eth- nic food, something the Gold Cup is remedying with a menu highlighting sushi and even Ethi- opian cuisine. And the kitchen boasts its own 2-acre culinary garden, along with a modern cooking studio for classes. A short stroll from the main hotel, the 14,000 square-foot barn is home to 17 resort horses and is surrounded by nine picturesque turn-out paddocks lined with black split rail fences. With more than 40 years of experience, its director, Jordan, has whipped-in with local hunts and is certified by the American Rid- ing Instructors Association and the Certified Horsemanship Association. In a fancy equestrian resort in an even fan- cier equestrian town, "We're not trying to take business from any of our neighbors," Jordan ex- plained. "We'll never be a show barn or a com- petition barn. Our focus is on programming for the resort guests and helping both equestrians and non-equestrians understand what animals can teach you about yourself." To this end, the center offers riding classes such as a two-hour "Mindfulness Trail Ride," "Human/Horse Synergy" rides and "the Equi- Spective Experience," which requires no riding at all and focuses on non-verbal communication between horses and humans. During my hour-long Yoga in the Stable class (a bargain at $25 per person), I soaked in the morning sun and stretched into various poses as two purring barn cats wrapped them- selves around my ankles, and horses whinnied in the background. We then made our way to the round pen, where I attempted to continue on an equine partner, the idea being the horse's back functions as the yoga mat. (An assistant stands on either side of you in case you lose your balance and topple off.) Our breathing synchronized, the horse's warmth was comforting in the chilly morning air. I must admit, however, that I didn't find it exactly easy to relax with three assistants focused on me intensely for 30 minutes straight, and the $150 fee felt a bit out of proportion to the expe- rience. is may be a reflection of my sub-par mental and physical yoga skills, though. Next, Jordan led me through the Equi-Spec- tive Experience—essentially a natural horse- PHOTO COURTESY OF SALAMANDER THE LOCAL AREA IS KNOWN FOR A DEARTH OF ETHNIC FOOD, SOMETHING THE GOLD CUP IS REMEDYING WITH A MENU HIGHLIGHT- ING SUSHI AND EVEN ETHIOPIAN CUISINE.

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