Discovering Self-Care Through Horses: My Coaching Session at Arion Coaching in Barbate, Spain

A Solo Traveller, Two Dogs, and a Trial Run

At Travel with Abeona, we don’t just promote Solo Female Travel—we embody it in every genuine and authentic way. So, last December, I found myself in the laid-back charm of Zahora, a small village on the Andalusian coast. It was a part of my trial run for a much bigger adventure—a road trip across Spain with my two dogs. For this mini-test, I loaded up the car with everything my four-legged co-pilots might need, from squeaky toys to their favourite chews, and pointed the wheels west. My mission? To see how we’d handle life on the road and enjoy a little slice of Andalusian magic.

Among the golden sunsets, quiet beaches, and quaint cafés, I stumbled upon an experience that turned out to be one of the most surprising and soul-touching parts of the trip—a private coaching session with Arion Coaching with Horses.

If you’re a solo female traveller like me, always balancing a sense of adventure with a pinch of trepidation, you’ll know how valuable it is to find those unique, grounding experiences that shift your perspective. That’s exactly what this coaching session gave me—a mix of self-care, discovery, and connection, all guided by the gentle power of horses. 

What is Arion Coaching with Horses?

Arion Coaching, run by the insightful Anaïs, is more than just a coaching session—it’s an opportunity to unlock your emotions, confront limiting beliefs, and find clarity in the heart of the Andalusian countryside. This isn’t horse riding, nor is it anything that involves traditional equestrian skills. Instead, you’re guided into interacting with the horses intuitively and emotionally.

The coaching blends equine therapy techniques with expert observations, creating a completely unique session for each participant. For me, as someone who wasn’t quite sure what to expect, it turned out to be deeply moving and memorable.

Arion Coaching is based in Barbate, Spain, not far from Zahora. The setting itself is beautiful—a peaceful space surrounded by open countryside where the horses roam, offering the perfect backdrop for quiet introspection and growth.

Starting with an Open Mind (and a Hint of Skepticism)

When I booked my session, if I’m being honest, part of me thought, “This will be great content for social media.” I wasn’t expecting it to be much more than an interesting next stop during my road trip adventure. But the other part of me—the one that often feels the need for reconnection and balance—was quietly hoping it might actually have an impact.

Upon arriving, Anaïs greeted me warmly, quickly putting me at ease. The horses were roaming freely in a large, open area, their calm energy immediately noticeable. Anaïs took time to explain how the session would work and what we’d aim to achieve. Her warm, empathetic nature made it clear this wasn’t just another “tourist activity”—this was something deeply meaningful. 

After some time getting to know the horses and allowing them to get to know me (yes, this is a two-way street), Anaïs gently guided me into the coaching part of the session.

How Horses Become Mirrors to Our Inner World

The magic of Arion Coaching is how the horses act like mirrors of your emotional state. They sense much more than we give them credit for—your anxiety, your confidence, your hesitations. Whether it’s the way a horse steps closer to you or simply stands still and observes, their responses give powerful, unspoken feedback about where you might be holding tension or avoiding vulnerability.

Anaïs skillfully translated the horses’ body language, helping me see patterns in my own behaviour that I wasn’t even fully aware of. It felt a bit like having an honest yet compassionate conversation with yourself, with the horses acting as the mediators.

There was one moment during the session that really struck me. One particular horse—cheeky, mischievous, and full of character—kept coming over to block me or gently nudge me whenever I started talking about deeper, more difficult topics. This playful interruption was surprisingly emotional. It felt like the horse was saying, “Hey, don’t get too stuck in your head—stay present and keep it light.”

Why Every Solo Female Traveller Should Try This

If you’re someone who travels solo, especially as a woman, you likely value the freedom and self-reliance that come with exploring on your own. But let’s be real—it can also be lonely and challenging at times. That’s why experiences like this are so important.

Arion Coaching offers a way to reconnect with yourself in a setting that’s both safe and serene. And if you’re travelling through Andalucia—perhaps on your own road trip adventure with your dog, or just your backpack—this coaching session is an amazing way to press pause and check in with yourself.

For me, this chance to step away from the usual “travel checklist” and focus inward felt incredibly grounding. It’s rare to find an experience that’s equal parts calming and thought-provoking, but Arion Coaching delivered in spades.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

If you’re keen to add a session with Arion Coaching to your Andalucia itinerary, here are a few tips to make the most of it:

• Book Ahead: Anaïs offers private sessions, so spaces are limited. Be sure to book in advance, especially during peak travel months. 
• Dress Comfortably: You’ll be spending most of your time outdoors, so wear shoes that protect your toes and something you can move easily in and don’t mind getting dirty. 
• Keep an Open Mind: Whether you’re coming for self-care, curiosity, or adventure, you’ll get the most out of the session by being open to whatever emotions or insights arise. 
• Extend Your Stay: If time allows, consider booking more than one session. I can safely say I was wishing I had time for more after my first session.

Self-Care Meets Self-Discovery

Looking back at my trip, my time with Arion Coaching with Horses still stands out as one of the most profound experiences. It wasn’t just about spending time with beautiful animals (although that alone was worth it). It was about creating space for self-reflection and connection in a way that felt natural and unforced.

Solo travel has its highs and lows, but it’s moments like these—where you come away feeling just a little more whole—that make the journey worthwhile.

If you’re planning your own Andalucia adventure, whether as a solo female traveller or with company, I can’t recommend a session with Arion Coaching enough. Sometimes, a little self-love and introspection are the best souvenirs you can take home.

And if you’re embarking on your own road trip with dogs, I can tell you the experience pairs beautifully with a few wagging tails.