Spas have been a popular spot for bridal parties for several years, but they've usually been centered on traditional treatments like massage or manicures and pedicures. Now brides are treating their bridesmaids to medical spa parties for Botox, dermal fillers and glycolic peels before the Big Day, according to an article in The New York Times. “If I were 25 or 26 and getting married, a bracelet, necklace or matching earrings would be fine,” said Kacey Knauer, who had a Botox party at Tribeca MedSpa in Manhattan. But at 35? “Giving them a bracelet isn’t as special as spending an evening together. Plus, as you get older, everyone is more conscientious about their skin and appearance.”

Spas and horses have gone together ever since therapist Wyatt Webb started "The Equine Experience," a special program where you gain insight into yourself by working with a horse, at Miraval in Tucson, AZ. And I've never seen a bunch of people happier than when they were sitting astride a horse, cutting a steer from the herd and "team-penning" it at Rancho de los Caballeros, a "dude ranch" with a nice spa in Wickenburg, AZ. Most spas with horse programs -- and there are that many -- just have simple trail rides, usually with an "outfitter." But the possibilities are about to get more interesting. A new company called Equi-Spa Lifestyle Solutions in Rockville, MD., is giving spas the opportunity to connect an equestrian and spa environment to enhance wellness, personal awareness, relaxation, team-building and fitness benefits. The Equi-Spa program will offers individuals, families and companies a rich experience of personal transformation. "As social animals themselves, horses can play a specific role in helping us not only to relax but also teach us useful communication tools that can be applied to other areas of our lives," says Jennifer Donovan, co-founder of Equestrian Services, LLC, which plans, designs and manages equestrian facilities. It went into partnership with WTS International, a worldwide spa consulting and management firm, to create Equi-Spa Lifestyle Solutions. Also on their mind -- special Pilates and Tai Chi classes for equestrians, yoga on horseback, personal and group training, and lifelong learning seminars. I grew up riding and think it's a great idea. I just hope spas take them up on it!