SWEDISH HILL Where athletes that push for high-caliber performance go to feel relaxed, restored, and revitalized. WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS BY SHARON CASTRO
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oth human and equine athletes train to become strong, agile, and fast for high-stakes competition. The physical and emotional pressure is intense.
Spending time at Swedish Hill Farm & Spa relieves that tension. CALM CONTENTMENT Scandinavian life is synonymous for creating a sense of well-being. To understand why, speak with farm owner Anna Hollander. She moved to the US from Sweden in 1983, yet it’s clear that she still carries with her a feeling of calm contentment. “Since I was an athlete myself, I understand their aches and pains. I really do like to help them feel better. I’m good at what I do, but also, I like it,” said Hollander. A TRANQUIL TRANSITION Anna Hollander worked at the Saratoga Race Course for 25 years, riding, training, and exercising the
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horses. She’s endured minor and major injuries (some of which were life-threatening). When she wasn’t with the horses, she was providing people healing as a licensed massage therapist and esthetician. Now she runs Swedish Hill Farm & Spa, a relaxing escape just five minutes from downtown Saratoga Springs that treats both people and horses to a revitalizing experience. Through her non-profit, After the Races, Hollander provides six retired racehorses care, boarding, and a tranquil transition to their second career on her 11-acre property. SENSE THE SATISFACTION Despite their previously competitive lives, there’s no hint of aggression or anxious behavior in these impressive animals. They seem to glisten with satisfaction. It’s as if they are matching the demeanor of their primary caretaker. Peaceful and gentle, Hollander
gives each one individual attention and eight acres of paddocks in an enjoyable environment. “Horses are giving and telepathic. They sense and feel things and connect with the people around them,” explained Hollander. WELCOME COMPANIONSHIP You would be surprised how these fit, strong and trained-to-win horses enjoy the company of visits from Hollander, After the Races volunteers, and guests using the farm’s rental suite and spa services. Swedish Hill Farm has a romantic guest suite available for rent through AirBNB. Located on the ground level of the two-story ranch style home, visitors can choose to sit on the suite’s front porch watching the horses in the barn, see them running in their paddocks from the home’s huge wrap-around porch, or even while getting a massage inside its threeseason relaxation area.
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