The Zermatterhof

“Slow and steady wins the race,” they say, and the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof has embraced this proverb wholeheartedly. Its four horses used to pull the hotel’s horse-drawn carriage or sled are named Manuela, Cypria, Conversano and Favory, and they are treated to a level of comfort that rivals the best 5-star establishments. In return for their loyal service, these horses enjoy large, luxurious stables, built in 2013 in Winkelmatten (1 km from the hotel). The luminous stables include easy, seasonal access to the local pastures, heated drinking troughs and a wash station that nearly resembles a spa, complete with a solarium. “It serves a double purpose,” says Ivan Buschor, who manages the stables. “On the one hand it helps dry the horses in winter after they’ve been washed, which helps keep them from getting sick, and it also helps their muscles relax.” Buschor, a former member of the Knie circus, knows how to pamper his patrons, adding “they’re also fed premium food and each have their own harness.” Guests staying at the hotel often come visit these 5-star stables to say hello to the hotel’s four, fine grey-speckled Lipizzaners. Some will even go so far as to help with brushing down the horses or cleaning the stables, a calming experience according to the hotel’s website, which assures one that “a half hour of horse petting is, by the way, far more relaxing than any yoga session.” Much less tiring too! Horse-drawn carriage or sled rides are possible any season and any day of the week for hotel clients. Yet in order to assure the health and wellbeing of the horses, they generally only work every other day.