Barefoot in the early light, you stand at the edge of a wide Sumbanese field. The air is warm, touched by salt and grass, and beside you, a horse breathes in a quiet rhythm. Its presence is gentle and steady, a living reminder of something both ancient and immediate. The space between you is full of possibility, built not on words but on the silent conversation of movement and breath.
Around the world, travelers are drawn to wellness experiences that foster true connection. At NIHI, equine wellness sessions offer time spent with horses in nature, where calm observation, gentle interaction, and guided practices nurture a deeper sense of ease and awareness. These sessions go beyond relaxation. Guests are invited into the present moment, finding peace in the trust that quietly forms between human and horse.
On the Indonesian island of Sumba (just a short flight from Bali), life is deeply connected to horses. This is a place where tradition and the rhythms of nature remain at the heart of daily experience. For centuries, horses have influenced village life and ceremony, from the thunder of hooves during the legendary Pasola festival to everyday rides along the sweeping coastline. Horses here are honored as symbols of freedom, strength, and partnership, woven into both celebration and routine.
As a wellness-focused retreat on the island’s wild western coast, NIHI carries this tradition forward with care and respect. The resort’s herd of Sumbanese horses, including retired and rescued ponies, roam broad pastures under the watchful eye of local horsemen whose knowledge stretches back generations. Every guest who joins NIHI’s equine offerings becomes part of this living story, connecting not only with the horses but also with the land and lineage that have shaped Sumba for centuries.
Throughout history, people have found healing and insight in the presence of animals. Horses, especially, offer a rare kind of partnership on this journey. Their awareness is acute, sensitive to even the quietest shifts in emotion. Rather than judging, they respond with a calm, steady presence. In their company, guests often feel a sense of grounding that lingers long after the encounter.
While the bond between humans and horses runs deep, at NIHI it unfolds in new and meaningful ways. Through guided horseback classes and personal growth retreats, guests discover how connection with horses can bring a greater sense of ease, openness, and self-assurance. Often, clarity arrives through a simple moment of shared understanding.
At NIHI, equine experiences are guided by respect, intuition, and a belief in mutual trust. Here, healing is never about rigid lessons or performance. It is about listening, feeling, and letting the presence of the horse open your heart.
Guests are welcomed by skilled guides who offer gentle support throughout each session. Their role is to help you feel safe and understood. Whether you are in the open pastures with horses or by the shoreline where the waves meet the sand, even the simplest moments become rich with meaning and joy.
NIHI’s Equine Wellness offerings provide a range of pathways to renewal and self-discovery:
Each session invites you into a genuine bond with NIHI’s remarkable horses. Inspired by Sumba’s equestrian heritage, these experiences are guided by four core pillars: Equine-Essence, Equine-Seen, Equine-Tuned, and Equine-Feel. Whether you are new to horses or have years of experience, you’ll explore trust, mindful communication, and leadership.
This practice blends movement with the steady presence of your equine companion. Guided breathwork and gentle stretches happen on and beside the horse, allowing peaceful energy to enhance each moment. It’s a space to feel balanced, relaxed, and restored.
During this restorative experience, you receive a soothing massage in the presence of a horse. The horse’s energy amplifies relaxation, encouraging a profound sense of harmony with the natural world. Guests leave feeling lighter and joyfully refreshed.
Surrounded by the peace of the pasture, you receive Reiki amplified by the silent awareness of horses. The company of the horses deepens your sense of tranquility, reclaiming emotional balance and leaving you renewed.
Each session is a chance to reconnect with yourself, with the natural world, and with the wisdom of these remarkable animals. We also incorporate sound healing with traditional Indonesian bowls, blending soothing vibration and frequency with the gentle energy of Reiki to create a deeply restorative experience.
For those drawn to a deeper journey, NIHI’s Equine Intuitive Awareness Retreats invite guests into a multi-day immersion where horses become partners in renewal and self-discovery. These retreats are guided by Carol, whose decades of experience and intuitive approach foster a genuine bond between guests and Sumba’s horses.
The experience is thoughtfully curated and includes:
Optional daily movement and cultural classes are also available, and each participant has space for one-on-one guidance with Carol, as well as plenty of moments for quiet reflection.
This is a path for anyone ready to listen and be guided, both by the horses and by the wisdom found within themselves.
NIHI’s equine experiences open the door to new ways of understanding yourself and the world, guided by Sumba’s ancestral horses. Each encounter invites a sense of calm that lingers well beyond your time on the island.
Being open and having a willingness to explore are all you need to begin. To start your journey, contact the team at [email protected] or +62 811-3821-2910.
