Swimming with horses in Sumba brings together joy, freedom, and a sense of wonder. There are no scripts: only the gentle trust between rider and horse, and the feeling of the sea lifting both spirits and hooves. Here, horses move beside you in the water with playful curiosity.
This rare encounter balances adventure with peaceful connection. For many, it is both healing and unforgettable, leaving memories that linger long after you return home.
The native ponies of Sumba have shaped the island’s culture for generations. Their lineage stretches back through centuries of ritual, harvest, and daily life. Each herd is a living thread woven into the fabric of the land. Hardy and surefooted, these ponies carry both the stories and the spirit of Sumba, nimble on wild hills and steady beside the ocean.
For centuries, the ponies of Sumba have been an essential part of daily life on the island. Originally valued for farming and transport, they are woven into local tradition, from everyday life to village celebrations. Sumba’s native ponies are known for their resilience and gentle nature, adapting easily to the island’s rugged hills and long beaches. Today, they remain a trusted companion and an enduring symbol of Sumba’s culture.
At NIHI, horses move with the rhythm of nature. They graze across open fields, wander beneath wide skies, and return to the sea with a spirit of deep belonging. These are not animals kept for show, but wonderful companions in the truest sense, tended to with love and respect. They are a living legacy, as much a part of the land as the tides and the morning light.
Imagine stepping from warm sand into clear, sparkling surf with a horse as your companion. The ocean becomes a place of trust and lightness as you ride bareback, water swirling around you. Guided by NIHI’s equine team, the pace is calm and natural, with no need to hurry or perform. For many, it is a moment of unexpected joy, filled with freedom, laughter, and quiet awe. Even long after you return to shore, the incredible feeling of swimming with a horse in Sumba lingers.
The swim begins on the golden sands of Nihiwatu Beach, where guests are welcomed by NIHI’s equine team and introduced to the horse they will join in the water. There is no saddle, only a halter and a bareback pad, and swimsuits or quick-dry clothing are all you need (no shoes required). Our local horsemen guide each step with care, leaving you to shape your experience whether you are new to riding or have years of experience. Both adults and children are welcome, and no prior riding experience is needed.
Towels and refreshments are provided at the finish. There is a suggested weight limit of 85 kg (187 lbs) for this experience, and helmets are available on request. If you wish to capture the memory, discreet photography can be arranged in advance so you can stay present for every stride.
The bond between horses and humans at NIHI reaches far beyond a single swim. For those drawn to deeper connection, the island offers other remarkable encounters. Each one is shaped by wonder and the spirit of the island.
For a journey that unfolds over days, the Equine Intuitive Awareness Retreat invites guests into mindful presence alongside the herd. Guided by expert facilitators, this immersive experience blends horse-led mindfulness, movement, and reflection. It is an opportunity to slow down, listen deeply, and discover new pathways to insight and peace.
Next Retreat happens from September 16-21, 2025
Experience the wild energy of Sumba’s coast with a ride along the shoreline at dawn or dusk. The boundary between sea and sky blurs as you move in rhythm with your horse, the light shifting across the waves. Whether galloping or strolling, these rides offer moments of exhilaration and freedom, set against one of the world’s most stunning backdrops.
NIHI’s equine wellness experiences invite quiet, intuitive connection and healing. These sessions are done in the Equine Sanctuary at Nihioka Spa and are designed to restore emotional balance and inner calm, including horse yoga, mindful grooming, equine massage, and energy attunement practices such as reiki. Each encounter invites you to find stillness and renewal in the company of Sumba’s herd.
Read more about NIHI’s equine offerings: Unbridled Freedom: A Hotel with Horses on Sumba’s Wild Coast
Every horse encounter on Sumba is shaped by intention and curiosity. Whether you dream of swimming with horses, joining a sunrise ride, or immersing yourself in an equine retreat, our Reservation Team is here to guide your journey. With deep knowledge of every program and a genuine desire to craft meaningful, transformative stays, we help connect you with the experiences that resonate most.
To begin planning your equine adventure, email [email protected] or reach out to +62 811-3821-2910.
Feel free to contact us if you need any further information
