Guests may first meet the herd at Nihiwatu Beach, where ponies gallop along the shoreline and invite you to ride, wade, or simply walk beside them in the waves. Others may find their way to Nihioka Spa, a secluded wellness sanctuary where retired horses graze quietly, offering their grounding presence as part of NIHI’s holistic healing rituals.
Whether you’re joining a beach ride at sunrise, swimming with horses in warm, sparkling waters, or engaging in NIHI’s equine wellness programs or retreats, the connection between horse and human here is raw, personal, and deeply transformative.
Equine Experiences: From beach rides to swimming in the sea, connect with Sumba’s spirited horses, your way.
Equine Wellness: Explore rejuvenating, healing sessions, including yoga, Reiki, and massage, all shared in the company of the herd.
Equine Retreats: Go deeper with multi-day journeys that blend horses, healing, and the natural beauty of Sumba.
At NIHI Sumba, every horse encounter is rooted in joyful discovery, not just riding. Whether you’re new to horses or have years in the saddle, the experiences at NIHI Sandalwood Stables and beyond allow you to engage with these native Sumba animals in freeing and memorable ways.
Horse Riding Lessons
Private or small group horse riding lessons are offered for guests of all skill levels, with a gentle introduction to horsemanship both in the arena and along the beach. Riders learn to communicate with NIHI’s Sumba horses naturally and confidently.
Beach Horse Rides
Ride along the sweeping 2.5 km stretch of Nihiwatu Beach, where golden sand meets turquoise water. Whether you choose a slow, rhythmic stroll or pick up the pace through the shallows, every moment of your beach ride reveals the raw beauty of Sumba’s coastline lit by the glow of dawn or dusk.
Horse Trail Rides
These trail rides take you beyond the beach and into Sumba’s rural heart, through rice fields, palm groves, jungle trails, and local villages. Riders often encounter water buffalo crossings and cheerful children waving from the roadside as they explore the island’s untouched beauty at a relaxed, natural pace. The journey ends with an optional gallop along Nihiwatu Beach as you return home, bringing a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
Swimming with Horses
One of NIHI’s most iconic experiences, swimming with horses takes place in the warm, shallow waters of the Indian Ocean. Bareback and guided by local horsemen, you can enjoy the waves as your horse splashes beneath you. Indulge in a playful, liberating experience that captures the unique carefree spirit of Sumba.
Children’s Horse Riding & Pony Club
At NIHI Sumba, children as young as three can discover the joy of riding in a safe, supportive setting. Guided children’s riding sessions in the riding enclosure help little ones build strength in the saddle – and beyond. More experienced young riders can trot, play pony games, and connect more deeply with their horse.
For kids aged 5 to 11, the Pony Club offers hands-on learning in grooming, feeding, and caring for the horses, nurturing curiosity, responsibility, and lasting confidence.
Due to the smaller build of Sumbanese ponies, we enforce a weight limit of 85 kg (187 lbs) for beach rides and swimming with horses, and 75 kg (165 lbs) for all other rides to ensure the safety and well-being of our horses.
Looking for more time in the saddle? The Ride & Recharge program offers multi-day equine journeys that invite you to step into Sumba’s living story, in misty jungle trails, along golden beaches, and through villages steeped in tradition. Each package blends exploration with restoration: from Sunrise Splash, a gentle introduction with a riding lesson, a ride on the beach as the sun rises or sets, and a swim in the sea, to Elite Ride, an adventurous itinerary that includes sunset gallops and treks through Sumba’s lush natural landscapes. You might find yourself trotting past water buffalo, pausing for a fresh coconut in a village, or riding to Nihioka Spa to unwind.
Whether you’re easing in or ready to roam far, every experience is crafted to unlock your curiosity, move your body, and awaken your sense of joy.
To begin planning your equine adventure, reach out to our team at [email protected]. We’re here to help you craft your own off-script experience.
Few places in the world offer wellness through horses the way NIHI Sumba’s Nihioka Spa does. Here, healing takes on a simpler, wilder form, guided not just by experienced therapists, but by the gentle companionship of Sumba’s native horses. These rare equine encounters invite you to tune into stillness and delight in freedom and exploration. Discover an unexpected path to wellness, guided by horses, grounded in nature and truly transformative.
Choose from a series of one-of-a-kind experiences:
Equine Connection
Equine Connection is an immersive experience designed to help you harness the grounding power of Sumba’s horses. Rooted in the island’s rich equestrian traditions and guided by four thoughtful pillars (Equine-Essence, Equine-Seen, Equine-Tuned, and Equine-Feel), each session invites you to take what you need, exploring trust, mindfulness, communication, and leadership through horse-human interaction.
You’re free to shape the Equine Connection experience to reflect your own journey, choosing the areas that resonate most with your unique goals. Sessions can be booked individually or as a series.
Yoga with Horses
In this equine yoga session, you’ll connect with your horse through breathwork and mindful movement beside or on the horse. With space for only three guests, it’s a rare and personal practice that invites you to truly awaken your senses.
Reiki with Horses
This energy-healing session invites you to release and restore. As you receive Reiki from a certified practitioner, the gentle presence of the horses amplifies the experience, enhancing emotional clarity, calming the nervous system, and inviting a profound sense of peace rooted in nature’s rhythms.
Massage with Horses
Let your body melt into deep relaxation with a massage enhanced by the reassuring energy of a nearby horse. The rhythmic flow of touch creates a soothing sensory experience that leaves you feeling renewed.
Contact our Wild Wellness team to learn more.
NIHI Sumba’s Equine Retreats go beyond the saddle to offer something rare: a fully immersive escape shaped by the spirit of the herd and Sumba itself. Over several days, guests blend riding, exploration, and wellness therapies in a setting where horses are more than companions; they’re co-guides. With tailored activities designed for all levels, these retreats invite you to explore Sumba’s unspoiled terrain, reconnect with yourself, and move through the world in your own way.
Equine Intuitive Awareness Retreat
The Equine Intuitive Awareness Retreat is a limited opportunity to experience NIHI Sumba at its most authentic. Led by Carol Sharpe, known on the island as the original “horse whisperer,” this five-night retreat is perfect for solo travelers, couples, and anyone navigating personal change. Set against the raw landscapes of Sumba, each day blends guided equine sessions, yoga, intuitive healing, and more with space for rest, mindfulness, joy, and connection. You’ll move through sunrise meditations with the herd, ocean swims with horses, and village visits that honor the island’s deep-rooted traditions. With only a handful of participants, this retreat offers rare access to Carol’s teachings and connection with NIHI’s horses.
This retreat is offered September 17-22, 2025. Reach out to NIHI’s team at [email protected] to reserve your place.
At NIHI Sumba, the magic of horses is woven into the very fabric of the experience, creating moments that untangle you and open you to the unexpected. The spirited energy of the Sumba ponies, set against the backdrop of Sumba’s untamed beauty, invites you to discover a sense of freedom within yourself.
Ready to experience the transformative power of NIHI Sumba’s equine encounters?
Contact our team at [email protected] to begin planning your unforgettable journey to where horses roam free and where your own wild heart can find its rhythm. We look forward to welcoming you.
Feel free to contact us if you need any further information
