Luxury Indonesian resort Nihi Sumba has unveiled a series of equine retreats led by renowned horse whisperers that combine riding with yoga, breathwork and ancient tribal practices. Olivia Palamountain reports

Nihi Sumba is expanding its equestrian offerings with two distinct equine-focused wellness escapes set on the lush Indonesian property.

Both the Kuda Guru Retreat and Equine Intuitive Awareness Retreat offer guests various approaches to horse-human connection, combined with a menu of wellness experiences.

The latter will be led by Carol Sharpe, known as the "Ibu Ndara Sumba" (Horse Mother of Sumba), who established the resort's Sandalwood Stables programme more than a decade ago. The Equine Intuitive Awareness Retreat, limited to six participants, draws on ancient tribal practices and includes sunrise sessions with the main herd, traditional village tours, and the unique experience of swimming with horses.

The five-night programme, priced at US$2,100 per person, will run from December 5-10, 2024 and February 13-18, 2025.Meanwhile, the Kuda Guru Retreat (meaning "Horse Teacher" in Indonesian), led by specialists Ashleigh Sanderson and Sara Kimell, takes a more technical approach, combining biomechanics, proprioception (the sense of body awareness, or the ability to sense your body's position and movement without relying on visual cues) and classical horsemanship with yoga and mindfulness practices.This six-night programme is available from May 26 to June 1, 2025 at US$2,325 per person, with a shorter three-night option from June 3-6.

Both retreats feature the resort's signature "Spa Safari" experience, where guests can choose between trekking, riding or car transfer to Nihioka for treehouse breakfast sessions.Additional highlights include fire meditation sessions, traditional Pasola demonstrations (which involve spear throwing while mounted on horseback) and betel nut ceremonies.

The programmes represent a significant expansion of Nihi Sumba's equestrian wellness offerings, building on its established Sandalwood Stables, which now houses 29 horses.

As wellness becomes more nuanced and specialised, hotels and resorts are increasingly incorporating horses into their offerings.

In 2022, Maldivian resort Siyam World built a ranch on a private island in the archipelago that is home to four rare breed Indian horses for guests to ride. At Aerial BVI, meanwhile, guests can visit the island's ranch to participate in therapy with both horses and zebras.

The Equestrian Centre at at Lucknam Park near Bath houses around 25 horses of mixed size and capability and offers hotel guests the chance to engage with "horse whispering" sessions.