PARADISE Found! Nihi Sumba

The award winning resort NIHI, on the island of Sumba, has been a bucket list contender for many for over a decade and thepopular horses of Sumba are now taking the center stage in multiple equine programs being offered at Nihi, one of the best resorts in the world. There you will experience the graceful synergy between humans and horses and take a transformative journey of healing andself-discovery. Nihi’s herd of intuitive and gentle horses will become your co-partners in the therapeutic process. You’ll spend 5 daysinteracting with the horses, learning to build trust, asserting boundaries, and embracing vulnerability through a unique language of feedback from your equine companions.

The Retreat and Conquer program was built for long-term change. On this five day and four night retreat therapists lead a unique and proven program of change while in the powerful presence of Nihi’s wild horses. As a participant and guest you will explore theconflicting emotions such as relief, sadness, and the sense of possibility that may arise as the program closes. You will name the struggles you want to leave behind and fill that space with fresh ambitions. If you prefer something a little more equestrian-esque the resort also offers Ride and Recharge a new program which seamlessly combines the joy of horse riding with a transformation wellness experience. Designed to cater to guests of all ages and skill levels, this experience spans five days as well and promises an unforgettable adventure for families and friends alike.

We joined Carol Sharpe, the visionary behind the homing of the wild herd, to find out more about Nihi’s growing equestrian program and more importantly the Wild Wellness retreats that the property has to offer.

EQUINE WILD WELLNESS QUESTIONS – CAROL SHARPE

You are the original horse whisperer of NIHI and were responsible for rescuing most of the original herd at NIHI. Can you tell readers quickly how the stables have developed since you first started them in…..?

The stables has grown considerably since its conception 10 years ago. We opened with 6Horses offering Sunset Beach rides, today the stables has 28 horses and offers guests a much wider range of equestrian experiences such as trail rides, swimming with the horses, Kids Pony Care, horse yoga and meditation.

Do you still have original staff members on site and can you tell me what the stables have done for the local community?

Yes, we still have original staff working with the stables. All the stable hands come from the local villages where opportunities to afford formal education is low therefore skills outside of the simple village life is also is low. It is however, common for most village men to have some experience with horses and a position at the stables gives them the opportunity todevelop themselves greatly, especially in the areas of modern horsemanship skills, learningEnglish and hospitality at a high end international level.

The Equine offerings have grown enormously since you first started the stables – have you still got some of the original horses that you first started with?

Just one out of the original six has passed, the others are still going strong and enjoying life in their late teens. NIHI has consistently led the way in understanding the profound connection between humans and horses and recognises the growing belief of horses in the wellness world. Can you tell me what new retreats this has led to in the past few years? We have started work with Prof Andreas Liefooghe on his Retreat and Conquer retreats who is a leading equine therapist in the UK.

We are also very excited to announce two other retreats planned for 2024 with Ashleigh Sanderson in the Spring, She is a British trained and based instructor who turns traditional coaching on its head by re-examining it and mixing rider and equine biomechanics, proprioception and classical work in hand to re-establish some simple laws of motion that need to be understood.

Alongside all of these we have developed some incredible treks across the island for proficient riders, visiting villages and waterfalls – enabling a deeper understanding of the Sumbaneese people.

Can you tell us about the new WILD WELLNESS spa that is the first in the world to have horses located on site and the program you have developed for this?

I am very excited about this program as I believe we are the first in the world to offer this. Split into four progressively informative and interactive sessions, spread over five days, each concentrates on a specific aspect of the horse and human sensory system.

Equi-Essence offers insights into the NIHI herd and a horse’s sensory world, fostering a deeper connection with these magnificent animals. Eqi-Seen provides a distinctive perspective, promoting vulnerability and trust while heightening awareness of the human nervous system. Equi-Tuned combines the use of horses, sound, and meditation to amplify well-being and healing and lastly Equi-Feel centres on effective communication through physical and emotional elements, enhancing self-awareness in areas such as trust, leadership, and self-confidence, all contributing to a profound connection between humans and horses.

Which horses will you be using for the Spa and have they been handpicked?

As there is a number of horses that are not used for guest riding experience due to size, age or ailments, the desire is to create a separate spa stables where these horses can live purposeful lives full-time as NIHI Equine Wellness Therapists.

What are the end goals for Equine Wild Wellness and will you be implementing this at other NIHI resorts?

I like to focus on constant improvement and evolvement rather than end goals. High on the wish list is to see the retreat side develop and expand so that accommodation specifically catering for retreats be provided near the Spa Stables.

I would defiantly love to implement Equine Wild Wellness at other NIHI Resorts