A running joke here at OR is the frequency in which people assume we want to see horses everywhere we go. Scene: We are in a car with friends or relatives and happen to drive by a field of horses, whereas someone in the car exclaims, “Look, horses! Do you want to stop and see them?” Now, we must admit we can be a bit over the top when it comes to our own herds—monogrammed tack, pristine coats, pulled manes, and trimmed tails. But all of that takes work, and every so often we need a break from our loving-care chores. We see our horses every day. We don’t need to stop and see someone else’s. That is, unless it involves a remote island in the Indian Ocean with a private coastline surrounded by an unspoiled landscape, a backdrop of sorbet sunsets, and a world-class stable of native sporthorses. Allow us to transport you to the equestrian bliss of Nihi Sumba Island.
Among the abundance of luxury equestrian vacations available to pros and amateurs alike, Nihi Sumba Island’s Sandalwood Stables stands out for it’s rustic simplicity. Let’s start with the resort itself: The only hotel on the Indonesian island the size of Massachusetts that has been awarded Travel + Leisure’s #1 Hotel in the World two years running, the barefoot luxury retreat of 28 villas (each with its own stunning view of the sea) is equal parts spa-on-steroids and cultural immersion. A philanthropic hotel via a partnership with the Sumba Foundation, guests are “giving back” just by staying at the resort since a portion of profits are repatriated to the Foundation to support clean water wells, school lunches for children, and medical clinics in local villages.
The stables themselves are an impressive operation under the supervision of Australian trainer and resident horse whisperer Carolyn Sharpe, who has handpicked an exceptional fleet of the island’s sturdy ponies suitable for beach gallops, lessons, trail rides, and equine meditation sessions. Horse enthusiasts can request custom excursions via horseback including the award-winning spa safari or trek to Rice Island for a scenic picnic view of the local harvest.
It is important to note that horses are the soul of Sumba Island. The Sumbanese Sandalwood pony is considered a prize breed due to its Arabian lineage. Sandalwoods have good endurance, are considered easy to manage, and popular for both horse racing and farm work. Depending on the time of year, guests might be lucky enough to see a Nihi resort-born foal in training.
Whether you are wading through the waves with water buffalo, or scaling the rugged cliffs at sunset, you can always count on a glass of cold Angur Putih (intro to Sumbanese, lesson one: white wine) when you return to the barn.
