NIHI Sumba

Women-Led Equestrian Retreats Are Redefining How We Heal With Horses | Vogue

"On a remote Indonesian island where wild horses still roam golden beaches, this resort’s Equine Healing at Nihi—founded by Carol Sharpe—nurtures an intuitive bond that sees the horse as a carrier of spirit as much as a companion. What began with two small native ponies 12 years ago has become a holistic wellness practice rooted in empathy and energy awareness, anchored by a clifftop spa sanctuary that keeps horses on-site around the clock for wellness purposes. Guests are invited to slow down and explore the unseen dialogue between human and horse, and in 2026 a new Telepathic Communication with Horses retreat will guide participants to notice impressions—colors, sensations, words—as energetic exchanges. The reported outcomes are quietly powerful: emotional breakthroughs, couples finding renewed harmony, and families discovering a shared calm, aligning with science that points to reduced cortisol, balanced heart rhythms, and a felt sense of coherence when standing in resonance with another being." - Chloe Frost-Smith