Swimming with horses in the ocean is one of the most unforgettable experiences available to travelers anywhere in the world, and Sumba Island is one of the very few places where this magical activity can be done safely, ethically, and in waters so clear you can see the seabed beneath your horse’s hooves. This guide covers everything you need to know before your first horse swimming session.
What Is Horse Swimming?
Horse swimming involves riding your horse from the beach directly into the ocean until the water is deep enough for the horse to swim. As the horse begins to paddle, you hold the mane or a safety strap while the horse propels you both through the water using powerful leg movements. The sensation is unlike anything else in equestrian sports — a unique combination of floating, gliding, and the rhythmic power of a swimming horse beneath you.
Our Sandalwood horses are natural swimmers with centuries of island breeding behind them. They enter the ocean willingly and with visible enjoyment, often choosing to continue swimming when given the option to return to shore. Watching a horse swim with its nostrils just above the water surface and its powerful body moving smoothly through the tropical ocean is a sight that guests describe as profoundly moving.
How Safe Is Horse Swimming?
Safety is our absolute priority during every horse swimming session. We carefully select swimming locations based on ocean conditions, checking for currents, wave height, and underwater terrain before every session. Our guides enter the water first to assess conditions, and a safety boat or additional mounted guide is always present during swimming activities.
All riders wear life jackets during horse swimming regardless of swimming ability. The horses are equipped with swimming tack that includes a handle strap for riders to hold securely. Our guides provide thorough instruction on positioning, balance, and what to expect before anyone enters the water. We have conducted thousands of horse swimming sessions without a serious incident.
What to Expect During Your Session
A typical horse swimming session begins with a beach warm-up ride to ensure both you and your horse are comfortable. Your guide then leads the group into the shallows, gradually moving deeper as the horses wade through the crystal-clear water. When the water reaches the horse’s belly, you feel a remarkable shift — the horse’s gait changes from walking to a buoyant, rhythmic swimming motion.
Most sessions last twenty to thirty minutes in the water, with multiple entries to allow rest between swims. The water temperature ranges from 26 to 29 degrees Celsius year-round, warm enough to be comfortable without a wetsuit. After swimming, we walk the horses along the beach to dry off before continuing the day’s ride.
Requirements and Restrictions
Physical Requirements
Maximum rider weight: 85kg. Must be comfortable in water. Basic swimming ability preferred but life jackets provided. Minimum age: 10 years for ocean swimming, 8 years for shallow water.
What to Bring
Swimwear under riding clothes. Waterproof camera or GoPro (we provide mounts). Reef-safe sunscreen. Towel. Change of dry clothes. Water shoes recommended.
Best Time for Horse Swimming
Horse swimming is available year-round on Sumba, with the calmest ocean conditions from April through November. Morning sessions typically offer the clearest water and calmest conditions. During peak swells in January-February, we relocate to protected bays that provide sheltered swimming conditions.
Do I need riding experience for horse swimming?
Basic riding ability is helpful but not required. We include a beach warm-up ride before entering the water. Complete beginners can participate with our gentlest horses and extra guide support.
Is horse swimming included in all packages?
Horse swimming is included in our 4-day, 5-day, 6-day, 7-day, and 10-day packages. It can be added to the 3-day package for an additional fee. Standalone horse swimming sessions are available from $185 per person.
Experience Horse Swimming in Sumba
The Best Locations for Horse Swimming
Sumba offers several exceptional locations for swimming with horses, each with a distinct character. The sheltered bay near our main stables provides calm, turquoise water ideal for first-time experiences and photography. A hidden cove accessible only by horseback trail offers complete privacy and a dramatic limestone cliff backdrop. For the more adventurous, the river crossing experience combines freshwater swimming with trail riding through tropical forest. Our guides select the location based on tide conditions, weather, and your experience level. The water temperature in Sumba’s bays sits between 26-29°C year-round, making this a comfortable experience in any season.
Is swimming with horses safe for non-swimmers?
The swimming takes place in calm, shallow bays where you can stand comfortably. You remain mounted during the experience, so swimming ability is not required. Life vests are available on request. Our guides select locations with gentle gradients and minimal current to ensure maximum safety for both riders and horses.