Born on the Fijian island of Qamea, Pita Jone Wan has spent over a decade caring for the horses of COMO Laucala Island, where he works as Stable Supervisor. Known affectionately as ‘The Horse Whisperer’, Wani is a master of intuitive horsemanship, combining traditional Fijian storytelling with a deep respect for the animals in his care.
My name is Pita Jone Wan, but most people call me Wani. I was born in Dreketi, a quiet village on the island of Qamea, just west of COMO Laucala Island. I joined the team at COMO Laucala Island 13 years ago as a groom. I had no experience, just curiosity.
Five years later, I was selected for international training in New Zealand. That’s when everything shifted. I learned how to communicate not with reins or commands, but through body language, energy, and tone.
It’s not magic, it’s presence. When I speak to a horse, I stand tall, shoulders open, voice steady. They respond not just to sound, but to how you carry yourself. And they talk back — through their eyes, breath and posture. One of my favourite signals is when a horse licks its lips; that’s when I know they’re listening.
We have nine horses on COMO Laucala Island; mostly bays, greys and palominos. They’re Fijian-bred, tracing back to a nineteenth-century mix between Australian Thoroughbreds and British Clydesdales. Each has a distinct personality. Didi is strong and fast-paced; Jacky is sensitive and quick to respond; Ale likes to lead; Grey is gentle and ambles along at his own pace; Lucy is a favourite with children; Malcolm is more pet than horse; Blondy loves treats; Clyde, the youngest, is curious and friendly. And then there’s Kalokalo; obedient, calm, and deeply intuitive. She always knows if I’m having a bad day.
With time and care, any horse will follow you. But first, you have to listen.
My training philosophy is simple: no force, no fear, just trust. With time and care, any horse will follow you. But first, you have to listen. That trust begins in the stables, shaded by tall trees, the air filled with birdsong and the sound of waves. The horses are steady, well-trained, and at home on this terrain. I work with riders of all levels, tailoring each experience to the guest.
Out on the trails, the landscape is wild and untouched: rainforest, grasslands, coconut groves, cliffs, and sandy beaches. My favourite ride winds through the bush to a hidden lookout where the Pacific stretches beyond the horizon. Along the way, I share stories of the land, its history, the plants we pass, and how horses have long played a practical role in Fijian life; hauling crops, connecting remote communities, walking paths no vehicle could pass.
These rides aren’t just scenic. They’re a way of moving through the land and its history slowly, with awareness. Something shifts when you experience the island in rhythm with a horse. It’s the feeling of connection — to nature, to culture, to something older and deeper than words.
A guided horseback riding tour at COMO Laucala Island lasts for 20 to 40 minutes. This activity is complimentary. Closed-toed shoes are required, and the minimum guest age is eight. For more information, please contact your Tau.
