The Sumbawa Pony
The Sumbawa Pony is a breed of pony derived from the Indonesian island of Sumbawa. These horses were developed by crossing native ponies with Arabian horses. Because of their similarity, they are often mistakenly called the Sumba Pony. These horses are also called the Sandalwood Pony or the Heavy head. Read on for more information about this unique breed of horse. Also, find out more about its history.
Sandalwood Pony
The Sumbawa and Sumba Sandalwood Pony have similar characteristics. These horses were developed by crossing native ponies with Arabian horses. The Pony’s name is similar to the island of Sumba, Indonesia. Interestingly, the Sumba Pony has a longer history and is considered a rare breed. This article will discuss the characteristics of these two breeds and how they came to be.
The Sumba and Sumbawa Sandalwood are two different equine breeds, named for islands in Indonesia. The Sumba and Sandalwood Ponies are related but differ in a few ways. The Sumbawa Pony is slightly taller than the Sumba Pony, which is a result of crossbreeding native ponies with Arabian horses. Both breeds are suited for riding.
The Sumbawa and Sumba Sandalwood Pony originates from Indonesia and is named after the sandalwood tree, a major export from the island. Although the breed originated in Indonesia, it has been bred in other countries and developed a distinct style. The Arabian and Barb bloodlines are believed to have a strong influence on the Sandalwood pony’s characteristics. This breed is one of eight native to Indonesia and has had a significant impact on the development of pony breeds in Australia.
Mongolian Horse
Both the Mongolian Horse and Sumba and Sumbaw pony were domesticated in Indonesia. Both are unique, but they have many things in common. Both are highly intelligent, large and strong, and have a reputation for good looks. Unlike the Mongolian horse, however, these breeds have no natural enemies. Therefore, you’ll find them in almost every local park and on most people’s doorsteps.
The Sumba and Sumbawa Pony are both four-legged and have a long, flowing mane. They’re also quick and agile, making them ideal for sports such as racing. The Sumba and Sumbawa Pony were originally domesticated in China, but were brought to Indonesia in the late 1800s by Dutch colonists. In the 1930s, Dutch settlers introduced circuit-style horse racing to Sumba. Today, racehorse breeding in Sumba is dominated by Indonesians of Chinese descent, and many breeders have little regard for the welfare of the animals.
The Sumba and Sumbawa Pony are native to Indonesia, and have become a popular part of local life. They are also known as Sandalwood Ponies, and are named after the Sandalwood trees, a major export from Indonesia. The Sumba and Sumbawa Pony is a fast, agile, and willing breed of horse, with a heavy head and short, muscular neck and low withers.
Ancient Chinese stock
The Ancient Chinese were among the first to recognize the value of the Sumba and Sumbawa Pony, naming the animals “Tau Humba” (Sumbawa-ponies) and “Sumba pig” respectively. However, the island has a long and turbulent history. Although the island was colonized by the Dutch, the Sumbanese still retain much of their culture.
The highest elevations of Sumba can be found on its western and eastern peninsulas, traces of long-dormant volcanoes. The Jawila range extends to the west of Waikabubek, and its highest hills are Tandaro (900m) and Jawila (887m). Other high-mountain peaks include Pernubu (850m) and Palindi Wanggameti (1150m).
The ancient Chinese stock of the Sumbawa and Sumba Pony has been used for pack work, riding, and light draft work for centuries. They are very strong, with some shorter than 13 hands. Young boys and men compete on ponyback in traditional dance competitions, and many of the horses are decorated with bells that chime in rhythm. The Sumbawa Pony has always been an important part of Sumatra’s culture, and its heritage is largely unknown.
The ancient Chinese ancestors of the Sumba and Sumbawa Pony are said to have crossed Arabian horses with native ponies. While the latter two breeds are considered to be close to the Mongolian Horse, there is no conclusive evidence for the Arabic origin of the Indonesian horses. However, the Sumba and Sumbawa Pony were introduced into Indonesia by the Javanese during the 14th century.
Heavy head
The Heavy head Sumba and Sumbawa Ponies have been a part of Sumbanese culture for many centuries. They have become an integral part of Sumbanese life and are considered spiritually connected to horses. Both are quick, athletic, and hardy. Named after the island where they were originally bred, both have heavy heads and a short muscular neck with a low wither.
While many studies of the history of horses in Southeast Asia have a European bent, the first thorough study of these ponies was done by Peter Boomgaard in 2004. The study uncovered the long and successful history of horse trade in Sumbawa and the surrounding islands. Breeders of the Sumbawa and Sumba ponies compete with those of Timor and Savu. But despite their differences, these ponies can be easily identified.
Since the mid-18th century, horses have become an important part of Sumba life. During the rice-planting season, the island celebrates ‘Pasola’, a traditional festival on Sumba. At Pasola, local horseman compete in spear-fighting contests, hurling wooden spears at their opponent while riding a horse. This photo is courtesy of NIHI Sumba.
Short neck
The Sumbawa Pony and Short neck Sumba Pony are a very similar breed. Both are four-legged and highly athletic. They have a low wither and heavy head. Despite their similarity, they differ in their size and appearance. While the Sumbawa Pony is slightly larger than its Sumba cousin, it is still the preferred pony for many Indonesian riders. Both breeds are suitable for riding and are equally good for light draft work.
The Sumbawa pony is said to have been introduced to Sumba by the Javanese Majapahit Empire in the 14th century. This region has abundant Arabian animals and it is therefore rumored that many of these horses came from this area. A Dutch researcher, Professor Peter Boomgaard, conducted the first comprehensive study of these horses in 2004. He found that there was a long history of trading in the Sumbawa Island and stiff competition between Sumbawa and Sumba breeders.
The Bimanese viceroy who settled in Sumba in the 15th century had claimed to have the rights to tame the Sumbawa Pony. The Bimanese had hoped to maintain a share of the trade and wanted to tame the island’s animals so that it would not be a nuisance to other Indonesian people. In addition, Bima had no resources to tame the Sumbawa Pony, allowing the Portuguese to continue trading there.
Low withers
The Sumbanese and the Sumba and Sumbawa Pony are inextricably linked, their souls bound to these wild animals. In fact, the Sumba and Sumbawa Pony is considered the backbone of Sumbanese culture, and horses have been a part of the Sumbanese lifestyle since the mid-18th century. Named for the island of Sumbawa, the Sumbawa Pony is fast, athletic, and spirited. Low withers, a heavy head, and a short, muscular neck give the Sumbawa Pony its name.
The Sumba and Sumbawa Pony is not particularly beautiful, but its body is strong and muscular. Its long back and sloping croup make it ideal for trekking. Its low withers make it suitable for long distances, but its long neck and short withers make it unsuitable for carriage. The Sumbawa Pony has a strong, deep chest, small, hard hooves, and fine legs.
A study of BCS in the Sumba and Sumbawa Pony is needed to assess the effects of local charity organisations on the working pony’s BCS. A longitudinal study of this data would be necessary to assess its stability over seasons. The aftermath of the earthquakes in 2018 might have impacted feed availability and quality. Moreover, the ponies’ energy requirements may have increased. Thus, it is crucial to ensure that these ponies are healthy, well cared for, and comfortable to live with.
Price
The Price of Sumba and Sumbawa Ponies are among the oldest racehorses in Indonesia. The races are held once a month, and each session lasts for a week. In addition to the adults who take part in the races, there are child jockeys who follow each race around the island. Their fathers carry them to the starting gate, and one of the star jockeys is seven-year-old Sila.
The Sumba and Sumbawa Pony are equine species native to the Indonesian island of Sumbawa. These unique creatures are similar to Sandalwood Ponies, another native equine breed. They have short necks and long backs. Both types of horses are used for racing, as well as for riding and carting. However, the Sandalwood pony is slightly taller than the Sumbawas.
The Sumbawa ponies are part of the island’s culture and history. They are descended from ancient Mongolian and Chinese horses. They are around four feet tall and weigh 440 pounds. Children have traditionally ridden the ponies, and some are as young as five. These ponies often race several times a day, and their owners can earn as much as $300 a week. So what makes these ponies so special?
