Indonesian Ponies

A variety of native pony breeds are to be found in the islands of Indonesia.All of them are small, and many are of primitive type, though there are afew who have been improved with Arab blood. They share the distinctionof being able to work in the tropical heat. They are important to the economyof the country, and are widely used in agriculture as well as being one ofthe principal means of transport.

TIMOR : These, the smallest of the Indonesian ponies, come from the islandof Timor, the most southerly of the Indonesian islands and the nearest to theAustralian mainland. They have been exported to Australia and NewZealand, where they are much admired for their abundant common sense(several horse authorities have been impressed enough to call it wisdom),for their willingness and for their endurance.

They stand about 11 hh, are usually dark in color (though one famousexpert, R. S. Summerhays, refers to "chocolate body, cream spots andcream mane and tail suggesting the Appaloosa type"), are finely-built, andin good specimens display a decent depth of girth and a strong back andhindquarters. They are sure-footed and exceptionally agile, and despite theirsmallness are strong enough to work on cattle round-ups, carrying full-grown men. Apart from stock work, they are widely used in harness and arepopular as children's riding ponies.

JAVA: A slightly-built little animal, ugly enough to make a horsemanwince, it works all day in the tropic sun pulling sados, the two-wheeledtraps commonly in use as a taxi service. Often it pulls a full load, alwayswillingly, and it is remarkable for its strength and apparent tirelessness. Itstands around 12.2hh, comes in most colors, and originates from Java.

BALI: A primitive breed, commonly showing the dun, dark points anddorsal stripe and occasionally the upright mane of the primeval pony. Itstands 12-13.1 hh, and is a strong, economical worker often used as apack pony.

GAYOE: The Gayoe pony, from the north end of Sumatra, is heavier-builtthan the Batak and lacks its fire and speed.

BATAK (OR DELI): These Sumatran ponies have been bred selectivelyin proper studs, and as a result have a touch of elegance above the otherisland breeds. They are still common in type; but imported Arab stallionscrossed with chosen local mares, some of them imported from other islands,have helped enormously to improve the Batak pony. It is now a relatively-handsome, spirited breed, sweet to handle and cheap to keep. There are nospecial colors for it - it seems to breed in most shades - and it stands12-13 hh.

The Indonesian government, appreciating the importance of good poniesto the national economy, have encouraged selective breeding on Sumatraand are now exporting Bataks to other Indonesian islands to improve thenative types.

SME : A primitive breed from the island of Sumba, very closely relatedto the Sumbawa. It is usually dun, with the dark points and dorsal stripecommon in ancient breeds. It stands about 12.2hh and is tough, willing andintelligent.
Sumba ponies are used in dancing competitions. Ridden bareback andreinless by young boys, controlled by the father's lunge rain on a halter,they dance to tom-tom rhythms. Bells are attached to their knees. In theintensity of the dance their eyes are said to get bigger and to glow. Dancingponies are judged on elegance and lightness; barebacked ponies withheavy heads and stringy tails responding with laid-back ears to the soundof a drum. They are generally ridden in bitless bridles.

SUMBAWA: The agile pony of Sumbawa much resembles the Sumba.

SAND LVVOOD: This pony, also from the islands of Sumba and Sumbawa,is of a finer type than most of the national breeds. It is named for Sumba'sjoint-biggest export (the other one is ponies), and is used in barebackracing. It is a fast, fine-coated pony which rarely sweats. It has a small,fine head, good eye, good, deep chest, hard legs, and is noted for itsburnished coat. It stands 12.1-13.1 hh, and its coloring is various.