Fotos

Some photos that I took during my last trip in Sumba island from 05 till 08 march 2010.

The island of Sumba is famous for its horses.
The Sumba pony is named after the island on which they are bred -- Sumba Island respectively. The ponies descended from Mongolian Horses and ancient Chinese stock. A closely-related breed also developed in this island is the Sandalwood Pony, which came from crossing the native ponies on horses of Arabian breeding.

Today, they are used for pack, riding, and light draft work. They are incredibly strong, and many are ridden by men in games of lance throwing despite never reaching 13 hands high. Young boys also ride the ponies bareback in traditional dance competitions, manuveuring them in patterns as instructed. The knee of the ponies are decorated with bells, that chime in rhythm to the drumming.

The ponies are quick, agile, athletic, and fast, with great endurance, and a willing temperament. They usually have primitive coloring, being dun with a dorsal stripe and black points, although they may be any color. The Sumba pony has a heavy head, short, muscular neck, and low withers. The back is usually long, although it is still strong, and the legs are fine but tough with good hooves. Most ponies do not exceed 12.2 hh, and the average height is around 12 hh.

Cheers,
Yoga