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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Lifestyle
Ahmad Pathoni. Photography: Jessica Hromas

Sumba’s sandalwood ponies

Carlos from the Sanubari stables rides half Sumba, half Arab racing horse Calypso along the beach, Sumba, Indonesia
Carlos from the Sanubari stables rides half Sumba, half Arab racing horse Calypso along the beach, Sumba, Indonesia. Photograph: Jessica Hromas/The Guardian

On the parched plains of Sumba, a remote island in Indonesia’s eastern archipelago, a breed of hardy ponies plays a vital role in the lives of the local people.

Known as sandalwood ponies, these small, resilient horses are more than just working animals – they are cultural symbols, markers of status, and increasingly, a draw for tourists eager to experience the island’s untouched landscapes and traditions.

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