Sumba's horses: sandalwood ponies, Pasola and where to see them

On Sumba, horses are everywhere: grazing on the savanna, trotting along the beach, tied in villages, carrying riders at full gallop during the Pasola. They are part of the island's identity and economy, and you will see them on almost every drive.

The sandalwood pony

Sumba's horses are small and strong. They are known as sandalwood ponies, a name from the colonial-era trade, when horses and sandalwood were among the island's most valuable exports. They are tough enough for long distances in heat and on rough ground.

Horses in Sumbanese culture

Horses carry status and meaning. They feature in marriage negotiations, where livestock is part of the exchange between families, and in funerals and ceremonies tied to the Marapu belief in ancestors; see Marapu. You will see them carved on stone tombs and woven into ikat textiles; see Sumba ikat.

The Pasola

The most famous horse tradition is the Pasola, a ritual contest held each year in February and March in West and Southwest Sumba, where riders throw blunt wooden spears at each other. It is linked to the planting season and the ancestors. See the Pasola guide and the Pasola field of Wanokaka.

Where to see horses

• Wairinding Hill and the savanna of East Sumba.
• Puru Kambera, where horses often graze near the beach.
• The Mamboro savanna in Central Sumba.
• Beaches of the south coast at the end of the day.

Respect the animals

• Horses belong to families; do not approach, feed or ride without asking.
• Keep a distance from riders at events.
• If you ride, check that the animal looks healthy and is not overworked.

📍 Places in this guide at a glance