Sandalwood Pony
The Sandalwood Pony is a breed of equines that originated in Indonesia. Known for their strong features and high level of energy, these ponies are still used for long distance races. These animals also make a perfect choice for children’s riding. However, apart from riding purposes, they are also used as draft, farm and pack horses.
Sandalwood Pony Pictures
Quick Information
Behavioral Characteristics | Friendly, willing to work |
Physical Traits | Strong, robust built with a light and attractive head that exhibits Arabian characteristics, the neck is well-proportioned, while the back is long and straight; the chest is well-developed and deep and the shoulder is sloped; the legs are thin but strong and the hooves are powerful and shapely |
Coat Colors | All the 14 common colors viz. white, black, brown, grey, bay, chestnut, dun, buckskin, palomino, perlino, cremello, roan, champagne, and grullo |
Height/Size | 12 to 13 hands (adult studs/stallions and mares) |
Weight | Light |
Common Uses | General Riding, Polo, Work, Jumping, Racing, Endurance |
Health Problems | Generally healthy with no known diseases |
Type | Sport horse, Show horse |
Ancestors (Bloodlines) | Arabian, Thoroughbred |
Popular Traits | Multi-talented, easy trainability, excellent in running, durable |
Feeding/Diet | General horse diet including hay, grass, grains, etc. |
Country of Origin | Indonesia |
Video: Sandelwood Ponies Parade
History and Development
Nothing much is known about the history of the Sandalwood Pony, but it is a very primitive breed that originated in Indonesia’s Sumba and Sumbawa islands.
In 1995, in his book ‘International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds’ (University of Oklahoma Press), Bonnie Hendricks theorized that many Arabians and Barbs contributed to the origination of these ponies.
It is one of the eight native Indonesian pony breeds, and is one of the finest of them all. This is basically because of the mixture of Arabian blood. This breed has extensively been exported to Australia and many other Southeast Asian nations for racing purposes.
Today, in the Cambodian and Thai racing tracks, the Sandalwoods that are used, are crossed with Thoroughbred horses.
Interesting Facts
- The pony was named ‘Sandlawood’ after the Sumba and Sumbawa islands’ main source of money, sandalwood.
- The Sandalwoods can participate in bareback races of up to 2 to 3 miles.