Sandalwood Ponies originated in Indonesia, on the Sumba and
Sumbawa Islands. They are named after the Sandalwood trees, which are a major
export of the country. Sandalwood ponies are one of the finest in the country,
partly due to the great amount of Arabian blood. They are very nice children's
ponies. Sandalwood Ponies have been exported to Australia and other Southeast
Asian countries for use as racing ponies. They have been crossed with
Thoroughbred blood and are used in racing on Cambodian and Thai racing tracks.
Sandalwoods have incredible endurance. They are very easy to
manage. Generally they have a nice head, small ears, a short, muscular neck,
and a deep chest with a sloping shoulder. Their back is usually long, and their
croup is sloping. They are usually 12-13 hh, and may be any color.
They are used for light draft, pack, farm, and riding work.
They are especially popular in horse racing, both on the flat and in harness.
They are also used in the bareback races held on the islands, which are often
over three miles long.
About Sandalwood Horses
