About Sumba Horse
Born from a deep passion for Sumba’s equestrian heritage and a vision to share it with the world — responsibly, authentically, and beautifully.
Our Story
Sumba Horse was founded by the Juara Holding Group with a singular mission: to create the most exceptional equestrian tourism experience in Indonesia while preserving the ancient horse culture that makes Sumba Island truly unique. What began as a small operation with five horses and a passionate local team has grown into Sumba’s premier riding company, serving hundreds of international guests annually from over 30 countries.
Our founders recognized that Sumba’s extraordinary equestrian heritage — one of the few remaining horse cultures on earth — was at risk of fading as modernization reached the island. By creating a sustainable tourism enterprise built around traditional horsemanship, we provide economic incentive for communities to maintain their equestrian traditions while generating meaningful employment for local horsemen, guides, and support staff.
Our Philosophy
Every decision at Sumba Horse is guided by three principles: horse welfare first, cultural respect always, and guest experience excellence. We believe that these principles are not in competition — when horses are healthy and happy, when communities feel honored and empowered, the guest experience naturally reaches its highest potential. This philosophy differentiates us from conventional tourist riding operations and is the reason our guests consistently describe their Sumba Horse experience as transformative rather than simply recreational.
We work exclusively with Sandalwood horses, the indigenous breed that has been central to Sumbanese culture for centuries. These horses are smaller than typical Western riding breeds but exceptionally sure-footed, resilient, and gentle in temperament. Each horse in our stable is individually named, has a dedicated caretaker from the local community, and follows a carefully managed work-rest rotation that prioritizes their physical and mental wellbeing above all commercial considerations.
Our Team
Our team of 25 full-time staff includes experienced riding guides who grew up on horseback in Sumbanese villages, multilingual trip coordinators, professional photographers, a certified equine veterinarian, and hospitality professionals trained at leading Indonesian hotels. Every guide holds wilderness first aid certification and undergoes annual training in safety protocols, guest communication, and sustainable tourism practices.
What makes our team special is their personal connection to the land and culture they share with visitors. Many of our guides are descendants of Sumba’s traditional horsemen, carrying knowledge passed down through generations about the island’s trails, sacred sites, medicinal plants, and seasonal rhythms. When you ride with Sumba Horse, you are not following a scripted tour — you are being welcomed into a living tradition by the people who embody it.
Part of Juara Holding Group
Sumba Horse operates as part of the Juara Holding Group, a collection of premium tourism and hospitality ventures across Eastern Indonesia. This affiliation provides us with the operational infrastructure, safety standards, and quality assurance frameworks of a larger organization while maintaining the intimate, personalized character that defines the Sumba Horse experience. Our sister operations share best practices in sustainability, animal welfare, and guest satisfaction, raising the standard across all properties.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
We are deeply committed to operating in a way that protects Sumba’s natural environment and supports its communities for generations to come. Ten percent of every booking goes directly to our Community Fund, which supports local education, horse welfare programs, and cultural preservation initiatives. We use biodegradable products on all rides, practice leave-no-trace principles on every trail, and source food and materials locally wherever possible. Our goal is to demonstrate that tourism and conservation can be powerful allies rather than opposing forces.
How long has Sumba Horse been operating?
Sumba Horse has been offering guided equestrian experiences since 2022, building on decades of local horsemanship knowledge and the Juara Holding Group’s extensive experience in premium Indonesian tourism. We have hosted guests from over 30 countries and maintain a 4.9-star average rating across all review platforms.
Are your guides certified?
All guides hold wilderness first aid certification, annual safety training completion, and a minimum of 5 years riding experience on Sumba’s terrain. Several guides hold international equestrian certifications from programs in Australia and the United Kingdom.
Join Our Story
Every rider who visits Sumba becomes part of our mission to preserve this extraordinary horse culture. Your adventure supports local communities and protects a living tradition.
Our Vision for Sumba’s Future
Sumba Horse was founded on a conviction that tourism can be a force for positive change when executed with integrity, respect, and genuine care for both the land and its people. Our vision extends beyond providing exceptional equestrian experiences — we are working to establish Sumba as a globally recognised destination for responsible adventure tourism, where economic growth benefits local communities directly and environmental conservation is embedded in every business decision.
Part of Juara Holding Group
Sumba Horse operates under the Juara Holding Group, a portfolio of premium tourism and hospitality ventures across Indonesia’s eastern islands. This backing provides the operational infrastructure, safety standards, and financial stability that independent operators cannot match, while preserving the personal, boutique character that makes Sumba Horse special. Our guests benefit from established supply chains, professional insurance coverage, trained staff, and the assurance that their booking is with a registered, accountable business entity.
How long has Sumba Horse been operating?
Sumba Horse was established to bring international-standard equestrian tourism to an island that has been home to horseback riding culture for centuries. Our team combines decades of equestrian and tourism experience with deep local knowledge of Sumba Island.