Monthly Classic
Every month · 8 riders max
The full premium itinerary across savanna, beach and village — not a trimmed group version. Guaranteed to run once four riders confirm.
One Departure a Month
Small-Group Riding Departures
The same savanna, beach and village itinerary as our private trips — capped at eight riders, at a meaningfully lower per-person rate.
Check Seat Availability
Why Every Group Is Capped at Eight
Eight is not a marketing number. It is the ceiling at which a Sumba trail ride still feels personal — beyond it the group stretches out, the guides split their attention, and the villages you pass start to feel visited rather than met.
Our horses are Sandalwood ponies, the island's own breed: compact at 12–13 hands, hardy, quick, and famously easy to work with.
A typical departure is three or four solo travellers, a couple, and a pair of friends — usually a mix of nationalities, with ages running from late twenties to mid sixties.
Departures
Scheduled Departures
One classic departure each month, plus two windows that are worth planning a trip around.
Monthly Classic
Every month · 8 riders max
The full premium itinerary across savanna, beach and village — not a trimmed group version. Guaranteed to run once four riders confirm.
Pasola Departures
February and March
Built around Sumba's ritual mounted spear festival, where teams on Sandalwood ponies charge and exchange blunt spears. Dates are set by local priests, not by us.
Full-Moon Overlap
Selected months
Several departures are timed so the itinerary overlaps the full-moon window, making the optional night beach ride available to the group.
Booking Windows and Group Fit
For Pasola season and the July–August peak, three to six months ahead is realistic — those departures fill first. Shoulder-season months can often be booked six to eight weeks out, but with only eight seats a date, earlier is always safer.
If a date sits below four riders close to departure we offer a free move to the next scheduled month, or an upgrade to a private itinerary at a preferential rate. You are never simply cancelled on.
To protect the ponies we ask that riders weigh no more than about 90 kg; heavier riders should contact us, as suitable mounts are sometimes available. The minimum age on multi-day departures is twelve, riding under guide supervision.
What Every Departure Includes
Every scheduled departure covers the full premium itinerary. Group pricing buys you a shared guide and vehicle, not a reduced trip.
Most multi-day tours quietly penalise solo travellers with a single supplement of thirty percent or more. Ours charge none — solo riders pay the standard per-person rate on a twin-share basis, and a private room is an optional paid upgrade quoted transparently.
- Airport pickup and all overland transfers
- A matched Sandalwood pony for the full itinerary
- Two licensed lead guides
- No single supplement for solo travellers
- Two-pace group system keeps beginners comfortable
- Guaranteed to run once four riders confirm
Frequently Asked Questions
How far ahead should I book?
Three to six months for Pasola season and the July–August peak — those fill first. Shoulder months can often be booked six to eight weeks out, but with eight seats per date, earlier is safer.
Can beginners join a group departure?
Yes, provided you are comfortable walking and trotting under control. The two-pace group system keeps beginners in a relaxed group. Complete first-timers should take a lesson before the trip.
What happens if a departure does not fill?
Departures are guaranteed once four riders confirm. Below that close to the date, we offer a free move to the next month or an upgrade to a private itinerary at a preferential rate.
Is there really no single supplement?
Correct. Solo travellers pay the standard per-person rate on a twin-share basis. A private room is an optional paid upgrade, subject to availability and quoted before booking.
Reserve Your Saddle
Eight seats a month, and the Pasola windows always go first. Send your preferred month for live availability and a written quote.