Java Pony

The Java, or Kumingan pony, originated on the Indonesian island of java, probably during the 17th century. The Dutch East India Company was instrumental in the development of many of the Indonesian breeds through their introduction of oriental horses. Their first factory was established on Java during the late 1500s and from that time on, they imported horses to work in harness and for pact. Local stock was crossed with Arabian and Barb imports and this largely gave rise to the Java Pony.

The Java pony of today does not bear startling similarities to the Arabian in conformation, but it has seemingly absorbed the Arab horse's desert nature and is highly resistant to heat. It has also inherited the Arab's endurance and stamina and, in spite of its small and weak looking frame, works relentlessly all day in the heat. One of the Java's prime jobs is pulling the sados, which is a type of horse-drawn Indonesian taxi. The sados are often piled high with both people and goods, but the Java pull; them with little effort or sign of distress.

They are useful pack and riding ponies, and are used in both these ways on the island. Unlike other Indonesian breeds, the Java is commonly ridden with a covered wooden saddle that has extraordinary toe stirrups. They involve a piece of rope with a loop in the end through which the rider puts his toe. The Java has a very good temperament, being quiet and extremely willing. They are tough, wiry and light-framed,, which may be due to deficient and poor diets.

In appearance, the Java is unremarkable, with a not unattractive head with quite long ears, and lively expressive eyes. Usually, the neck is quite short and very muscular and leads into pronounced withers. The shoulders are reasonably sloping allowing for a good free stride and the chest is deep, but not very wide. They ten to be long in the back and have a slightly sloping croup. The tail is set and carried high, reminiscent perhaps of the Arab. Their legs are poorly conformed, but surprisingly strong. They are long cannon bones. The feet are hard and tough. Their coats can be any color and they stand at between 11.2 hh and 12.2 hh.

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