Help the working and rescue ponies on Gili T

Low Season Challenges

The past few months have been particularly difficult on the island. Visitor numbers have been lower than usual, compounded by periods of wet weather. While income fluctuates with the seasons, our operational costs remain constant, making the low season especially challenging.

Our bank balance is currently at an all-time low, and with no significant increase in tourism expected in the near future, staying financially afloat is becoming increasingly difficult. Donations are not only deeply appreciated but are now more vital than ever to help us continue our work.

Working Pony Clinic

We recently hosted another successful working pony clinic, welcoming international veterinarians from Australia alongside Dr Diah, President of the NTB Veterinary Association, and her team of university students. These clinics are a key part of our mission to create long-term change through education, improved standards of care, and enhanced animal welfare across the region.

Fun Time Photos

We enjoyed a series of fun photo shoots with our ponies, which even resulted in a front-cover feature in My Lombok magazine. We hope this exposure will help raise awareness of our facility and encourage more visitors to support our work.

Kids Are the Future

We continue to run a weekly program for children on the island, teaching them to love, respect, and care for animals. One recent session combined creativity and fun, with the children painting alongside the ponies—although the ponies ended up being painted too! (All paints used were water-based and completely safe.)

Retirement Care

We remain committed to providing a safe and happy home for retired rubbish ponies. However, with so many horses to care for and limited income, we are increasingly challenged by the cost of feed, veterinary care, and daily upkeep.

Your continued support means everything to us. We are truly grateful for every donation, visit, and message of encouragement—it is what allows us to keep going.

High Season is Over – But the Work Never Stops

We’ve just wrapped up a very busy few months during the islands’ high season. Demand for horse riding was strong, but as always, we stayed committed to our promise: every horse at Stud works only limited hours to ensure they are never overworked and always receive the best possible care.

Of course, this means our income is naturally capped. Even so, we are pleased to share that we’ve saved enough to purchase our next order of pellets—an essential part of our horses’ diet, fed three times daily alongside dedak (rice bran, the only bulk feed available here).

Feed remains our single biggest expense. By the time one bag of pellets reaches the stables, the cost is around AUD $25 / USD $17. With 25 horses to care for, we go through 2–3 bags every day, plus 14 sacks of freshly cut grass and additional mineral supplements. This new stock will last around four months, carrying us into the quieter season—a time when covering even basic costs becomes more challenging.

Farrier Project

With the busy months behind us, we plan to host another Farrier Training Week. These sessions equip locals with the skills and tools needed to trim horses’ hooves properly. Several of our previously trained farriers are already offering their services to working horses on the island—a wonderful step forward.

Since tools blunt quickly, part of our ongoing effort is to provide replacements as incentives to those eager to continue learning. Donations make this possible and directly support better care for the island’s horses.

Retirement Village

Our two newest retirees, Mamba and Rainbow, have settled in beautifully. Both have become confident members of the herd, often seen playing (sometimes a bit roughly!) with their new friends. They love wandering down to the beach for a roll in the sand.

Mamba remains his gentle, relaxed self, while Rainbow—still naturally a little nervous—is slowly finding his confidence day by day.

Working Pony Clinic

We are preparing tentative dates to host another Working Pony Clinic in collaboration with international volunteers and local university students. Together with the local Working Horse Koperasi, we’ll provide health checks for working ponies while also giving hands-on training opportunities for the students—a win for everyone involved.

Thank You for Your Support

Your donations go directly to the care and upkeep of our 25 horses at Stud, and to supporting other ponies on the island through owner education and veterinary outreach.

While we continue to generate income through horse riding experiences, your contributions help lighten the load—ensuring that every horse here receives the best possible diet, care, and respect.