Help the working and rescue ponies on Gili T

A Busy Few Months at Stud

It has been a busy few months at Stud Horse Riding & Rescue. We are currently in the middle of high season, which means there is plenty happening around the stables. As always, our priority is balancing the demand for rides with the welfare of our horses, carefully managing their workloads and making sure every horse gets the rest and care they need.

Dry Season on Gili Trawangan

We are now well into the dry season, and there has been very little rain. The island is incredibly dry and dusty, which brings its own challenges for the horses.

The constant dust can cause occasional coughing and irritation, so we keep a close eye on their respiratory health and do what we can to minimise their exposure.

The lack of rain also means that the grass is not great quality and has very little nutritional value at this time of year. We compensate for this with additional feed and supplements and oil to make sure the horses continue to receive the nutrition they need.

Despite the challenging conditions, the horses are doing really well and are thriving. Overall, they are maintaining good body condition, have plenty of energy and continue to enjoy their daily routines.

Happy Horses – and the Occasional Scrape!

One of the nicest things to see is how active and playful the horses are when they are together. Of course, horses being horses, enthusiastic play sometimes results in the occasional scrape, bite or minor injury!

Thankfully, these are generally superficial and quickly treated by the team. Every horse is checked daily so that even small injuries can be spotted and dealt with promptly.

Welfare Always Comes First

High season is an important time for Stud because the income generated through riding helps us support not only our working horses, but also the many retired and rescued horses who call Stud their permanent home.

However, we never allow demand to dictate the workload of our horses. Their wellbeing comes first. Workloads are monitored carefully, horses are rotated, and additional rest is given whenever an individual horse needs it.

For all of the horses at Stud, this is their forever home. Some can contribute towards their own care through gentle riding work, while others are retired or unable to work at all. Regardless of whether a horse earns an income, they receive the same commitment from us: a safe home, proper nutrition, veterinary and hoof care, companionship, and the opportunity to simply be a horse.

Thank You for Supporting Them

Running a sanctuary alongside a riding centre is a constant balancing act, particularly during the dry season when feed and forage become even more important.

The support we receive through fundraising makes an enormous difference. It helps us provide additional feed, veterinary treatment, medications, hoof care and the everyday necessities required to care for our horses – including those who can no longer contribute financially towards their own upkeep.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who continues to support Stud and the horses in our care. Every donation, no matter how small, helps us continue to give these horses the happy, healthy and secure lives they deserve.

From all of us at Stud – and, most importantly, from the horses – thank you.