[2] Sumbawa ponies are quick, agile, athletic, and fast, with great endurance and a willing temperament.

The Sumba and Sumbawa ponies have a heavy head, short, muscular neck, and low withers.

[10] Although Arabic origin is often cited in ancient documents (including the Dutch ones), there is no evidence of this in Indonesian horses and Sumbawa ponies.

They are strong, and many are ridden by men in games of lance throwing despite never reaching 13 hands (52 inches, 132 cm).

Young boys also ride the ponies bareback in traditional dance competitions, manuveuring them in patterns as instructed.