Ponies have played a tremendous role in the cultural history of Laos. Dating back to the Tea Caravan Trail, when they helped transport goods along routes from Laos to China and Tibet. Over time, the rising demand from neighboring countries for pony meat meant it became more profitable to sell ponies for consumption than to continue to care for them.

After witnessing the shipment of dozens of ponies to Vietnam, their fondness for horses led the owners of The Elephant Crossing and Silver Naga Hotel to take action. They rescued ponies that would otherwise be sent to slaughter and gave them a home off the riverbanks in Vang Vieng. They saw this not only as an act of kindness but also a way to preserve the rich culture Laotian that ponies have been a part of.

Although equine culture remains somewhat obscure, Ponies of Vang Vieng believes in encouraging a new perspective on these creatures and celebrating their contributions to Lao history by giving rescued ponies a loving home. The health and welfare of the ponies is of our utmost concern and we take pride in reflecting that in their treatment and care.

Meet our ponies...

Chocolate

Hi! My name is Chocolate. I am actually a horse not a pony. I am the only horse on this farm. I feel very tall among the ponies. I like it a lot that people here look after me, and are super kind.

Scarlett

Bonjour! My name is Scarlett. I was adopted by a French family when I was very young and later found a new family here. I am 5 years old and I enjoy hanging out with my human buddies. I would say my favorite food is… anything I can digest!

Coffee

Hi there, my name is Coffee. I came to Vang Vieng from Luang Prabang with my pony-mate Flashy. I am brown like Lao coffee and the only pony with a dorsal stripe down my back! I love splashing in the river on hot days and my favorite food is mango.

Apache

Hi, my name is Apache and I am 100% Lao pony! I was rescued from export to Vietnam with my other pony-mates 7 years ago. I am small, but mighty, and have brown and white paint markings. I love playing tag with my other pony friends in the field and my favorite fruit is papaya.

Ali

Hello, my name is Ali! I am the smallest pony in my herd and was born right here at the Ponies of Vang Vieng farm. I have one blue eye, one brown eye and a whole lot of personality! I love finding big mud puddles to roll around in, especially right after baths! My favorite fruit is definitely banana.

Libby

Hello there, I’m Libby. I was rescued from export with 2 other pony-mates in 2010 and have been living happily at the farm ever since. I consider myself to be a pony ambassador and love showing off my stylish moves and shiny coat. My favorite fruit is organic, hand-peeled lychee.

Starlight

Hi I’m Starlight. I was born at the Ponies of Vang Vieng farm and am one of the youngest ponies. I enjoy sunning myself, taking mud baths and being a foodie. I’m 6 years old and my favorite foods are rice bran, dragon fruit, mangos, mangosteen, bananas, papayas, apples, carrots, lettuce, grass, cantaloupe, watermelon, celery, grapes, pears, kiwis, starfruit, rock melon…and whatever other fruits I don’t know yet, but not durian.

Onyx

Hi! I’m Onyx. I was rescued from export with my 2 other pony-mates and brought to Ponies of Vang Vieng Farm. My best friend is Coffee and I love roaming the rice fields and finding buckets of fruit to eat. I’m black and white and love to eat bamboo leaves.