Horse show down graded

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Organizers of a local horse competition on Sumba Island have had to downgrade a traditional horse show because the government ruled against bringing in horses from other areas.

The ban was slapped down by the Directorate General of Animal Husbandry because of fears that the imported horses could bring diseases to island, the Antara news agency reported.

The city of Waikabubak in Western Sumba is organizing this year's East Nusa Tenggara Governor's Cup horse race in October. Horses taking part in the race will still be allowed to come to the island.

The traditional horse show competition will still proceed but only with horses from the island, the organizers said. (emb)