One of the first things people notice when arriving on the Gili Islands are the horses.
Cars?
Motorbikes?
Traffic lights?
None of thea above. Instead, horses still help transport luggage, supplies, food, construction materials, and visitors around the islands every single day.
For many travelers from Europe, Australia, or North America, seeing working horses in daily life can feel unfamiliar at first.
Especially in a world where social media often reduces very complicated realities into simple slogans.
But the reality of working animals globally is far more nuanced than many people realize.
Most of the World Still Relies on Working Animals
Across huge parts of Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, working animals remain essential for daily life.
Horses, donkeys, mules, oxen, and camels are still used for:
- Transport
- Farming
- Water collection
- Tourism
- Carrying goods
- Supporting livelihoods
Globally, there are an estimated 116+ million working equids supporting the lives of around 600 million people worldwide.
The world where working animals became unnecessary generations ago is actually the minority of the planet.
Many of the loudest calls to immediately ban all animal labor come from countries with paved roads, cars, air conditioning, online delivery services, and infrastructure that much of the world still simply does not have access to.
That does not make concern for animal welfare wrong.
But it does mean conversations about working animals need context, realism, and compassion rather than outrage.
Working Does Not Automatically Mean Abuse
This is the most important part.
Work itself is not cruelty.
Neglect is.
There is a huge difference between:
- Responsible animal management
and - Poor welfare and abuse
Good welfare absolutely matters:
- Weight limits
- Veterinary care
- Rest periods
- Hydration
- Proper feeding
- Hoof care
- Humane equipment
- Monitoring and accountability
These things are exactly where meaningful progress happens.
Not through attacking local communities online.
Not through demanding impossible overnight bans without offering realistic alternatives.
Real change comes through education, veterinary support, infrastructure improvements, and cooperation with local horse owners.
The Horses on the Gili Islands
On the Gili Islands, horses remain deeply connected to island life because there are no motorized vehicles.
Without horses, daily logistics on the islands would become extremely difficult.
Supplies still need moving.
Hotels still need deliveries.
Families still need income.
Visitors still need transport.
Most importantly, horse welfare around the Gilis has improved enormously over the years through organizations such as:
- Horses of Gili
- Janur Indah Koperasi
These initiatives work directly with horse owners to improve:
- Veterinary care
- Working conditions
- Rest schedules
- Hydration access
- Welfare standards
- Education and training
Today, the horses on the Gilis receive:
- Regular veterinary care
- Free fresh water refills
- Regulated working hours and rest
- Ongoing welfare monitoring
This collaborative approach creates much more meaningful progress than simply condemning an entire culture or livelihood system from the outside.
Why Taking a Horse Cart Actually Matters
For many local families, horse carts are still an important source of income.
Choosing to take a horse cart helps directly support local livelihoods while also supporting a transportation system that remains part of the islands’ unique identity and culture.
The experience itself becomes part of the charm of the Gilis.
Slow sandy roads.
No engine noise.
Ocean air.
Horses moving calmly through island life.
It feels very different from modern urban tourism.
Of course, travelers should also stay conscious and responsible:
- Avoid overloaded carts
- Support drivers treating horses respectfully
- Observe animal condition
- Ask questions respectfully
- Support welfare-focused initiatives
Responsible tourism and animal welfare can absolutely exist together.
Compassion Creates Better Solutions
The conversation around working animals is often emotionally charged online.
But reality is usually more complicated than social media headlines.
The important question is not:
“Should animals ever work?”
The important question is:
“How are they treated?”
Because throughout most of human history — and still across much of the world today — humans and working animals remain deeply connected.
Meaningful progress rarely comes from judgment alone.
It comes from compassion, education, better welfare standards, and practical solutions that improve life for both animals and the communities who depend on them.