THE GREAT NORTHERN GALLOP

The world's longest miniature horse race.

100km | 4 days | Far North, New Zealand

Easter Weekend - Every Year since 2021

Then an amazing image of the minis on 90 Mile Beach.

100 kilometres. Four days. One very small equine teammate.

Run or walk through beaches, farmland and forestry alongside a team of miniature horses in an adventure race unlike anything else in the world.

THE SOUTHERN STAMPEDE — COMING 2027

Born to Run is heading south!

In 2027, the Born to Run Adventure Racing team is taking on the South Island for an all-new four-day adventure race.

New terrain. New challenges. Little horses. One BIG southern adventure.

South Island, New Zealand
Four days of racing
2027

WATCH THIS SPACE — MORE DETAILS COMING SOON!

THE 24 HOUR CHALLENGE

How far can you and your little equine teammate go in 24 hours?

The Born to Run 24 Hour Challenge is all about testing your endurance, having an adventure and seeing just how many kilometres you can clock up together.

The challenge takes place over a marked loop course, with competitors completing as many laps as they choose during the 24-hour period. Walk, run, rest, eat, sleep — the strategy is completely up to you. You can stop whenever you need to and head back out when you're ready.

You don't have to keep moving for the full 24 hours and you don't have to be an ultra-runner to take part. Set yourself a goal, look after your equine teammate and see just how far those little legs can take you!

🐴 24 hours. Your pace. Your strategy. Your adventure.

THE VIRTUAL CHALLENGE

Your horse. Your distance. Your adventure — anywhere in the world!

Our Virtual Challenges are the easiest way to join the Born to Run adventure, no matter where you live. Choose your distance, then walk or run with your miniature horse, pony or donkey and complete your kilometres at your own pace throughout the challenge.

Everything is easily recorded online, so simply log your activities as you go and watch your kilometres add up. You can take part on your favourite local trails, around the farm, along the beach or wherever you and your equine teammate love to explore.

There’s 4 Races 4 times a year, with a chance to win the overall prize if you take part in all of them.

🌎 Take part anywhere | Choose your distance | Track it online | Support equine rescue

Virtual or In-person event, every entry helps Born to Run Adventure Racing rescue miniature horses in need while encouraging owners to get outside, get active and give their small equines the exercise and enrichment they deserve.

RACING FOR GOOD

EVERY KM HELPS A HORSE

Born to Run Adventure Racing is about much more than racing.

Every time you enter a Born to Run event, you're helping us do something bigger. Entry fees from our races and virtual challenges help fund the rescue, rehabilitation and ongoing care of miniature horses and small equines in need.

The money raised through our events goes straight back into the horses, helping cover the very real costs of rescue — from transport, feed, veterinary and hoof care through to rehabilitation, training and ultimately finding horses safe and suitable homes.

But we believe good equine welfare is about much more than simply rescuing horses.

LITTLE HORSES STILL NEED TO BE HORSES

One of the biggest welfare challenges facing miniature horses world wide is obesity, lack of exercise and a lifestyle that doesn't allow them to simply be horses.

Because they're small and often kept primarily as pets or companions, it's easy for miniature horses to become paddock ornaments — enormously loved, but overfed, under-exercised and underestimated.

Small doesn't mean incapable.

Miniature horses still need movement, stimulation, companionship, appropriate exercise and opportunities to use their bodies and minds. They are incredibly tough, intelligent and capable little equines, and with the right preparation they can walk, run, explore and take on far bigger adventures than many people realise.

That's a huge part of why Born to Run exists.

We want to challenge the idea that a miniature horse's best life is simply standing in a paddock looking cute. We want to encourage owners to get outside with their horses, build their fitness gradually and responsibly, explore new places and discover just how much fun you can have together.

PURPOSE. MOVEMENT. ADVENTURE.

Our events are designed to promote good equine welfare through exercise, enrichment and adventure.

Whether you're walking a few kilometres in one of our Virtual Challenges or preparing for a multi-day adventure race, the emphasis is always on developing a happy, healthy and well-prepared equine partner.

For some of our own rescue horses, that journey becomes even more special.

Horses that come into our care without a clear future can go on to become part of the Born to Run team. With time, training and careful conditioning, they can discover a completely different life filled with people, movement, challenges and adventure.

They aren't simply rescued and put in a paddock. Where it's right for the individual horse, we want to give them enrichment, a job and a sense of purpose.

Some become adventure partners. Some help introduce people to miniature horses. Some take part in our events. Others find the perfect new home and a completely different purpose.

Every horse is an individual, and their welfare will always come before kilometres, competition or results.

WHEN YOU CROSS A FINISH LINE, YOU'RE HELPING ANOTHER HORSE REACH A STARTING LINE.

Your entry doesn't just buy you a place in an event. It helps us continue rescuing and rehabilitating horses while supporting a movement that celebrates what these incredible little equines can do.

So come and walk with us. Run with us. Take on a challenge. Get your little horse moving. Have an adventure together.

And help us change the way the world sees miniature horses.

Let's stop treating little horses like ornaments and start treating them like horses.

Let them move. Let them explore. Let them have a purpose. Let them be horses.

BIG STEPS ON LITTLE LEGS — FOR EQUINE WELFARE.