Opi, our first little pony…where it all began
Little Opi is part of the inspiration for Born to Run Adventure Racing. He arrived after being tied to a tree for several years, as a badly behaved, overweight angry tyrant and is now one of our star racers. He trotted along very happy with his small runners at our first Faiawa Farms event in 2021 and now has completed three 100km Great Northern Gallops in 2021,2023,2024, even becoming the first to cross the finish line in 2024!
What qualifies as a miniature ponies?
There are many different breeds and regulations on what exactly qualifies as a miniature horse. It depends on what country and discipline you are doing. We are not that bothered on the nitty gritty details. We just want as many horses as possible out there having fun.
To keep it simple, at Born to Run, we think that any horse of any breed under 10hh (102cm) can enter our races. They must be over 3 years old and under 20 years. Most importantly they must be sound and in good health. Unfortunately no stallions, pregnant mares or colts can enter the race.
Preparation
Our horses have been in training for at least three months leading up to the event. They are ready to run the 25km a day without breaking a sweat. We also make sure all of our horses are good to handle, pick up their feet and trot up for the vet check. These horses are athletes in their own right but it is important like human athletes that they have time to build up their fitness and stamina.
If you’re bringing your own horse please be aware it might not be up to running the 25km just yet. You don’t have to run the entire way, walking is fine. Before the Great Northern Gallop it’s important to do a few multi hour hikes, 2-3 hours to see what your horses fitness is like and get it used to moving for long periods of time. Start your training together today!
Vet Checks
Whether you’re bringing your own horse or using ours, horse welfare is our first priority.
All horses must pass a vet check prior to racing. This includes a trot up for soundness, heart rate monitoring and overall inspection by a trained veterinarian.
At the beginning of each race day every horse will be checked by our vet before being allowed to join the start line. They must also pass a further vet check at the halfway point and at the end of each race day.
Any horse showing signs of discomfort, exhaustion, excessive stress or lameness will not be allowed to continue.
Any runner who has more than two warnings about horse welfare from the veterinarians will be removed from the race.
There will be a vet on standby at all times to check and treat any horse that may need assistance.