Miniature horses race in New Zealand’s big wilderness – in pictures

A pair of runners in the the Great Northern Gallop in Houhora in New Zealand’s Far North.

Dozens of miniature horses and their human running mates have taken part in the Great Northern Gallop, an adventure race through dense forests and across rugged beaches in New Zealand’s Far North. Participants run or walk 100km over four days for the event, which raises money for the welfare of miniature horses

Photographs by Fiona Goodall

Wed 23 Apr 2025 04.05 BST

Set against the backdrop of Northland’s wild beaches and dense forests, the one-of-a-kind race courses through terrain rarely open to the public.

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Phillip Lysaght and miniature horse Mr Chestnut run through the forest. Every team, whether seasoned athletes or families, receives training and support.

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Ben Wilkes leading Gucci (left) and Diane Livingston leading Vivienne (right) run along the iconic 90 Mile Beach on the final day of race.

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Each day covers 25km with runners and their equine partners navigating stretches of beach and remote wilderness, all while wild horses may be glimpsed roaming free.

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The event takes people out of their comfort zones and shows how robust and capable miniature horses can be.

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The annual event is organised by Chloe Phillips to raise funds for the welfare of miniature horses in her care. She rescues and rehabilitates at least 15 ponies a year and takes them from crippling lameness, starvation and neglect to running 100km.

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Phillip Lysaght and miniature horse Mr Chestnut embrace to celebrate finishing day two.

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Participants camp overnight near the coast and miniature horses are fed in their pen and prepared ahead of the next day.

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Veronica Erofeeva and horse Sooty head out during the final day of the Great Northern Gallop.

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Phillip Lysaght leads Mr Chestnut along 90 Mile Beach.

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Tegan Bady leads Opie over the sand dunes to the finish line on the final day.

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Kathrin Maurer and horse Lawrence run through the forest.