A Kiwi woman is about to tackle what is arguably the toughest horse race in the world.
The Mongol Derby, which spans 1000 kilometres across Mongolian grassland, is also the world's longest horse race.
The derby, held in August, is a horseback endurance event and to compete, let alone win, is extremely prestigious.
Twenty-five year-old Charlotte Howard from Glentui, in Waimakariri District, will be competing in this year's race.
She told RadioLIVE's Rural Exchange that you have to be a little bit crazy to sign up.
Competitors are challenged by unfamiliar terrain and harsh weather conditions.
The horses are semi-wild, and may not always cooperate with the rider, which adds another level of difficulty to the race.
According to race organisers, riders spend 13 to 14 hours a day in the saddle, while the race takes 10 days to finish.
On average only half the riders finish the race.
