Horse race where guts really count

Hannah Ritchie isn't worried about wolves, but is more wary about having to survive on a diet that includes intestines, sheep heads and fermented mare's milk as she takes on what will be the longest horse race in the world.

The 26-year-old, originally from Marlborough, is one of three New Zealanders taking part in the first Mongol Derby, a 1000km race across Mongolia, recreating part of Genghis Khan's ancient postal system.

London-based Ms Ritchie, friend Charlotte Davison, also a New Zealander living and working in London, and Tekapo man Dave Murray, who now lives in Perth, are part of the 26-rider charity fundraising race.

They will race west to east on Mongolian horses, swinging below the capital Ulan Bator, from August 22 until September 5, living nomadically.

Each competitor carries 10kg of camping, navigational and survival kit and will have to rely on their wits and the hospitality of locals to complete the event.

The race will enter the Guinness Book of Records as the longest horse race in the world.

Ms Ritchie said she was beginning to feel a bit nervous and expected to lose a lot of weight.

"People talk about wolves and things like that but I don't think that's going to be a huge problem. I think food and nutrition could be a big problem because if you are not feeling well yourself then you are really going to suffer," she said.

" We are going to be eating intestines, sheep heads and fermented mare's milk and not a lot else, so we are going to be really aware of our health.

"It's not the breakfast of champions, but that is what's going to get us by."

In the interests of safety, Ms Ritchie plans to ride with a few other riders at the start for the most part but strike out over the last 100km.

- NZPA