Miniature marvels: CHLOE'S POCKET ROCKETS

Don't underestimate them! The Kiwi horse whisperer showcases the stamina these little wonders are capable of

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Miniature pony Opi was tied to a tree for years, becoming increasingly stressed and very aggressive.

When Chloe Phillips-Harris rescued him, she was shocked to find that, despite his diminutive size and her years of experience taming hundreds of wild horses, he was the most dangerous one she'd ever worked with.

“He would just knock you over,” remembers Chloe, 36. “If left alone, he’d be manic, walking nonstop without eating or drinking to the point of exhaustion. He was so unsocialised, angry and a little bit insane.”

Less than a year later, with her consistent patience and training, Opi was a tame, happy horse and competing in the inaugural Born To Run Adventure Racing 100km Great Northern Gallop.

The unique endurance event matches runners and walkers with one of Chloe’s rescued miniature ponies – at the moment, she has 46 – as they race through the Far North.

Regularly approached by people asking her to take in their sick or severely in need miniature ponies, Chloe had always wanted to help, but didn't have a purpose for the ponies until she began dreaming up Born To Run Adventure Racing.