Mount Cotton local Yvonne Hain will head to Imbil State Forest next week to take part in Australia's most prestigious endurance horse ride, the Tom Quilty Gold Cup.
Equipped with only a headlight, Hain will navigate hilly terrain at night on a horse she has not ridden before.
Hain failed to finish the Tom Quilty Gold Cup ride in 2013 but has high hopes of crossing the line this time around.
"I ran in the Tom Quilty in 2013 and vetted out," Hain said.
"I've never finished one so that's my goal.
"It's no easy task. You've got so many things that can go against you.
"You've got to have everything lined up and your horse in tip top shape."
More than 300 riders will take to the 160 kilometre Sunshine Coast course starting at midnight on July 12.
Hain said the best riders would finish within 12 hours despite the track being one of the event's most challenging.
She said the strappers were her most important ally.
"This Tom Quilty track is the hardest you can do because it's really hilly," Hain said.
"I think if you have a good strapping crew, one that can read and listen to what you say, it takes more stress off you.
"You can imagine how tired you are when spending hours out in the forest."
This year's Tom Quilty Gold Cup will feature riders aged from 12 to 78.
Hain said the bond between a horse and its rider was sacred during endurance events.
"You're moving fast through the bush, bonding with your horse," she said.
"Your horse won't do it for you if you don't have that connection."
The Tom Quilty Gold Cup last came to Queensland in 2013.
This year's event organisers are pulling out all the stops, with Trevor Knight performing his song,The ballad of Tom Quilty, live before the race.
More than 2000 visitors are expected at Imbil for the event.
"The whole Quilty week is a big build up to this big race that everyone has waited a whole six years to do in this state," Hain said.
The horse that Hain will ride arrives at Mount Cotton on a float from Canberra on Tuesday.
She will have a practice run at Sirromet Winery before heading to the event.
More local sport: redlandcitybulletin.com.au/sport/local-sport/
