With a field of strong runners determined to beat their equine competition, the race got underway at 10am. Riders then set off just 15 minutes later with the aim of overtaking the runners across the Quantock Hills course.
Organiser and Equine Facilitated Psychotherapist Philip King explained:
"Man Vs Horse is a race across 23 miles of the rolling Quantocks, covering around 1,000 metres of elevation. It’s a simple premise, we have runners and we have riders and one question: who is the fastest?
“The first year we ran it, it was a dead heat. Then last year, it was a tie between two riders, something that happened again this weekend."
This year, the riders were first to cross the finish line, with the leading runner arriving just six minutes later.
Philip continued:
"Congratulations to Cheryl and Krissie for their achievement this year, it’s not an easy ride and everyone who took part did remarkably well.”
While Man Vs Horse is known for being a serious sporting challenge, the event also has an important fundraising purpose.
All profits made from the event go to the Pegasus Project, which is delivered in partnership between Equi-Librium Coaching and Therapy CiC and Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service (SDAS).
The Pegasus Project provides Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy for children and young people experiencing trauma, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD linked to drug or alcohol use.
For many young people, building trust, forming relationships, and understanding difficult experiences can feel overwhelming. Through a unique combination of therapeutic support, working with horses and guidance from SDAS staff, the Pegasus Project helps young people take those crucial first steps toward recovery and resilience.
Dawn Holmes, SDAS Operations manager and National Young Person’s Lead for Turning Point, said:
"Working alongside horses can help young people engage when trust and traditional talking approaches feel overwhelming.
"The horses provide a calm, non-judgmental presence that promotes connection, safety, and emotional regulation. Young people begin to develop greater self-worth while learning trust, boundaries, compassion, and choice.
“I love this project and the young people continually amaze me. It’s a privilege to support them as they build confidence and meaningful relationships.
“The Man Vs Horse event is great fun, but it also goes to helps fund these vital services, so we’d like to thank everyone involved, particularly the runners and riders who have trained hard, we hope to see them again next year.”
Councillor Evie Potts-Jones, Lead Member for Public Health and Equalities and Diversity, said: “This is a fantastic event that celebrates endurance, perseverance and community spirit. Huge congratulations to all the runners, riders and organisers who make Man v Horse such a unique and inspiring experience every year.”
With another memorable and successful race completed, the event showcased the dedication of competitors, volunteers and spectators alike. Man Vs Horse remains one of the most unique sporting events and provides valuable support for the Pegasus Project.
To find out more about Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service (SDAS), click here.