What is Le Centaure?
Le Centaure is a historic international equestrian orienteering and regularity (POR) event, born in France in the early 1970s.
Its origins go back to 1971, when a group of riders linked to equestrian tourism set out to create a new challenge: a longer, more demanding event capable of testing the physical stamina and technical and mental skill of both horse and rider.
In 1976 it took shape as the "Raid du Centaure", an orienteering and regularity event originally based on the French rules for night POR.
But the standings alone don't define the spirit of the Centaure.
To be considered a "finisher", horse and rider must complete both stages and the whole route with the same horse, passing the established veterinary checks.
Preparing the horse, orienteering, managing effort, self-sufficiency, staying focused for many hours and solidarity among participants are all an essential part of the event. That's why, from its very origins, finishing Le Centaure has always meant something special.
FINISH IS TO WIN
Zigoitia, in the heart of the Gorbeia
Le Centaure 27 will take place in one of the great natural spaces of the Basque Country: twenty thousand hectares of beech forest, high pastures and forest tracks that are hard to read by night.
DISCOVER THE TERRITORY100 km, two nights, no marked route
The problem is it'll be at night, in March, in the Gorbeia. And we're not going to tell you which way to go.
Run the Centaure 27
60 spots. Individual registration, even if you're riding as a DUO or a team. Opens 1 October 2026.
SEE REGISTRATION CONDITIONSA Centaure doesn't run itself
While 60 riders try to figure out where we've sent them, there's a whole team behind the scenes making it all work. No equestrian experience required.
I WANT TO VOLUNTEEREverything you need to come to Gorbeia
You've already got a horse, you've already got a compass: now let's move on to the easy stuff.
Accommodation
A selection of accommodation near Gopegi and Zigoitia, for before, during and after the event.
Camping and motorhomes
Registration includes access to the designated camping and motorhome area during the event.
How to get there
Location and access for cars, vehicles with trailers and horse trucks to Gopegi, Zigoitia.
Horses and paddocks
A dedicated area for horses with paddocks, water and hay, plus information on settling them in on arrival.
Don't have a horse?
If you'd like to take part but don't have your own horse, email us with your details and we'll help you find a rental option.
Meals
Meal and refreshment service as set out in the schedule, included in the registration.
Gopegi, 01138 Zigoitia (Álava), Basque Country.
Email: cdh.zaldipottokatokia@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +34 664 294 207
For questions about the event, we prefer email.
@centaure.gorbeiaTerrain reconnaissance, spot availability notices and coverage of the two nights.
SPONSORS AND COLLABORATORS
Organising Le Centaure 27 · Gorbeia takes maps, horses, checkpoints, kilometres and sleepless nights. And also a good few travel companions: these are the institutions, entities and brands that make Le Centaure 27 · Gorbeia possible.
Want to be part of Le Centaure 27 · Gorbeia?
We're still bringing collaborators on board for the project. If you're a company, brand or organisation and think your logo could also be part of this adventure, we'd love to talk to you.
I WANT TO COLLABORATEWith EquiPodium
Behind this part of the event will be EquiPodium and, above all, two people that anyone who organises competitions knows very well: David and Silvia. On the front line before, during and after the event.
They're the kind of people who make registrations, data, standings and results run smoothly while the rest of us are busy trying to remember where we left a map, a marker or a checkpoint volunteer.
Through EquiPodium you'll be able to access race tracking, information and results.
GO TO EQUIPODIUM