AN equine food supplements company is set to ship its first order to East Asia in time for one of the longest and toughest horse races in the world.

Newburn-based Equine Products UK has struck the £10,000 deal with EuroPharma – Mongolia’s largest pharmaceutical importer.

Five pallets of supplements will be leaving the North East for the Mongolian capital Ulan Bator in the coming weeks, destined to be used on horses across the country.

Horse racing is being developed in Mongolia, with the country’s jockey club buying a number of brood mares and horses in training in the UK.

Equine tourism in the country is thriving and the Mongol Derby, known to be one of the most demanding horse races in the world, uses more than 700 horses during the 14-day event. However, the majority of the products will be used by herdsman taking part in an ancient Mongolian festival to celebrate heroism and masculinity.

Described as the Kentucky Derby, the Olympics and Christmas rolled into one, Mongolia’s “Naadam” is an eight centuries-old celebration devoted to the three “manly sports” – horse racing, wrestling and archery.

The 17-mile horse race hasn’t changed since the 13th century and the days of Genghis Khan.

Equine Products commercial director Justin Ridley said: “We made contact with EuroPharma at one of many international trade fairs that we attend throughout the year.

“To my knowledge, we’re the first equine supplement company to break into the Mongolian market.