A 160-kilometre ride held over a 24-hour period, the Quilty tests even the most experienced riders on various tracks through the Bunyip State Forest.

The event was slated to be held last year but was postponed due to an outbreak of equine influenza.

Jennifer Green, whose husband Rohan Stanes is one of 200 riders competing this year, says the Quilty showcases the elite in endurance riding.

"Next to the Tevis Cup in America, the Quilty is probably one of the most famous endurance races in the world, attracting riders from across Australia and overseas.

"There'll be many people who will be able to come along and find out about the beautiful riding tracks and world-class facilities in Tonimbuk - places they didn't even know were right on their back doorstep."

Green says the event had a wide appeal, even for "non-horsey" people.

"Most of the horses are Arabians, which are magnificently built horses. The ride is a test of not only the fitness of the horse but of how well the rider manages the horse on the tracks across the 160km distance."

Cardinia Shire Mayor Bill Pearson is over the moon about the event.

"To have an international endurance riding event in Victoria, let along in the Bunyip North and Tonimbuk area, is just marvellous.

"There are competitors from Asia, the Arab emirates and America, as well as the majority of riders who come from Victoria."

The council has injected around $80,000 into promoting the event, money Cr Pearson considers well spent. "It's a great way to promote the Bunyip North and Tonimbuk area."

This weekend's event is expected to attract more than 3000 visitors and Green says it has been a combined community effort.

"There will be hundreds of volunteers helping out with everything from checkpoints to first aid and there has been so much support from the local business community."

The ride kicks off at midnight on Friday and finishes midnight on Saturday.

Entries at the venue will be taken from 9am to 5pm on Thursday for those not already pre-registered. Details visit www.tonimbukgoldcup.org.au