The Mongol Derby is the longest and toughest horse race in the world.
In 1224, Genghis Khan's mighty horse messenger system connected half the planet. A massive network of horse stations enabled his messengers to gallop incredible distances at unbelievable speed. It’s thought the speed of his communications was one of the great tactical advantages of the Mongol warriors.
Each August, the Mongol Derby recreates this network to stage the world's greatest equine adventure race.
Riders take on 1000 km of Mongolian steppe on semi-wild horses, changing steed every 40 km. There’s no marked course, no packed lunches, no beds to sleep in. You navigate and survive on your own wits and skill, living among the herders. It's you and your horse against the wilds of Mongolia – traversing high passes, huge valleys, wooded hills, river crossings, wetland, dunes and of course open steppe.
Out of hundreds of applicants from around the world, only about 40 riders are chosen to test their grit against the Mongol Derby.
And I'm one of them!
I'll be competing in the Mongol Derby July 2022!
Ever since first hearing of the Mongol Derby, I was hooked. I dove into research about the race and the more I learned the more I was convinced that I had to at least try to be a part of it. The obsession paid off! Now with sights set on this crazy adventure, (and the logistical parts paid for) I want to do some good.
An Opportunity to Do Good:
I am fundraising for the non-profit Steppe and Hoof, the official charity of the Mongol Derby, in an effort to give back to the herders who provide the horses for this adventure.
Mongolian herders that have relied on traditional animal husbandry for generations are struggling to adapt to our changing world. One of the last nomadic horse cultures on earth can benefit greatly from modern veterinarian methods to make the lives of their families and animals better. Steppe and Hoof travels into the Mongolian countryside with programs, tools and supplies to help herders live better so they can continue to live as they have for a thousand years.
By educating herders and giving them a sustainable way to provide treatment to their animals, S&H can help them to be more self sufficient and continue their unique nomadic lifestyle. The goal of donations to this veterinarian program is to dramatically improve the lives of 180 Mongolian herders and the animals they depend on.
Find out more:
http://www.steppeandhoof.org/
https://m.facebook.com/steppeandhoof
Other Ways to Be Part of My Team:
-Help me connect with sponsorships, media outlets for exposure, or assist with fundraising events.
-Help me with my training! I'll welcome whatever help I can get to physically prepare.
-Spread the word! Share on social media, tell your friends, tell your family! Follow my social media for updates and fun photos of the journey ahead.
