What is the Mongol Derby?

The Mongol Derby, the world's longest and toughest horse race? It's an incredible adventure that pushes participants to their limits as they ride semi-wild horses across the Mongolian steppe, following in the footsteps of the legendary messengers of Genghis Khan.

During the derby, riders switch horses every 40km and either stay with local herders or camp outdoors. The annual event attracts 40 riders of various skill levels, all vying for the championship title. To successfully complete the race, participants need to combine survival skills with horsemanship, facing challenges such as harsh weather conditions, semi-wild horses, and unfamiliar surroundings. Finishing the longest horse race in the world is a remarkable accomplishment that only a few can claim.

During this race, riders change horses at each station, with a daily riding window from 7:30am to 8pm. The horses must reach a heart rate of 64 beats per minute within 30 minutes after station arrival, or the rider faces a penalty. Local Mongolian herders manage the stations, deeply connected to their land and horses since ancient times around 3500 BC, when human-horse interaction began. Nomadic families provide shelter, food, and new horses to riders. The event is closely supervised by a team of support staff, medics, and vets, prioritizing the well-being of both humans and animals. Despite the race's remote Mongolian locations, it is broadcast globally for fans to follow. Each rider's location is tracked using a handheld GPS system, with a pre-set route that riders must navigate through physical obstacles, requiring strong navigational skills. The course from there is up to the rider!

Small, spirited, strong, and highly capable, the horses are essential to their survival in the challenging Mongolian climate due to their partially wild nature. The herders who care for these horses appreciate their resilience and depend on their instincts and endurance for their well-being. Although suitable for riding, the horses are never fully tamed. They live off whatever the land provides them - finding water when its available and living off the bare minimum the steppe provides.

“Just try not to get off once you’re on” is what a few Derby vets have shared with me. “They don’t need praising or soothing pats, just hang on for the first mile, it’ll smooth out from there and you’ll likely get to the next station ok”.

The landscape is filled with unknown marmot holes, wild dogs that will chase you and a climate that will change from intense summer heat to a bone chilling cold with the passing of a torrential rain storm. You trust the horse to know the land will enough to find their footing and you don't question them.

The rider must weigh 187lbs when dressed to ride, and this rule cannot be changed. Additionally, they can carry up to 11lb of kit in their saddle bag - leaving room for a sleeping bag to spend the night on the Mongolian family floors, a few changes of coats, and other small necessities.

The race entry fee per rider is $18,000 - a huge price tag to compete. But rest assured, this fee covers the whole operation:

• Use of 25 horses

• Full-time medical and veterinary team

• The help and support of 250 Mongolian herders who provide and tend to the horses

• A purpose-built endurance saddle

• Race crew

• Race camps

• Food and accommodations

For more informaiton on the Mongol Derby, please visit https://equestrianists.com/