World's Toughest Horse Race Retraces Genghis Khan's Postal Route World's Toughest Horse Race Retraces Genghis Khan's Postal Route Riders attempt to stay atop half-wild Mongol horses for over 600 miles (1,000 kilometers). View Images Competitors gallop toward the finish of 2010's Mongol Derby. Fewer than half of the riders in this year’s race are expected to make it across the finish line. Photograph by Charles van Wyk, The Adventurists Before most of the world woke up this morning, 47 riders from around the globe had saddled half-wild horses and set out on what the Guinness Book of World Records has called the longest equestrian race on Earth. Related Content Florida by Water: Go Surf and Sand Horseback Riding The goal—beyond not getting seriously injured—is to ride a 621-mile circuit (1,000 kilometers) of Mongolian steppe in less than ten days. Fewer than half of the riders are expected to make it across the finish line. The rest will either quit or be carried off the course by the medical team.

Broken bones and torn ligaments are common, frustration and bruised egos the norm. Every rider will fall off multiple times during the course of the race, says Katy Willings, the race chief and a former Mongol Derby competitor. The race route is modeled on the horse relay postal system created under Genghis Khan in 1224, which was instrumental in the expansion of the Mongolian Empire. Guided by a local escort, specially appointed postal riders would gallop more than 100 miles (160 kilometers) to a morin urtuu, or horse relay station, where another escort would be waiting with a fresh horse. At the postal route's zenith, a letter could cross from Kharkhorin in the east to the Caspian Sea on the far western edge of the empire, a distance of some 4,225 miles (6,800 kilometers), in two weeks (an average of about 300 miles, or 480 kilometers, a day). Postal riders continued to deliver the mail until 1949, when the Soviet Union—which then controlled Mongolia—shut down the system in an attempt to erase the history of Genghis Khan from the country.

"The horse stations were not permanent but rather a responsibility that rotated so that each family provided the compulsory service for a month each year or two," explains Dandar Gongor, 86, a former escort. From the age of 12 to 15, he carried the riders' mailbags while navigating them to the next horse station. "You would meet all sorts of people," he says, referring to the postal riders. "Some were kind and would tell you folk stories while you rode. Others were arrogant and mean. We would let the next urtuu supervisor know what kind of people they were, and this would help him decide if [the postal rider] would be given a well-behaved or difficult horse." View Images Derby riders stop to water their horses as a storm rolls in. The competitors are completely exposed to the elements for the duration of the Derby and over 10 days will likely face extremes of temperature, storms, high winds, and blistering sun. Photograph by Anya Campbell, The Adventurists Race Logistics According to the Adventurists , the United Kingdom-based company that created the race in 2009, the course changes about 25 percent from year to year.

One of the main concerns is ensuring there are enough reliable water sources along the route. Would-be competitors submit a written application and are interviewed by phone. There is a $13,122 (U.S.) race fee, which covers the cost of the horses, medical and veterinary support, GPS and tracking devices for each rider, interpreters, vehicles, and pre-race training. Aside from selecting the riders, the Adventurists also take care in choosing each individual horse for the race. The Mongol herders have introduced the horses to the feel of a bridle and saddle, but the animals are far from broken and are quick to buck or bolt. View Images When not racing, the horses are cared for by the local herding families who staff much of the Mongol Derby course. The horses are also monitored by a team of veterinarians during the event. Photograph by Quentin Moreau, The Adventurists This year more than a thousand horses were needed. The herders who own the horses are paid for each horse they supply.

The Adventurists declined to answer how much each herder is paid per horse but claim that these payments are "a massive part of the families' general income." A few days before the race, the riders are required to attend a pre-Derby training session where their abilities are assessed by Western and Mongolian equestrian experts. The riders also receive a detailed map of the area, a GPS, and a spot tracker, which is required to be attached to their person rather than to their horse in case they are thrown. The spot tracker lets race officials know where each rider is at all times in case of emergencies and allows race watchers to follow the competitors' progress online . Each GPS is programmed with the coordinates for each of the 25 horse stations, which are spread 25 miles (40 kilometers) apart. It is much more a mental challenge than it is a physical one. Riders must stop at each station and switch horses to prevent injury or exhaustion of their mounts. "This is not an endurance race for the horses," explains Willings. And just like in Genghis Khan's time, local Mongolian families manage each urtuu, providing food and sleeping arrangements for the riders.

Further complicating the challenge, the widely varied Mongolian landscape is difficult to prepare for: high passes, wooded hills, river crossings, wetlands and floodplains, sandy semiarid dunes, rolling hills, and dry riverbeds, as well as the famous wide-open grasslands. Of course, all of this terrain is navigated while adjusting to the erratic temperaments of a new semiwild horse every 25 miles. It is much more a mental challenge than it is a physical one, Willings says. "I think anyone can cope with anything for a weekend," she says, "but over ten days, you get buffeted by good and bad fortune a lot." View Images Fresh horses await their incoming riders at one of the horse relay stations, which are spaced at roughly 25-mile (40 kilometer) intervals. When stopping to change horses, riders can also rest and eat. Photograph by Charles van Wyk, The Adventurists Horse Welfare Though the riders are allowed to abuse their own bodies in any way they see fit, the Adventurists take extra precautions to ensure the safety of the horses.

Before the competition begins, the riders are weighed wearing their riding clothes, an empty pack, and an empty water container, while holding their Mongolian saddle and bridle; in total they cannot weigh more than 187 pounds (85 kilograms). They are allowed an additional 11 pounds (5 kilograms) in their packs after being weighed. When a horse and rider arrive at an urtuu, a veterinarian will check the horse's metabolic conditions, hydration, physical soundness, and heart rate. The Mongol Derby uses the endurance heart rate standard of the Fédération Equestre Internationale , the governing body of equestrian sports, which mandates that a horse's heart rate must return to no more than 64 beats per minute within 30 minutes of stopping. If the horse's heart rate does not return to 64 bpm by this time, the rider receives a two-hour penalty. Race organizers take these rules seriously. Last year, the rider who crossed the finish line first was penalized two hours because her horse's heart rate didn't return to the 64 beats maximum in the allotted time, and the second rider to finish— Lara Prior-Palmer —ended up with the winning time.

These kinds of rules force the riders to keep their horses' welfare first. "The race is based on Genghis Khan's idea, but our execution is much more modern and, dare I say, a bit more responsible," says Willings. View Images Competitors ride Mongol horses, one of the species’ smallest but hardiest breeds. Mongolian warriors rode these horses to conquer a kingdom stretching from Beijing to Moscow to Baghdad. Photograph by Anya Campbell, The Adventurists The Competitors Though the horses are generally no worse for the wear after the race, the same cannot be said for the riders. "Oh, there have been broken bones, torn ligaments, a broken pelvis, a punctured lung, broken collarbones, lots of ribs ... and once a neck," says Willings. But more riders are signing up every year. Last year, Prior-Palmer, a 19-year-old British rider, won the race in seven days, making her the first female rider to win the Mongol Derby. This year's field includes riders from 16 countries, including Germany, Switzerland, Australia, the U.S., the U.K., Iceland, China, and Ireland.

Rose Sandler, a 32-year-old biochemical engineer from Pipersville, Virginia, has been preparing for the past four months. She was a last-minute addition to the competition when a place opened up unexpectedly. "I've been told that it breaks you down to the basics of human existence," she says. I'm in it to win it, but not at the exclusion of enjoying everything else about it. From the moment she was given a spot in the race, Sandler has been talking with past Mongol Derby riders, training with her gear, and honing her strategy. "I'm in it to win it, but not at the exclusion of enjoying everything else about it," she says. Sandler has been meticulous to the last pound about what to include in her pack: backup batteries for the GPS and spot tracker, a camera, fruit, medical supplies, water purification drops, electrolytes, sleeping bag, down jacket, raincoat shell, extra socks, super glue, two different kinds of antibiotics, zip ties, and protein bars. Sandler says the best advice she was given was to listen to the herders.

"I've been told that if the herders tell you not to take a horse that you want to take or if the herders suggest that you take a specific horse, you should probably listen to them because they know the horses." View Images Mongolia is home to one of the world's oldest equestrian cultures. Stallions, like this palomino, are especially revered, and their manes are never cut. Photograph by Anya Campbell, The Adventurists Another rider, Per Michanek, a 59-year-old Swedish equine veterinarian, has a different approach. "I'm going to try [to win], but it's not really that important," says Michanek. "I want to finish." Much more relaxed in his preparation for the race, he has been trying to ride 62 miles (100 kilometers) every day, "just to know what it's like." He has been riding every day for the past 40 years and believes that accumulated experience is enough to get him through the race.

His gear: an inflatable mattress, light waterproof clothes, storm lighter, paracord, multi-tool, sewing kit, antichafing plasters, presents for Mongolian kids, video camera, batteries, emergency beacon, solar charger, mosquito repellant, pipe and tobacco, heart-rate monitor, wet wipes, toothbrush, soap, razor, and flashlight. He is purposely not packing food, thinking it a waste of precious space. However, he is packing a ukulele because "if you can't speak with the Mongolians, you can at least sing with them." Michanek is concerned he is at a disadvantage compared with the female riders. "I think it's very difficult to win as a man because the girls weigh less," he says. And although he is older than most competitors, he has hope: "I've ridden horses all my life, and basically it's the horses that do the job." View Images The U.K.'s Lara Prior-Palmer rides the last leg of the Mongol Derby on August 10, 2013; she ultimately won the race, finishing in seven days. Photograph by Richard Dunwoody, The Adventurists Why a Horse Race?

Though the competitors have varying levels of experience, one key element brings most of them together: their interest in learning about riding from those who have been said to do it best—Mongol herders. "High Asia is where horses were first saddled and tamed and ridden, so it's one of the oldest equestrian cultures, and they really admire and respect the horse in a kind of spiritual way," Willings explains. Every ger, the herders' portable yurt-like homes, has ropes made from the tail hairs of its owner's favorite horses, and the countryside is littered with rock cairns called ovoos where herders have placed tails or skulls of particularly beloved horses. Willings says that Mongolians-despite their deep affection for their horses—view them differently than Westerners view the animals. "They are not pets. They're not for school. They're not for leisure," she says. "They're working animals, and part of the family, and a great symbol of a family's wealth." As such, the horse is deeply ingrained in Mongolian culture. There is a special song for the horses that finish last in the race during the annual Naadam festival so that they do not feel sad about losing.

Herders write songs for their horses and serenade them as they watch over them or when they are milking their mares. The national drink of Mongolia is fermented mare's milk, also known as airag. Besides riding for the title of the 2014 winner of the Mongol Derby, the winner also gets the honor of drinking the first bowl of airag. View Images Craig Egberink of South Africa walks a horse into a station during the 2011 Derby. A rider is penalized if he or she pushes a horse too hard and its heart rate is too fast at the end of a 25-mile leg. Photograph by Charles van Wyk, The Adventurists The Horses Willings says Mongolian horses are unique for several reasons. Genetically, they are considered to be horses despite being the size of a pony. A horse is typically 5 feet (157 centimeters) or taller at the base of the neck. While on average Mongol horses are only 4.6 feet (143 centimeters) tall, they are considered horses because of their head structure and bone size.

Despite their diminutive size, today's Mongol horses are the same breed ridden by Genghis Khan's conquering warriors—able to run long distances, even from Mongolia to Poland and back, and to withstand a wide range of temperatures, from -40 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 to 30 degrees Celsius). Despite their diminutive size, today's Mongol horses are the same breed ridden by Genghis Khan's conquering warriors. They also can handle rugged terrain. The Mongolian steppe is peppered with marmot holes, something all previous Mongol Derby riders learned to dread early in the races. With any other horse, the marmot holes would spell serious danger because the holes are waist deep. "But because these horses live in this environment year-round, they just know," says Willings. "They read the ground so cleverly. They are geniuses in their natural environment." At the end of the day, win or lose, Willings says that interacting with the Mongol horses is a magical experience. "You're privileged if they allow you to ride them," she says.

"It's like you've been invited into their animal kingdom." Comment on This Story Inside the world’s longest and most dangerous horse race | New York Post Inside the world’s longest and most dangerous horse race This year's Mongol Derby kicked off on Aug. 6. Courtesy of The Adventurists/Flickr Originally Published By: Beyond Bangkok: The Unexpected Side of Thailand Horseback riding is one of the world’s most dangerous sports, and Mongolia might be one of the more dangerous places to do it. For those reasons alone, the Mongol Derby could be one of the craziest adventures voluntarily undertaken in the world. And yet, people pay more than $13,340 for the privilege to do it. Billed as the longest and toughest horse race in the world, the Mongol Derby recreates Genghis Khan’s legendary 1,000 km postal system, with riders changing horses every 40 km and living with herders or camping under the stars. To stand a chance of finishing, riders must balance survival skills and horsemanship. The race ends on Friday August 15. All riders are expected to finish the race in 10 days or to quit the race altogether.

This year’s winner, Sam Jones, is a mining operative from Australia and finished in just eight days. Jones, 40, rode alone for most of the race. She is the sixth derby winner, only the second female champion, and the first from Australia. What did she win? Kudos. “When people start the race, they generally think they are going to try to win, but by the end they are just trying to finish. The biggest prize is bragging rights,” explained Joolz Ingram, one of the founders of The Adventurists , the group that organizes this race and other out-of-the-box adventures around the world. Mongolian horses rest at sunset during the third day of the race.Courtesy of The Adeventurists/Flickr Each year, the Adventurists rent more than 1,200 horses from local herders. Mongolian horses are small, strong, and fast. They can withstand temperatures between minus 40 degrees Celsius and 40 degrees Celsius and can live on very little water and terribly bad food. Simply put, they’re badasses, and you need to be a badass to ride them.

They’re rarely tied up, and many of them simply roam wild along the Mongolia steppe. These riders experience their fair share of cuts and bruises and the occasional broken bone. They are required to have comprehensive sports medical insurance, and for good reason. This year, there were two medical evacuations, one for a broken clavicle and the other for a broken hand. One rider was kicked in the face by a horse. Australian Sam Jones is the winner of the 2014 Mongol Derby.Courtesy of The Adventurists/Flickr The Adventurists are purveyors of excitement and adventure, and the group organizes chaotic, bold undertakings around the globe, including the Ice Run , which involves riding a vintage motorcycle and sidecar 2,000 km along a frozen river in the Siberian wilderness, and the Rickshaw Run , a 3,500 km pan-Indian adventure in what the group describes as “a 7 horsepower glorified lawnmower.” “We are the world’s greatest purveyors of chaos is how we like to put it,” explained Ingram. “We like to encourage people to do things a little bit outside of guided tours and package holidays.

The idea is that when things can potentially go a little wrong, you are experiencing life more.” If you want to apply for the 2015 Mongol Derby, you can throw your hat in the ring here . The number of riders in the race is limited, and spots are offered only after an interview. Share this: WATCH: An Inside Look at the World's Longest, Most Dangerous Horse Race [Video] WATCH: An Inside Look at the World's Longest, Most Dangerous Horse Race Jo Piazza Untitled August 15, 2014 Horseback riding is one of the world’s most dangerous sports, and Mongolia might be one of the more dangerous places to do it. For those reasons alone, the Mongol Derby could be one of the craziest adventures voluntarily undertaken in the world. This isn’t your average horse race. (Photo: The Adventurists ) And yet, people pay more than $13,340 for the privilege to do it.

Billed as the longest and toughest horse race in the world, the Mongol Derby recreates Genghis Khan’s legendary 1,000 km postal system, with riders changing horses every 40 km and living with herders or camping under the stars. It sure isn’t easy to follow in the footsteps of Ghengis Khan. (Photo: The Adventurists ) To stand a chance of finishing, riders must balance survival skills and horsemanship. The race ends on Friday August 15. All riders are expected to finish the race in 10 days or to quit the race altogether. This year’s winner, Sam Jones, is a mining operative from Australia and finished in just eight days. The winning lady, Sam Jones. (Photo: The Adventurists ) Jones, 40, rode alone for most of the race. She is the sixth derby winner, only the second female champion, and the first from Australia At the end of the day this is a race against yourself. (Photo: The Adventurists ) What did she win? Kudos. “When people start the race, they generally think they are going to try to win, but by the end they are just trying to finish.

The biggest prize is bragging rights,” explained Joolz Ingram, one of the founders of The Adventurists , the group that organizes this race and other out-of-the-box adventures around the world. Related: 9 Ways to Survive Dating an Adventure Dude Mongolian horses are anything but tame. (Photo: The Adventurists ) Each year, the Adventurists rent more than 1,200 horses from local herders. Mongolian horses are small, strong, and fast. They can withstand temperatures between minus 40 degrees Celsius and 40 degrees Celsius and can live on very little water and terribly bad food. Simply put, they’re badasses, and you need to be a badass to ride them. They’re rarely tied up, and many of them simply roam wild along the Mongolia steppe. World's Toughest Horse Race Retraces Genghis Khan Route | By Ashleigh N. DeLuca, National Geographic // August 17, 2014 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC: Riders Attempt To Stay Atop Half-Wild Mongol Horses For Over 600 Miles Competitors gallop toward the finish of 2010’s Mongol Derby.

Fewer than half of the riders in this year’s race are expected to make it across the finish line. (PHOTOGRAPH BY CHARLES VAN WYK, THE ADVENTURISTS) On August 6, before most of the world woke up, 47 riders from around the globe had saddled half-wild horses and set out on what the Guinness Book of World Records has called the longest equestrian race on Earth. When not racing, the horses are cared for by the local herding families who staff much of the Mongol Derby course. The horses are also monitored by a team of veterinarians during the event. (PHOTOGRAPH BY QUENTIN MOREAU, THE ADVENTURISTS) The goal—beyond not getting seriously injured—is to ride a 621-mile (1,000-km) circuit of Mongolian steppe in less than ten days. The race route is modeled on the horse relay postal system created under Genghis Khan in 1224, which was instrumental in the expansion of the Mongolian Empire.

Guided by a local escort, specially appointed postal riders would gallop more than 100 miles (160 kilometers) to a morin urtuu, or horse relay station, where another escort would be waiting with a fresh horse. Mongolia hosts world's longest horse race (1000km) | Mongolia Web News Mongolia hosts world's longest horse race (1000km) Friday, 03 July 2009 00:01 Mongol Derby - the world's longest horse race - opening ceremony on 22 August 2009. The 1,000km race begins in Karakorum, Kharkhorin in Mongolian, the ancient capital of the Mongol empire established by Genghis Khan. Chinggis Khaan in Mongolian. Twenty-six experienced riders, from 8 countries were selected to participate in the race. (pictures of 3 participants on this page). The race will promote tourism to Mongolia, highlighting it as a leading country for adventure tourism. Adventurous travelers perceive the Mongolian steppe as an exceptional horseback riding destination.

Inspired by Genghis' Messenger System The Mongol Derby follows in the footsteps of Genghis Khan's messaging system. To establish an efficient ruling system, Genghis developed a superior messenger system. A messengers would gallop from one station to the next one, change horses and continue to the next station. Genghis's orders would travel to the far corners of his empire in Europe, within 14 days, faster than it sometimes takes a postcard to reach Europe nowadays. Marco Polo in his 13th century travel book marveled at the splendor and efficiency of the Genghis messenger system: "At every twenty-five miles, as I said, or anyhow at every thirty miles, you find one of these stations" ( page 1248 , click on book image to read the full page). The Mongol derby follows Marco Polo's description. Accordingly, horse stations will be set up at 30 to 40 km intervals along the 1,000 km course. Each horse will be ridden only one leg of about 40km to the next horse station called in Mongolian Morin Urtuus (Mori=Horse, Urtuus=station).

The riders will change horses and continue to the next station. Twenty-five horse stations will be set up for the race by Mongolian nomadic horse herders. Marco Polo continued: "For it is a fact that on all these posts taken together there are more than 300,000 horses kept up, especially for the use of the messengers". The Mongol Derby will have only a fraction of this number, approximately 800 horses for the race. Horses in Mongolia outnumber people by a 7 to 1 ratio, so that should not present a problem. Veterinarian Care Genghis is remembered in the western world for his cruelty to man. That is not the case with respect to horses. In the Mongolian nomadic tradition, Genghis is valued for establishing the "Mongolian law" which includes specific laws on caring for horses. In the Genghis Secrete History known in Mongolia as the Nuuts Tovchoo it says: “Take care of the horses before they lose condition. For once they have lost it, you may spare them as much as you will, they will never recover it on the march. Don’t overload the riding horses".

Genghis continued to set the punishment for disobeying this law: "If these orders are disobeyed commanders are authorized to behead offenders on the spot, so as to protect the welfare of the horses” The organizers of the race "The Adventurists" tour company, managed by Tom Morgan wish to abide by Genghis's rules. Tom Morgan says: "The Mongol Derby is being staged in collaboration with some of Mongolia's most renowned and respected horsemen and equine veterinarians. Their expert knowledge combined with the logistics put in place by the Adventurists will ensure that the horses are properly looked after throughout the adventure" The Adventurist along with an American veterinary NGO based in Mongolia have established a program of care for the horses before, during and after the race. Mongolia's head equine vet and a Scottish vet with 32 years of experience will supervise. Water Resources Water for the horse and rider is a critical issue on a 1,000 km horse race. To ensure that the riders find water for the horses during the race, the course has been designed with access to water in mind. Each rider will receive accurate GPS locations of all the water sources along the course of the race route.

Satellite Beacons Each rider will be equipped with an emergency satellite-tracking device. In the case of emergency or injury to the rider or horse, the rider will activate a satellite beacon and thereby notify the emergency rescue team of his exact location. The Mongol Derby is the longest race in the world. The route stretches along the Mongolian steppe, crossing rivers, and climbing mountains. The exact route of the race has not been disclosed. A GPS navigation system with the route details will be given to the riders on the starting line. Richard Dunwoody a world champion in horse jumping, involved in preparing the participants says of the Derby: 'The Mongol Derby is going to be the sort of experience that many people can only dream of, although the jockeys had better not underestimate how incredibly tough it's going to be. Riding 1,000 km is not for the faint of heart or weak of limb'. Benefits for Rural Mongolia To be eligible for the race each rider has had to raise funds for charity organizations working in Mongolia. The funds raised by the Mongol Derby riders will be donated to Mercy Corps' projects that support herding families and communities in remote rural areas.

Over the past five years, Mercy Corps has established a strong reputation across the vast Gobi region, and has worked with business associations and local organizations to ensure a robust economy that preserves ancient traditions. Mercy Corps supports rural communities in Mongolia in an effort to meet their economic and social needs, helping individuals, families and communities to become more self-sufficient, diversified in their production, and better linked to local, regional and national markets. Khentii Mountains - End Of Race The Mongol Derby will finish in the Khentii mountains on the banks of the Onon river, on 5 September 2009; paying tribute to the birthplace of Chinggis Khaan. Race Opposition In spite of the professional expertise and careful planning, some opposition to the race has been voiced. The opposition has been led by the Long Rider Guild - the international association of equestrian explorers. The guild has warned the organizers: The Adventurists is preparing to embark on an ill-advised equestrian misadventure, one in which your company does not appreciate the many equestrian hardships and dangers being presented to the horses and riders.

The Guild claims their mounted explorers recently encountered in Mongolia wolf attacks, the bubonic plague, rabies, flash floods, foul water, poisoned food, horse theft and personal assault, during trips in Mongolia. Australian Neale Irons - who is planning his own cross-Mongolia horse ride adventure in 2010 - says: "People that have a true appreciation of horses have great respect for them and are always concerned about their welfare. On this basis alone, the organizers have a responsibility to look after their customers". The Adventurists Response to the Opposition In a reaction The Adventurists stated that these comments are wholly unfounded and none of the facts were checked with the organisers before publication. They went on to assert that horse welfare has been of paramount importance at every stage of the Derby and will remain top of the agenda at all times. And that the extensive veterinary program, route planning, the emergency back up system and expert team involved will result in a successful first edition of the World's Longest Horse Race.

Mongolia will be the prime benefactor they say - according to the ethos of the organisers the host country will be publicised around the world as a top adventure tourism destination, and more than £25,000 will be donated to charity projects by the riders to help some of the most vulnerable rural communities. The longest, toughest, bestest horse race in the world – The Mongol Derby | Xtremesport The longest, toughest, bestest horse race in the world – The Mongol Derby Adventure Events , Land , Locations | 2012 | 22 June by lolajones | 1 Comment I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…. this is one event I would love to take part in – THE MONGOL DERBY. I don’t think the horses look very comfortable but they’re obviously hardy little beasts. If I do do this event one day, I’ll be one of those who are reluctant for it to come to an end, and who will amble in in a euphoric, albeit perhaps painful, daze at the very last moment! Watch the teaser and you’ll see what I mean: Who wouldn’t want to do the Mongol Derby?

This race, the longest, toughest horse race in the world, is the mother of all equine adventures, a 1000 km multi-horse race across the epic wilderness of the Mongolian steppe. Its mammoth network of horse stations is a recreation of Chinggis Khaan’s, or Genghis Khan’s, legendary empire-busting postal system. It’s just you, a GPS and your team of horses against a thousand kilometres of Mongolian wilderness. Certainly no marked course, no packed lunches, no shower block, no stabling. And if you lose your horse you will find it’s a very long walk to the next horse station! The only rule of the event is that you must change horses at every station and deliver your mounts to their destination in mint condition. Oh yes, one more rule, or a stipulation anyway. Because the horses are small you are allowed just 5 kgs of essential survival kit… and anyone who weighs more than 85 kgs when dressed to ride will be automatically disqualified! In fact, The Adventurists have admitted that the horses’ welfare is their primary concern, don’t for a moment think that they are concerned about you!

All of the rules that have been put in place are designed with the horses in mind. You? Well… you can look after yourself can’t you?! This year’s Derby will be run from the 7-20th August 2012, but it has been sold out for months. If you’re thinking about it for next year then follow this link to their application form . A hint? Apply early! It’s expensive, but perhaps if you hear it you will accept The Adventurists explanation “£5,950 of your Queen’s finest. That is a lot of money, but then again, the Derby runs a staff of over 100 people, uses vats of cutting edge technical equipment, and imports enough veterinary and medical supplies to sink a small battleship. It’s no cheap undertaking.” The experience will be worth every penny. Related Mongol Derby :: FastFabrics Technical Sports Products Mongol Derby FastFabrics, again proud sponsor of the Mongol Derby; the longest, toughest horse race in the world! The Mongol Derby is a 1000 km endurance race over the Mongolian steppe, along the Genghis Khan's legendary empire postal system.

With riders riding semi-wild Mongolian horses, changing horses every 40km, and living with herders or camping under the stars. To stand a chance of winning one must balance survival skills and horsemanship and have a high level of determination. This year, 40 enthusiastic riders compete against each other for the Derby title. FastFabrics supports all these riders during the race by providing tailor-made seatsavers for the saddles. This provides the riders with the necessary comfort along the huge distance they have to complete. Previous editions of the Mongol Derby have shown that riders suffer from lesions all over their bums and upper legs due to the extreme impact and strain. With 1000 kilometers and up to 13 hours of riding each day, their bum endures around 720.000 impacts on the saddle! No skin is made to resist that. The FastFabrics seatsaver is shock-absorbing, reduces impacts and it evenly distributes pressure on the saddle without getting warm or sweaty. Moreover, it prevents injuries and helps the rider focus on their fantastic experience and on winning the race! Keep an eye on our website for updates and pictures.

The Derby starts in August, and the ride will last no longer than ten days! Also, take a look at for more info on this amazing race. Your SEO optimized title CLIENTS PAGE MONGOLIAN DERBY In late summer 2013 a new student got in touch with Horsehaven. She was new to North East Ohio and already knew how to ride but wanted to try the sport of fox hunting . After several lessons where she proved that she was a capable rider, Solange took her on her first hunt on one of our experienced hunt horses. Not too long after she came out with us several more times, this time on her own trusty gelding Gilbert. This new rider was (Stephanie) Stevie Murray. The 2013 hunt season soon drew to a close as winter came to Ohio and it was not long after this point where Stevie revealed why she was so interested in going fox hunting – she had signed herself up to compete in the 2014 Mongolian Derby which at this point was less than six months away! Stevie had figured that hunting with hounds would be one of the best equestrian activities and training that would help her to prepare for her trek.

The next question Solange had for Stevie was what exactly is the Mongolian Derby?! This race, the longest, toughest horse race in the world, is the mother of all equine adventures, a 1000 km multi-horse race across the epic wilderness of the Mongolian steppe. Its mammoth network of horse stations is a recreation of Chinggis Khaan’s, or Genghis Khan’s, legendary empire-busting postal system. It’s just you, a GPS and your team of horses against a thousand kilometres of Mongolian wilderness. Certainly no marked course, no packed lunches, no shower block, no stabling. And if you lose your horse you will find it’s a very long walk to the next horse station! The only rule of the event is that you must change horses at every station and deliver your mounts to their destination in mint condition. Oh yes, one more rule, or a stipulation anyway. Because the horses are small you are allowed just 5 kgs of essential survival kit… and anyone who weighs more than 85 kgs when dressed to ride will be automatically disqualified!

In fact, The Adventurists have admitted that the horses’ welfare is their primary concern, don’t for a moment think that they are concerned about you! All of the rules that have been put in place are designed with the horses in mind. You? Well… you can look after yourself can’t you?! The unusual nature of the race made it the focus of many news articles around the world, with both Stevie and Solange even being interviewed and featured on a news segment of local Channel 3 WKYC . With all the information gathered as best we could considering the unique nature of the race, Solange helped plan and prepare a tailored training schedule focusing on many different aspects that Stevie could expect to experience out in Mongolia, helping to focus on such things as feral pony riding, saddle endurance and safety as examples. Eventually through the use of social media, Stevie was able to get in touch with the majority of other riders from all around the world who would be competing in the same derby.

It was during this time that she got in touch with a rider not too far away in Rhode Island, who was not only going to compete with Stevie at the derby, but also had the experience of having competed in the previous 2013 Mongolian Derby. HIs name was Adam Perlman. After talking to Stevie, Adam decided he liked what he heard about her preparations and decided that he wanted a part of it too. So he got in touch with Solange and not long after drove himself over from Rhode Island to partake in an even more intensive 10 day derby preparation course planned by Solange. HIs prior experience and knowledge with the derby stood him in good stead, also helping immensely with Stevie in filling in the gaps and speculation as to what all to expect out in Mongolia with the semi feral ponies. Stevie and Adam both flew out to Mongolia at the end of July 2014 where they spent several days having some last minute training and orientation by the race organizers. The race itself actually started early on the 6th of August with a total of 45 riders from all around the world.

Early on Stevie and Adam both kept up with the pace setters, but unfortunately an error with their GPS devices sent them a long distance away from their next enroute horse station early in the race. This caused them to no longer have a realistic chance of winning the race and so it ended up like all trail rides should – finishing the course while having fun! The race was won on day 8 by 40 year old Australian mining operative, Sam Jones. Stevie and Adam both competing the race together the following day on day 9 (August 15th). After completing the race, extra time was spent exploring the extraordinary sights and culture of Mongolia with Stevie finally returning to the Ohio via Seoul South Korea just under 2 weeks later on August 28th. To Mongolia: Mongol Derby - Horse Race Mongol Derby - Horse Race Mongolia 1,000 km Longest Horce Race [M ongolian horses in the steppe] The Mongol Derby - world longest horse race - will begin on 22 August 2009. The race will promote tourism in Mongolia, highlighting it as a leading country for adventure tourism.

Adventurous travelers perceive the Mongolian steppe as an exceptional horseback riding destination. Twenty-six experienced riders, from 8 countries were selected to participate in the race. The race begins in Karakorum (Kharkhorin in Mongolian) the ancient capital of the Mongol empire established by Genghis Khan (Chinggis Khaan in Mongolian). Inspired by Genghis Messenger System ...[Performance at Naadam Festival] To establish an efficient ruling system, Genghis developed a superior messenger system. The messengers would gallop from one station to the next one, change horses and continue to the next station. Genghis's orders would travel to the far corners of his empire in Europe, within 14 days, faster than it sometimes takes a postcard to reach Europe nowadays. The Mongol Derby follows in the footsteps of Genghis Khan's messaging system.

Twenty-Five Horse Stations with 800 Horses ...[Click on book image to read page 1248] Marco Polo in his 13th century travel book marveled at the splendor and efficiency of the Genghis messenger system: "At every twenty-five miles, as I said, or anyhow at every thirty miles, you find one of these stations" (page 1248) The Mongol derby follows Marco Polo's description. Accordingly, horse stations will be set up at 30 to 40 km intervals along the 1,000 km course. Each horse will be ridden only one leg of about 40km to the next horse station called in Mongolian Morin Urtuus (Mori=Horse, Urtuus=station). The riders will change horses and continue to the next station. Twenty-five horse stations will be set up for the race by local Mongolian nomadic horse herders. Marco Polo continues: "For it is a fact that on all these posts taken together there are more than 300,000 horses kept up, especially for the use of the messengers".

The Mongol Derby will have only a fraction of this number, approximately 800 horses for the race. Horses in Mongolia outnumber people by a 7 to 1 ratio, so that should not present a problem. Vetrinarian Care ...[Saskia-van-Heeren from South Africa participating in the race] Genghis is remembered in the western world for his cruelty to man. That is not the case with respect to horses. In the Mongolian nomadic tradition, Genghis is valued for establishing the "Mongolian law" which includes specific laws on caring for horses. In the Genghis Secrete History known in Mongolia as the Nuuts Tovchoo it says: “Take care of the horses before they lose condition. For once they have lost it, you may spare them as much as you will, they will never recover it on the march. Don’t overload the riding horses".

Genghis continued to set the punishment for disobeying this law: "If these orders are disobeyed commanders are authorized to behead offenders on the spot, so as to protect the welfare of the horses” The organizers of the race "The Adventurists" tour company, managed by Tom Morgan wish to abide by Genghis's rules. Tom Morgan says: "The Mongol Derby is being staged in collaboration with some of Mongolia's most renowned and respected horsemen and uquine veterinarians. Their expert knowledge combined with the logistics put in place by the Adventurists will ensure that the horses are properly looked after throughout the adventure" The Adventurist along with an American veterinary NGO based in Mongolia have established a program of care for the horses before, during and after the race. Mongolia's head equine vet and a Scottish vet with 32 years of experience will supervise. Water Water for the horse and rider is a critical issue on a 1,000 km horse race. To ensure that the riders find water for the horses during the race, the course has been designed with access to water in mind. Each rider will receive accurate GPS locations of all the water sources along the course of the race route.

Satellite Beacons Each rider will be equipped with an emergency satellite-tracking device. In the case of emergency or injury to the rider or horse, the rider will be able to activate a satellite beacon and thereby notify the emergency rescue team of his exact location. Tough Race ...[Tara Reddy from USA participating in the race] The Mongol Derby is the longest race in the world. The route stretches along the Mongolian steppe, crossing rivers, and climbing mountains. The exact route of the race has not been disclosed. A GPS navigation system with the route details will be given to the riders on the starting line. Richard Dunwoody a world champion in horse jumping, involved in preparing the participants says of the Derby: 'The Mongol Derby is going to be the sort of experience that many people can only dream of, although the jockeys had better not underestimate how incredibly tough it's going to be. Riding 1,000 km is not for the faint of heart or weak of limb'. Benefits for Rural Mongolia To be eligible for the race each rider has had to raise funds for charity organizations working in Mongolia.

The funds raised by the Mongol Derby riders will be donated to Mercy Corps' projects that support herding families and communities in remote rural areas. Over the past five years, Mercy Corps has established a strong reputation across the vast Gobi region, and has worked with business associations and local organizations to ensure a robust economy that preserves ancient traditions. Mercy Corps supports rural communities in Mongolia in an effort to meet their economic and social needs, helping individuals, families and communities to become more self-sufficient, diversified in their production, and better linked to local, regional and national markets. Khentii Mountains - End of Race The Mongol Derby will finish in the Khentii mountains on the banks of the Onon river, on 5 September 2009; paying tribute to the birthplace of Chinggis Khaan. Race Opposition ...[Dave Murray from New Zealand participating in the race] In spite of the professional expertise and careful planning, some opposition to the race has been voiced. The opposition has been led by the Long Rider Guild - the association of equestrian explorers.

The guild has warned the organizers: The Adventurists is preparing to embark on an ill-advised equestrian misadventure, one in which your company does not appreciate the many equestrian hardships and dangers being presented to the horses and riders. The Guild claims their mounted explorers recently encountered in Mongolia wolf attacks, the bubonic plague, rabies, flash floods, foul water, poisoned food, horse theft and personal assault, during trips in Mongolia. Australian Neale Irons - who is planning his own cross-Mongolia horse ride adventure in 2010 - says: "People that have a true appreciation of horses have great respect for them and are always concerned about their welfare. On this basis alone, the organizers have a responsibility to look after their customers. The Adventurist Response to the Oposition The Adventurists replied that these comments are wholly unfounded and none of the facts were checked with the organisers before publication. They went on to assert that horse welfare has been of paramount importance at every stage of the Derby and will remain top of the agenda at all times.

And that the extensive veterinary program, route planning, the emergency back up system and expert team involved will result in a successful first edition of the World's Longest Horse Race. Mongolia will be the prime benefactor they say - according to the ethos of the organisers the host country will be publicised around the world as a top adventure tourism destination, and more than £25,000 will be donated to charity projects by the riders to help some of the most vulnerable rural communities. Links

Question: Where is the world's longest toughest horse race of over 1000 km in the footsteps of Genghis Khan?
Answer: Mongolia