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2024 Mongol Derby: the world's toughest horse race
Fort Worth Rodeo star takes third in the World’s Toughest Horse Race
ForthWorthReport.org - Full Story
by Press Release
August 20, 2024
20th August 2024, TEXAS, U.S.: Fort Worth resident and former National Finals Rodeo pickup man, Josh Edwards, takes third place in this year’s Mongol Derby, the world’s longest and toughest horse race. Completing the race, a 1,000 kilometre endurance ride across the Mongolian Steppe, in just 9 days, Edwards was the only rider not from Australia to finish inside the top five.
Inspired by the ancient horse messenger system of Genghis Khan, this year was the 14th time the race has taken place. Riders face up to 200 kilometres a day in the saddle on semi-wild horses, making it the ultimate test of equestrian endurance. This year 42 riders from across the globe made up the field, including the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Europe, Brazil, China and South Africa...
Read more here:
https://fortworthreport.org/2024/08/20/fort-worth-rodeo-star-takes-third-in-the-worlds-toughest-horse-race/
Three Shropshire brothers make their mark in world’s toughest horse race
ShropshireStar.com - Full Story
August 20 2024
Three brothers from Ludlow made history by becoming the first trio of siblings from the UK to compete in the Mongol Derby, the world’s longest and toughest horse race. Augustus Read (23), the eldest brother, crossed the line in 6th place, alongside Americans Margaret Holloway and Gianna Aycock, and Britain’s Lola Day. Younger brothers, Charles (21) and Bert Read (19) finished the race in joint 11th place, out of 42 riders, alongside Grey Godsal another of the British contingent.
Following eight days of intense competition, Melbourne-native Missy Morgan took this year’s crown, closely followed by previous winner and Mongol Derby veteran, Perth-based Sam Jones, who won the race back in 2014...
Read more here:
https://www.shropshirestar.com/your-world/2024/08/20/three-shropshire-brothers-make-their-mark-in-worlds-toughest-horse-race/
Mom shares details after daughter becomes 1st Iowan to complete Mongol Derby
Mongol Derby 2024 Day 10 – A hero’s welcome
Equestrianists.com - Full Story
Holly Conyers
16th August 2024
And just like that, it’s all over. The 2024 Mongol Derby has drawn to a close on Day 10, with the rest of our heroic riders pulling out all the stops to complete the adventure of a lifetime. The drizzle did nothing to dampen our spirits out on the steppe, as riders, crew and friends and family alike thronged at the finish line to cheer on those riding into camp.
Vet Don presided over a bustling HS28 this morning, as 8 riders arose ready to conquer the last leg of the 2024 Derby. Off most went early doors, to relish a final gallop across the steppe before the dream comes to an end. They were mounted up and ready for blast off by 6:30 on the dot, clearly now extremely motivated by the prospects of warm, dry clothing and a camp bed. Marni Hamilton (MHA) was onboard a prancing pony who looked well up to the job. Her response to Don’s request for a final call sign and comment on check out: “MHA, I hope I live”. (Spoiler, she did.) Fred Berry (FBE) blasted straight past Don completely ignoring him in his excitement to reach his goal, followed by Kelly Westlake (KWE): “KWE, let’s send it.” HMO: “Let’s get her done.” That’s more like it...
Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/mongol-derby-2024-day-10-a-heros-welcome/
Mongol Derby 2024 Day 9 – Sharing the spoils
Equestrianists.com - Full Story
Holly Conyers
15th August 2024
Day 9 of the 2024 Mongol Derby sees another 26 of our spectacular cohort of riders reach finish camp to become official Mongol Derby veterans. Welcome to the tribe: you’re now a member for life. While the slightly damp and dreary weather wasn’t much of a cause for celebration, everybody still out on the course gritted their teeth to battle through it, either to join the party at finish camp or make it that bit closer out on the steppe. Many loyal riding companions and newly minted friends for life have touchingly chosen to cross the line together and share their final race placings, showing the kind of sportsmanship that makes the Derby such a special experience for so many. It’s been a day of emotional reunions, remarkable riding and hard-earned cold beers. But it’s not over yet: still out on the course we have 10 determined jockeys who get to enjoy some more steppe magic before it’s all over tomorrow...
Read the rest here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/mongol-derby-2024-day-9-sharing-the-spoils/
Mongol Derby 2024 Day 8 – All hail the Queen
Equestrianists.com - Full Story
Holly Conyers
14th August 2024
Day 8 of the 2024 Mongol Derby, and she’s done it. The exceptional Missy Morgan (MMO) has crossed the finish line in superb form, having ridden alone all the way from HS12 where she last saw another Derby rider on Day 4. And she’s managed it with zero vet penalties, and only a few late riding penalties marring her Vet Card. Let’s be very clear here: this was a bloody good ride. About as good as it can possibly get, in fact. Massive congratulations, MMO. You’ve been a pleasure to follow for those back home, and for all our crew, hosts, horses and riders who have met you out on the steppe. A very deserving champion is born...
Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/mongol-derby-2024-day-8-all-hail-the-queen/
Mongol Derby 2024 Day 7 – Ladies’ day
Equestrianists.com - Full Story
Holly Conyers
13th August 2024
Close of play on Day 7 of the 2024 Mongol Derby, and the competitive tension has ratcheted up a notch. All eyes are fixed on the two formidable horsewomen loose between HS25 and HS26, each camping out with exceptional host families for what will potentially – touch wood, barring any Derby disasters tomorrow – be their final night out on the steppe. Sam Jones (SJO) has put in an incredible day’s riding to claw back Missy Morgan’s (MMO) 1.5 horse station advantage from a couple of days ago. MMO rode out of HS25 just an hour and a bit ahead of her, normally only about 10km difference in Derby terms. And, to make things even more interesting, they appear to have consulted contrasting maps, each disappearing off down different river valleys. Will navigational nous prove the deciding factor in the final dash for finish camp? Only time will tell...
Read the rest here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/mongol-derby-2024-day-7-ladies-day/
Mongol Derby 2024 Day 6 – Snakes and ladders
Equestrianists.com - Full Story
Holly Conyers
12th August 2024
Day 6 of the 2024 Mongol Derby has seen our riders labouring under another summer scorcher out on the steppe. HQ had decreed that riding hours would be extended from today onwards by an hour from 6:30 to 19:30, giving riders more of a chance to make the most of cooler evenings and mornings to keep battling on towards the finish line at HS29. Out in front leading the charge, Missy Morgan (MMO) continues on her professional romp round the Derby course, eating up yet more ground to reach HS22 this evening. But her closest competitors are giving their all in the chase. Sam Jones (SJO) and Josh Edwards (JED) have rejoined forces and closed the gap slightly, having ridden a textbook day to reach their campsite just short of HS21. MMO still has a healthy lead, but at the pace her pursuers are travelling a penalty of just a few hours or a couple of slow horses could make all the difference. Can she handle the heat to cling on the whole way to the finish line, another 7 horse stations away?...
Read the rest here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/mongol-derby-2024-day-6-snakes-and-ladders/
Mongol Derby 2024 Day 5 – Lucky dip
Equestrianists.com - Full Story
Holly Conyers
12th August 2024
Day 5 of the 2024 Mongol Derby has delivered one of the most astonishing ends to a day’s racing in Derby history. Missy Morgan (MMO) has pulled off a stunning feat of daring and horsemanship to extend her lead to a horse station and a half over her nearest rivals, in the most extraordinary form possible. Rounding off a sweltering day’s racing out on the steppe, MMO had a perfectly timed stroke of luck to draw a champion naadam horse from HS17. She pulled off an unbelievable leg, flying from HS17 to HS18 in just 1hr 45 minutes and sneaking into safety by the very tightest of margins. She’s put daylight between herself and her former riding companions Josh Edwards (JED) and Sam Jones (SJO), and she’s now more than halfway round the course. Can she continue to hold her nerve and keep her lead, or do they have their own superstar horses to come to claw it back?...
Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/mongol-derby-2024-day-5-lucky-dip/
Mongol Derby 2024 Day 4 – The parting of the ways
Equestrianists.com - Full Story
Holly Conyers
10th August 2024
Day 4 of the 2024 Mongol Derby, and the heat is on. The morning dawned clear and crisp, not a cloud in the sky. The weather held all day, with the sun beating down on hot and bothered horses and riders by the afternoon. The tension has risen along with the thermometer. Some unlucky vet penalties have led to a dramatic split in the leading pack at the head of the race, and also given others riding hard to catch up with them a chance to disrupt the rankings. Missy Morgan (MMO) finds herself camped out in the wilds tonight with only her noble steed for company, breaking away from former co-leaders Sam Jones (SJO) and Josh Edwards (JED): will she manage to cling on to her freshly seized lead, or will the weight of riding alone prove too much? Riding solo, and especially at the front, can be a draining experience. Think of it like bike racing right at the front of the peloton the whole way, rather than having team mates to take turns battling into the headwind. Sometimes your horse won’t travel as well as it would in company and requires a lot more encouragement, being solely responsible for every navigational decision can be draining, and if the worst does happen and you take a tumble you’re going to be hard pushed to catch a loose horse alone. As we approach the halfway mark of the race, anything could happen...
Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/mongol-derby-2024-day-4-the-parting-of-the-ways/
American distance jockey is stranded in Mongolia after getting too sick to ride in 620-mile race: ‘They told me to ride it out’
NYPost.com - Full Article
By Richard Pollina
Published Aug. 8, 2024,
A Wyoming-based extreme distance jockey was left to fend for herself in Mongolia after race organizers allegedly “couldn’t give a crap” about what happened to her when she fell too sick to compete in the 620-mile trek across the East Asian country.
Dede Anders, 49, was a last-minute entry in the Mongol Derby and arrived in Mongolia on Aug. 1 after race organizers reached out to her last month when another competitor dropped out, she told the Cowboy State Daily.
From the nation’s capital of Ulaanbaatar, Anders took an eight-hour trip to the race starting point and was all set to take the lengthy ride across the Mongolian Steppe.
The race — self-proclaimed as the world’s toughest horse race — recreates the horse messenger system developed by Genghis Khan in 1224, according to The Mongolian Derby’s website.
However, on Monday, two days before the race was set to start, she became violently ill...
Read more here:
https://nypost.com/2024/08/08/us-news/wyoming-horse-racer-dede-anders-abandoned-in-mongolia-after-getting-too-sick-to-ride-in-620-mile-mongol-derby/
Mongol Derby 2024 Day 3 – Three’s company
Equestrianists.com - Full Story
Holly Conyers
9th August 2024
The sun returned to shine down on us by the end of Day 3 on the 2024 Mongol Derby, and sets on another day of excellent racing, outstanding sportsmanship and a healthy dose of mayhem. Our leading riders have had a long, fast day in the saddle to cover a marathon day, propelling themselves from their campsite just beyond HS6 last night all the way to HS10. A 4 horse station day is no mean feat, especially when accounting for a high mountain pass and one emergency ejection along the way. But so far, the three frontrunners have managed to dodge any major drama: Josh Edwards (JED), Missy Morgan (MMO) and Sam Jones (SJO) are fast morphing into a three-pronged lean, mean Derby machine. But have they formed a firm enough bond to bind them through the ups and downs which are surely still to come over the remaining 19 horse stations, or are they all still harbouring personal hopes of clinching victory for themselves? Only time will tell...
https://equestrianists.com/updates/mongol-derby-2024-day-3-threes-company/
Mongol Derby 2024 Day 2 – Into the woods
Equestrianists.com - Full Story
Holly Conyers
8th August 2024
And then there were four. The dust has settled on Day 2 of the 2024 Mongol Derby, as four members of last night’s leading group of seven pull off a near flawless Derby day to put themselves just beyond the reach of a competitive chasing pack a mere 10k behind them at HS6. Sam Jones (SJO), Missy Morgan (MMO), Josh Edwards (JED) and Lola Day (LRD) have ridden beautifully today with the help of some exceptional equine partners to eat up the ground, navigate expertly through woodland and mountain passes and secure themselves a 5-star Mongolian goat shed for the night. The Derby dream. Pats on the back may well be deserved, but they can’t rest too easy: a determined throng of 6 riders will be making the most of the comforts of HS6 tonight to recharge and launch their bid for the lead at 7am tomorrow morning...
Read more and see photos here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/mongol-derby-2024-day-2-into-the-woods/
Mongol Derby 2024 – Pre-Race Training Day 3 – Marmot mayhemMongol Derby 2024 Day 1 – We have lift off
Equestrianists.com - Full Story
Holly Conyers
7th August 2024
A whirlwind Day 1 of the 2024 Mongol Derby comes to a close, leaving in its wake several slightly bruised jockeys, a lost Vet Card somewhere between the start line and HS1, and some thrilling sporting drama. Typically the first day of any Derby is pretty hectic, but this one was a rollercoaster for the ages. Emerging victorious from the fray, 7 of our intrepid riders have bedded down for the night at HS3, the rest of the field spread out behind them all the way back to just shy of HS2. Sleeping soundly tonight in the comfort of HS3 are Almira Zakiyeva (AZA), Josh Edwards (JED), Lola Day (LRD), our 2014 Derby champion Sam Jones (SJO) and team New Zealand Brydie Black (BBL) and Emma Watson (EWA). But they’re by no means shot of the rest of the field. Camping out alone and just a few kms out of HS3, Gideon Kotkowski (GKO) has ridden a stormer to keep himself within touching distance of the lead. A slow start by the leaders in the morning could see him leaping up the rankings, assuming his horse is still there by his side when he wakes. And the rest of the field are hardly a station behind. It’s all to play for...
Read more, photos and videos here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/mongol-derby-2024-day-1-we-have-lift-off/
Meet Deirdre Griffith, First Wyoming Woman To Win World's Longest Horse Race
Mongol Derby 2024 – Pre-Race Training Day 3 – Marmot mayhem
Equestrianists.com - Full Article
Holly Conyers
6th August 2024
Just like that, bootcamp is over. Two full days on the steppe at the Mongol Derby start camp, and we’re satisfied our 2024 cohort of Derby hopefuls are prepped and ready for blast off. Or, at least, as prepped and ready as you can ever actually be for whatever particular curveballs the Derby decides to chuck your way. The day dawned bright and pleasant, just like yesterday. Riders would be forgiven for assuming it would be another (largely) smooth day of briefings and test rides on nice calm horses. But they hadn’t yet reckoned with the miniature fluffy ball of terror that is the Mongolian marmot.
For some, the first obstacle of the day was shaking off the sore head and bleary eyes from their introductory night to the steppe and the start camp bar supplies. Last night following dinner, riders were treated to a mini naadam, the Mongolian national festival. Normally this involves Mongolian wrestling, horse racing and archery, but accompanying events also include contortionists, musical performances and throat singing (if you haven’t heard it, have a Google). Our local performers put on quite the show to really embed the riders in the phenomenally rich cultural heritage they are witnessing out on the steppe. Yes, they’re here to race horses, but these horses are only here as part of Mongolia’s fascinating history and traditions, many of which are kept alive to this day. Apparently this extends to watching everything from the back of your horse, if you’re a true Mongolian herder like our start camp team...
Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/mongol-derby-2024-pre-race-training-day-3-marmot-mayhem/
Mongol Derby 2024 – Pre-Race Training Day 2 – Bootcamp begins
Equestrianists.com - Full Article
Holly Conyers
5th August 2024
Day 2 of Pre-Race Training, and our crew and riders woke up to a glorious first morning on the steppe. Sunny but relatively cool with promising clear skies and innocent fluffy clouds: the dream training day. A positive omen for our riders’ first brush with some famously spicy Mongolian horses. As riders rose and tucked into breakfast, our herders were already up with the larks and rounding up our test drive mounts ready for later in the day. Generally, horses in Mongolia range totally free in large herds. One or two reliable horses are always left hobbled or tied together close to home (or, in this case, Derby start camp) so herders have a willing steed to help them track down the others when the need arises...
Read the rest here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/mongol-derby-2024-pre-race-training-day-2-bootcamp-begins/
Mongol Derby 2024 – Pre-Race Training Day 1 – The riders roll in
Equestrianists.com - Full ARticle
Holly Conyers
4th August 2024
And so it begins. Our riders are now safely installed in the 2024 Mongol Derby start camp, having completed Day 1 of Pre-Race Training and cleared the first hurdle to Mongol Derby success: the very lengthy bus ride out from Ulaanbaatar to the steppe. They now have two more days of Derby bootcamp to test all their gear, finalise their snack selections and get familiar with some of their mighty Mongolian steeds before the gun goes off on the 2024 Mongol Derby and they thunder across the start line. There’s no going back now.
The Derby itself starts on Wednesday, and riders have 10 days to complete the approximately 1,000km course. Until the final day of racing action, we’ll be bringing you live daily reports covering each day’s thrills and spills. For now, read on for a rundown of what the riders and the crew have been up to today, and some background info on the course you’ll shortly be watching them conquer live on our tracking map...
More at:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/mongol-derby-2024-pre-race-training-day-1-the-riders-roll-in/
Mongol Derby 2024 – Meet The Jockeys
Equestrianists.com - Full Article
by Holly Conyers
31st July 2024
It’s almost here folks. In just over a week’s time, on 7 August 2024, a brand new batch of highly skilled and adventure hungry riders will take on the 13th edition of the mighty Mongol Derby.
Here at Equestrianists HQ we’re into the final throes of Derby prep. Start camp gers are being assembled, rider tack packs are being checked and rechecked, and the stars of the show – the horses – are being herded into position all across the steppe for the longest and toughest horse race in the world. We can hardly wait.
While the tension builds, what better way to whet your appetites for the sporting thrills and spills to come than to take a sneak peek into the backgrounds of our protagonists themselves: the riders. All have come through our rigorous application process and emerged triumphant. That’s a pretty big achievement already. But who will take the spoils and be crowned champion of the 2024 Mongol Derby? It’s all to play for...
Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/mongol-derby-2024-meet-the-jockeys/
It was the nerve system of the largest empire in human history, and at its height, Genghis Khan’s mighty horse messenger system connected half the planet. For a decade we’ve been rebuilding this ancient network to stage the world’s greatest equine adventure race.
You square up to 1000km of Mongolian steppe on semi-wild horses, changing steeds every 40km. You navigate and survive on your own wits and skill, living among the herders. It’s you and your horse vs. the wild.
This is the longest and toughest horse race on earth. This is the Mongol Derby.
Greybull native to ride 620-mile Mongolian Derby, the World’s Toughest Horse Race
Thu, 08/01/2024
Victoria O’Brien
Dede Anders thought she had more time. After a lengthy interview process, Anders was selected to run in the Mongolian Derby, the world’s longest and toughest endurance horse race, in 2025. But after another rider’s injury, Anders was called up to the 2024 competition a little over a month ago, upending her original plans. In a little more than a week’s time, she will be competing halfway across the world against 49 other riders from around the globe in the world’s toughest endurance race.
The Mongol derby follows what historians have called the empire’s nerve system: the horse messenger system created by Ghengis Khan that once connected over half of the world. Riding semi-wild Mongolian horses, competitors are armed with only their packs, GPS and backup, and must ride for 11 hours a day for nine days straight as they navigate 620 miles of the rugged Mongolian steppe. Adding to the grueling demands of the competition is a final wrinkle: riders must swap their mounts every 25-miles at check-in stations where the horses will be vetted and checked over — riders who deliver their horse in poor condition will receive penalties — and competitors will receive food, aid and water...
Read more here:
https://www.basinrepublican-rustler.com/content/greybull-native-ride-620-mile-mongolian-derby-world%E2%80%99s-toughest-horse-race#
Weston CT horseman to take on 'world's toughest' race across Mongolian steppe
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NH native to take on 'world's toughest' horse race across Mongolian steppe
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Shelby Van Wealden First Iowan to compete in Mongol Derby
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Cedar Rapids firefighter selected as 1st Iowan to compete in the Mongol Derby