Midcoast dairy farmer to compete in the Mongol Derby, the longest horse race in the world

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Jessie Dowling, of Whitefield, will leave for Mongolia later this month to prepare for a 620-mile race against 44 riders from around the world.

July 5 2023
By Maria SkillingsTimes Record

A Midcoast dairy farmer and horse enthusiast will tackle the ultimate riding challenge when she competes next month in the Mongol Derby — the longest horse race in the world.

Jessie Dowling, 42, of Whitefield, will race in Mongolia alongside 44 riders from all over the world, two-thirds of whom are women. The elite race, which starts Aug. 2, follows the historical postal routes of Genghis Khan, the founder of the Mongol Empire.

“Mongolia is the birthplace of horsemanship,” Dowling said.

Riders will have eight to 10 days to complete the 620-mile race. Competitors can only ride between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Racers must weigh no more than 187 pounds when dressed in full gear and can only carry 11 pounds of supplies. In the evenings, riders stay with Mongolian families for food and shelter, according to the derby website.

Dowling is not the only Mainer to compete in the Derby...

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