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/
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