PentictonHerald.ca - Full Article
Special to the Herald Dec 5, 2025
Penticton equestrian instructor and horse trainer Michelle Van Baalen has qualified to compete in the 2027 Mongol Derby, widely regarded as the longest and toughest horse race in the world.
The race spans 1,000 kilometres across the Mongolian steppe, with riders spending up to 12 hours a day in the saddle for 10 days. Competitors change horses approximately every 35 kilometres, relying on stamina, navigation skills and resilience to endure the harsh and unpredictable terrain.
“The Mongol Derby is as much about teamwork and survival as it is about racing,” organizers note. Riders must be capable outdoorspeople, prepared to navigate remote countryside and face extreme weather conditions.
Van Baalen’s extensive background in multiple riding disciplines—Hunter Jumper, Rodeo and Endurance—along with her strong outdoor skills, helped her secure a place in the elite international event...
Read more here:
https://www.pentictonherald.ca/sports/article_73ec3141-ab88-4b47-8280-724d83a2679f.html
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