The 2023 Mongol Derby is almost upon us

Equestrianists.com

Tom Morgan
30th July 2023

The thundering hooves of brave Equestrianists from across the globe will soon resonate through the vast Mongolian steppes as the 12th Edition of the Mongol Derby is about to kick off. This awe-inspiring event brings together horse riders from eleven different countries, all eager to challenge themselves in the Guinness Book of World Records’ ‘World’s Longest and Toughest Horse Race.’ With a spirit of adventure and camaraderie, they are prepared to push the boundaries of endurance and skill in this ultimate test of horsemanship.

Returning Champions and New Hopefuls

Among this year’s contenders, we welcome back familiar faces and newcomers alike. Trinity Nelzen, following in her father’s footsteps, ventures to honor his memory after he triumphed in the Mongol Derby a decade ago. Her determination and heritage add an emotional touch to the already thrilling race. Notably, Phoebe de Raeve and Bianca Farmas-Griffith, seasoned riders who participated in the 2022 edition, are back for a second try at conquering the Mongolian wilderness. Their previous experience will undoubtedly aid them, but the unpredictable nature of the Derby keeps them on their toes...

More at:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/the-2023-mongol-derby-is-almost-upon-us/

Australia: Winton to Longreach Endurance Ride revived for first run since 1988

ABC.net.au - Full Article and videos

ABC Western Qld/ By Victoria Pengilley and Heidi Sheehan
Posted Sun 30 Jul 2023

The midnight, late-July air is dry and crisp as 32 people mount their horses and ride off under the cover of darkness.

The skilled horsemen and women are embarking on one of the toughest rides in the country — a relentless, 220-kilometre journey from Winton to Longreach.

The start of the endurance ride was once signalled by a shotgun when it took place 40 years ago.

Now it's a gentle "off you go" from the chief steward that sends riders on their way into the barren landscape...

Read more here:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-31/winton-longreach-endurance-ride-revived-1988/102666028

2023 Mongol Derby kicks off August 2

Equestrianists.com

The Mighty Mongol Derby is kicking off on August 2, 2023!

Forty-five equestrianists from around the world are making their way to Mongolia. Stay tuned as The Equestrianists bring you all the action from the steppe.

If you'd like to follow along you can do so via the following:
-FB/Instagram @MongolDerby
-Twitter @MongolDerbylive
-Live Tracker Map via our website: https://equestrianists.com/mongol-derby/

*Note the tracker map will not be visible/live until August 2nd when the race kicks off.

‘Powerful’ Scottish horse ride helps charity to combat isolation

TheNational.scot - Full Article

18 July 2023
By Steph Brawn

A SCOT is hoping is close a widening gap between people and the outdoors in the wake of the Covid crisis after leading a “powerful” fundraising horse ride from St Andrews to Iona along an ancient trail.

Louis Hall began long-distance horse rides in 2020 after his friend tragically died of cystic fibrosis.

The 27-year-old rode from John O’Groats to Lands End across 57 days while raising a mammoth £38,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

What he thought would be a tough, solitary journey against the elements on his Highland pony turned out to be an “extraordinary magnet for human connection” as people from all walks of life joined him for parts of his adventure...

Read more here:
https://www.thenational.scot/news/23664178.powerful-scottish-horse-ride-helps-charity-combat-isolation/

India: Saima Syed: A hijabi girl riding on horses of her dreams

DailyGoodMorningKashmir.com - Full Article

By: Dr. Shujaat Ali Quadri
July 21, 2023

With tricolour in her hand, 20-year-old Saima Syed proudly flaunts her unique achievement: She has become the country’s first One Star woman horse rider. Saima has achieved the feat of becoming a One Star Rider by qualifying with a Bronze Medal in the 80 km Endurance Race in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on 17 and 18 February this year under the joint aegis of Equestrian Federation of India and All India Marwari Horse Society, Gujarat Chapter.

Saima was being brought up in a small-town called Nagaur, near Jodhpur, when she made up her mind that she would become a leading horse rider of India riding on her favourite partner, Aravalli, which is her mare...

Read more here:
https://www.dailygoodmorningkashmir.com/saima-syed-a-hijabi-girl-riding-on-horses-of-her-dreams/

New Zealand: Katikati equestrian rider celebrates big win

SunLive.co.nz - Full Article

07 Jul, 2023 | By Taylor Rice

Protein bars, a 2am start and a 11-hour ride on horseback has led to Kayla Warbrooke winning the highest overall distance for the season at the Distance Riding NZ prizegiving.

Kayla is now the proud winner of the Youth Combination Award, after clocking up a whopping total of 633km for the season.

Her impressive distance was helped by her first ever 120km ride at the 2023 Renegade Hoofboots DRNZ championships, held in Taupo earlier this year.

The track consisted of four loops, ranging from 40km to 20km. The speed of Kayla’s ride was at 10 to 13km per hour, and was completed by Kayla in 11 hours and 42 minutes.

“It was such a foggy morning at the champs, me and my friend got lost a few times but got back on track quickly,” says Kayla...

Read more here:
https://sunlive.co.nz/news/322572-katikati-equestrian-rider-celebrates-big-win.html

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

PressHerald.com - Full Article

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...

Read more or listen here:
https://www.pressherald.com/2023/07/05/midcoast-dairy-farmer-to-compete-in-the-mongol-derby-the-longest-horse-race-in-the-world/