Riders get their first taste of the challenge ahead as pre-race  training gets underway in Mongolia 

Sixteen brave riders have had their first taste of the scale and grandeur of the Mongol Derby at the first of three days' intensive pre-race training led by Maggie Pattinson, Chef d'Equipe of the British Home International Endurance Team since 2007 and endurance expert. 

The second edition of the 1000kms multi-horse adventure kicks off from Kharkhorin, Mongolia's ancient capital, on Saturday August 7th. 

Riders will weigh in, as for the Epsom Derby, but there the similarities end; their ride will take them across mountains, rivers, flood plains, and of course, expansive grassy steppes, with no marked route and only their GPS and their wits to guide them. They will change horses every 40kms at a series of Morin Urtuus, or horse stations, manned by nomadic families as they were in the time of Chinggis Khaan.

The race has attracted a diverse group of contestants, all of whom are highly accomplished riders.  Among the line-up are a former dual Olympian, Madonna Harris of New Zealand, who has represented her country in both a summer (cycling) and winter (cross country skiing) Games, a former US Marine and champion martial artist, Justin Nelzen, diplomat Anna Bradbury, and perhaps most telling of all, returnee form the inaugural race in 2009, Saskia van Heeren of South Africa.

For one very unlucky contestant it was first blood to the horses, with a broken collar bone sustained from a fall meaning a frustrating withdrawal from the race before launch. But on the whole, our pre-race trainer and endurance riding guru Maggie Pattinson pronounced herself to be “very impressed with how they coped with the Mongolian horses;” praise indeed. 

The riders have benefitted from Maggie's eagle eye out on the steppe, helping them to jettison non-essential items from their meagre 5kgs luggage allowance, and offering invaluable advice on how to look after themselves and their steeds out on the course.  

Rider Sophie de Selliers was advised to ditch her unsuitable silk knickers to avoid serious injury, and conceded that she would likely ride the race 'commando'. Then at the last minute, 2009 Mongol Derby joint winning rider Charles van Wyck, who is back out on the steppe as photographer and member of the organising team, lent Sophie his winning pants. A true gentleman.

British entrant Richard Dyer and Sophie de Selliers, who is flying the flag for Belgium, both paid tribute to the sheer scale and beauty of their surroundings.  “I am flabbergasted every time I go outside”, enthused Sophie.  “This place is truly unique.”  Richard marvelled at the “stunning” landscape, “grand” little horses, “astounding” hospitality, and his great good fortune in not having eaten anything he regretted thus far in the proceedings.

When asked if there was anything she would be sure to take or leave behind, Sophie had another pearl of wisdom; “leaving my make-up behind....and taking my Immodium!”
 
Most encouraging of all is the verdant green of the landscape itself, and the good condition of the 600 horses involved in the Mongol Derby.  After a terrible dzud last winter which left many herdsmen in dire straits, it is a relief to all and a testimony to the hardiness of Mongolian horses and people alike that the Derby is shaping up to be another rip-roaring success.  Race organiser Antonia Bolingbroke Kent said, “the horses are looking great, fit and vigorous.  You'd never know there had been such a harsh winter”.  The Derby horses also benefit from extensive veterinary back-up, and the Mongol Derby Veterinary Training program which commenced this year to improve standards of care for hardworking horses in Mongolia, year-round.

For more information on the Derby and how to grab one of the coveted places please visit http://www.mongolderby.com

The Mongol Derby is organised by The Adventurists in partnership with Tengri Group in Mongolia.

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One rider was advised to ditch her knickers to avoid serious injury. 

Their ride will take them across mountains, rivers, flood plains, and of course, expansive grassy steppes, with no marked route and only their GPS and their wits to guide them.