Dispatch from the field, Pre-Race Training 2010

Riders pass muster for Pattinson

Our brave riders have had their first taste of the awesome challenge ahead of them at the first of three days' intensive pre-race training. For one very unlucky contestant it was first blood to the horses, 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 horses appeared less impressed with our decorated international line-up, apparently eyeing their state-of-the-art technical clothing and current state of cleanliness with some suspicion.

Perfect preparation?

The riders themselves are in a state of nervous excitement, and in varying degrees of preparedness. As many insiders had predicted, US entrant Justin Nelzen has seen off all comers for 'exhaustive reconnaissance', and appears to have mastered the dark art of hobbling and securing his horse, opening up the possibility of a comfortable night under the stars a deux with his trusty steed without it stealing away under the cover of darkness, a mishap which befell several riders in 2009.

Meanwhile, Sophie de Selliers admitted that she would be riding the race 'commando' on the advice of Maggie, who pronounced her choice of underpinnings to be “rubbish”. Lacy knickers are not the Derbyist's friend. Falling foul of the vaguaries of Air China, Anna Bradbury is nervously awaiting the arrival of her luggage from Ulaanbaatar. All have benefited from the wealth of experience of Maggie Pattinson, who helped riders jettison the non-essentials from their slender weight limits.

After a wet and blustery first night at the start camp, during which a small herd of goats attempted to break into the dining tent for a bit of warmth and some salty tea, fellow American rider Kat Swigart reaffirmed her intention not to camp wild at any point during the race! When asked if she had a strategy in place for riding the 1000km race, she sagely added, “I cannot have a race strategy without consulting the horses I will be riding- I'll take my lead from them!” Following her first ride on the mythical native Mongolian horses, she praised their ability to read the difficult ground and look after themselves and their riders, and their responsive attitude.

First impressions

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, near the ancient capital Kharkhorin. “I am flabbergasted every time I go outside”, enthused Sophie. “This place is truly unique.” Richard's cup overfloweth 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 resultant condition of the four-legged contestants. 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. Said our (Wo)Man on the Steppe Antonia, “the horses are looking great, fit and vigorous. You'd never know there had been such a harsh winter”. Hurrah!

Report filed by Miss Kate Willings, Head of Equitation and Tack Cleaning, League of Adventurists, from Bristol, UK

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The riders have all coped very well with the Mongolian horses

Maggie Pattinson, Pre-Race Trainer

I'll be riding the race commando. Maggie told me my knickers were rubbish!

Sophie de Selliers dispenses of her silk drawers

The horses look really well. You would never guess there had been a dzud winter. The steppe is very green.

Miss Ants, Derby Chief

Quotes from the 2010 Derby Launch from Kharkhorin, Mongolia. Pictures to follow soon!

Pre-race training marks countdown to 2010 launch