- The determination is still apparent in the many photos that come out over the day via our social media channels, showing the grins, grimaces, and grit-your-teeth-and-get-it-done expressions on our brave riders’ faces.
- No matter where they are positioned on the field, every rider who has come here to taste the Mongolian horse’s way of life has done something significant that will change who they are forever.
- It’s the small things that you usually take for granted that make all the difference out here.
MONGOLIA: The Mongol Derby 2023 is now on its seventh day, and the lead riders have covered over 80% of the course, which is equivalent to around 800 kilometers. The chasing pack has also covered over 700 kilometers, and both groups are still going strong. The riders have endured various challenges, including heat, cold, rain, wind, insects, dogs, bogs, lost horses, lost tack, lost tech, and lost gear. However, they have also experienced incredible hospitality, unforgettable kindnesses, and camaraderie that one only reads about in fantastic adventure stories.
Despite the challenges, every rider who has come to taste the Mongolian horse way of life has done something significant that will change who they are forever. They have covered immense distances and endured various challenges, but they have also experienced unforgettable moments that will stay with them for a lifetime.
The riders have been advised to drink lots of water due to the hot and dry weather. They have taken advantage of today’s course, which runs along a nicely flowing creek, to cool themselves and their horses. The small things that one usually takes for granted make all the difference out here.
Judith JJA had a fun start to her morning today. Her feisty white racehorse was spooked at the saddle and legged it back to its home. Judith slung her saddle and gear up on her shoulder and walked the 10km across bogs and grasslands to reach the next horse station. The horse, meanwhile, made it back home and was happily frolicking amongst its horseline mates before the rest of us were even contemplating our breakfast.
Umair UKA also fell victim to this morning’s horse antics. He was thrown from his horse but was none the worse for wear. Reports are that he sat up, flashed that trademark grin, and dusted himself off while one of our Intrepid Medics Andy gave chase. The horse was recovered, and Andy has now added part-time horse wrangler to his lengthy list of talents.
The Bloodwagon has been doing a cracking good business, scooping up riders who have perhaps had one fall too many, who aren’t grievously injured beyond the usual bumps and bruises, but who need a breather from the relentless pace of seven days of racing. The seats were nearly full today with Solana SPE, Sam SFL, Izzy IDS, Randy RCA, Olivia OGA, Elizabeth EBA, and Hilaire HBL riding shotgun with our Bloodwagon captain Ariuka. While you might think hitching a ride in the Bloodwagon would be a disappointment for most, this crew has renamed the Bloodwagon “The Fun Wagon.” They have formed a tight-knit group and are now determined to ride the final leg across the finish line if at all possible.
Up at the front, lost horse notwithstanding, Judith has been chasing the lead laid down by Linda with no sign of letting up the pressure. At this point in the race, anything can happen, and past races have been lost at the finish line due to penalties. Judith has been steadily closing the gap, and we will continue to watch as they both lengthen their stride in the quest to be crowned Mongol Derby 2023 champion.
The horses themselves are the most important part of this race. The 1500 horses are sourced from local families spread across the 1000km, and every year, a number of families return to be part of this epic event. L. Enkhbat at HS18 is one such family: they had some outstanding horses on the line this year, including JDO Jessie’s mount (who was actually trained to rear on cue) and is used as the family’s resident lasso horse. LJO Lucy drew a seriously spirited red roan stallion who had just previously given some excitement to the station’s observers as it bucked and bronc-ed its way across the steppe. Not to worry though: Lucy has some serious riding skills and had no trouble showing him who was boss.
At the end of racing hours, the field was still a tight one with what we’ve fondly named “The Horde” of approximately 19 riders overnighting at HS20, and the leaders only two horse stations ahead. Watch this space the next two days as it’s going to be a veritable race to the finish!
