Mongol Derby 2009

by Erdene

Mongol Derby 2009
Written by E.Bayannasan
Tuesday, September 08, 2009

The world’s longest horse race 1000km from Kharkhorin soum to Dadal soum, Mongolia. At first, “Tengri” group of the Mongolian tourists and “Association of the adventurists” of England organized successful this race and the riders came in station three days ago.

Organizers said that “We organized successful this racing in this year. Also, we will hold next year named “The Adventurists-2010”.

The world’s first Mongol Derby, a new international event based on Chinggis Khaan’s horse stations came to a successful finish on September 2. The horse adventure, which started at the Kharkhorin Ovorkhangai province and finished at the Dadal soum Khentii province is just less than 1000 km long and lasted for almost two weeks has become a Guinness World Record as the longest multi horse race. The Mongol Derby involved around 700 horses, 23 stations and lasted for 10 days.

The Mongol Derby riders got to the finish line by riding one horse for only 20- 40 km then changing their horse at each of the horse stations. 26 riders from 10 countries participated in the race, such as New Zealand, Great Britain and South Africa. South African rider Charles Van Wyk and Mongolian rider Sh.Galbadrakh were the first to arrive on the 8th day.

Mongolian rider and winner of the race Sh.Galbadrakh said; “I’m happy to participate in the race.

Charles Van Wyk one winner of the race said; “the hospitality and welcome of the Mongolian people was amazing. We have been brought into their homes and looked after like members of their family, it felt like being at home.

Overall it has been a great experience to live in the steppe and ride Mongolian horses”. Nick Farnhill said: “It’s been an all consuming experience for the last 6 months – preparation, training and hard work – but in the end all worth it. An incredible experience and just very sad it’s all over.”

Annelie Simmons one of the 13 women riders said: “I was consistently amazed and overwhelmed by the strength and tenacity of the Mongolian horses; they were tough, hardy and strong. There was never a single point whereby I felt we were asking too much of them, if anything we could have ridden harder and faster but I treated each horse as if it was my own –With care and respect”
And, Organisers of the Mongol Derby state that the Mongol Derby is the first of its kind in the world and has proved to be a huge success.

It was a great celebration of Mongolia’s history, traditions, pristine nature, and the Mongolian peoples’ hospitality and horses to the world opening doors to thousands tourists to Mongolia.