Mongol Derby
The Mongol Derby is described as the world’s longest and toughest horse race, covering 1,000 kilometres (+620 miles) over 10 days across the Mongolian Steppe. This annual event has taken place since 2009.
It is inspired by the postal transmission system set up Genghis Khan, whose tough messengers were able to gallop from Kharkhorin to the Caspian sea in a number of days using a massive network of horse stations.
Riders taking part in the Mongol Derby change horses every 35km and horse welfare is paramount. There are strict rules on the height and weight of riders and their kit. The tough Mongolian horses are typically 12-14hh, older than five, and have been carefully selected and trained to take part.
Riders have to carry everything they need to survive during the race with them within the weight limit so this is a test of endurance and survival in the wilderness of the steppe, as well as of horsemanship.
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‘He’s tougher than concrete’: 70-year-old cowboy wins world’s ‘longest race’
The cowboy’s performance has been called one of the “most impressive” in the history of the Derby
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Caught on camera! Thrills and spills from the 2018 Mongol Derby
The best pictures from this year's Mongol Derby, regarded as the longest, toughest horse race in the world
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‘Great horsemanship’: Britain and Australia claim joint victory in Mongol Derby
The pair crossed 1,000km of Mongolian steppe in just over six days, facing monsoon rain, fog, heat and floods along the way
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Potato farmer ahead of Olympian in world’s toughest horse race
Broken ribs, dehydration and hypothermia has struck Mongol Derby racers along the way
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How tough are you? 8 things you need to know about the Mongol Derby
With this year's Mongol Derby starting today (9 August 2017) get up to speed on the facts and figures about this gruelling race
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From Goodwood to Mongolia: BEF chief takes on extreme races days apart
British Equestrian Federation chief executive Clare Salmon said the challenge is “irresistible”
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Underlying defect likely to have caused Mongol Derby horse death
Dressage rider Tatiana Mountbatten's ride collapsed and died suddenly on day seven of the 1,000km race
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'The most amazing experience of my life': five Brits among top 10 finishers of Mongol Derby
The Mongol Derby is the world's longest horse race — crossing 1,000km of Mongolian wilderness
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Former champion jockey swaps racecourses for wilderness
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Mary King welcomes launch of 100km Dartmoor Derby
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How daring are you? Six equestrian events for the ultimate adrenaline junkie [VIDEOS]
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Have you ever wondered what taking part in the Mongol Derby is like?
Catherine Stott finished fifth in this year's Mongol Derby. She tells H&H about the ultimate endurance race — navigating 1,000km at a wild gallop, spending 13 hours a day in the saddle and dining on noodles and mutton
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British trio equal second in Mongol Derby
A jump jockey, a professional polo player and a Royal Marine crossed the finish line together
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British riders tackle Mongol Derby
Forty eight riders from 15 countries make this year's derby the biggest yet
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Record line-up for Mongol Derby
The world's toughest horserace has its biggest line-up for 2014 with more than 40 riders taking part
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Lara Prior-Palmer wins Mongol Derby
Lucinda Green's niece snatched a dramatic victory in the world’s longest horse race
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British woman bids to win Mongol Derby
One of the connections of Tina Cook’s Olympic silver medal-winning event horse Miners Frolic is among 29 hardy riders setting out on this summer’s Mongol Derby
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Victory for Irish jump jockeys in the Mongol Derby
Irish National Hunt jockeys Donal Fahy and Richard Killoran have finished first and second in the Mongol Derby
