So here we go, my first foray into writing…
Let me introduce you to the challenge that I have taken on this year, The Mongol Derby. According to the Guinness World Records ‘the longest multi-horse race in the world’. A 1,000km course across the Mongolian Steppe recreating Chinggis Khaan’s legendary postal route. I’ll be riding 20+ semi-wild Mongolian horses and staying either under the stars or with the nomadic herders of the steppe during the 10 day challenge. With only 5kg of kit I’ll be travelling light and will have to deal not only what the horses throw at me but what the elements do as well.
By now you may be asking yourself why an accountant from Surrey who has never owned a horse or done any competitive riding might want to take part in this event?
I’ve been riding since I was a child and teaching children for over 10 years at the Horse Rangers Association. I can’t really remember a time where horses weren’t a part of my life. I also love to travel having visited most of the continents of the world and can even claim to have holidayed in Sierra Leone which is always one that surprises people. So basically I’ve decided to combine the two. As well as that, whilst I wouldn’t say I’m an adrenaline junkie, I do like a bit of adventure, from bungee jumping to white water rafting I’ve tried a few things over the years.
I first heard about the Mongol Derby nearly 10 years ago. My sister and her (now) husband completed the Mongol Rally in 2008 so I was first introduced to The Adventurists then and it didn’t take me long to find out about the Derby. Given the challenge involved in this event I haven’t been in a position to take this on previously. This year things have fallen into place to allow me the time to train properly so I’m going to give it a go.
Oh and I’ll be raising money for two charities close to my heart, The Horse Rangers Association and Save the Children, as well as The Adventurists official charity Cool Earth. More to follow on them in them in later posts!
www.mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/gemmaractliffe
www.coolearth.org/campaigns/22215/journey-to-the-derby