Saskia endures 1000 km on horseback across Mongolia

Twenty-five riders mounted their horses amidst the ruins of the Great Khaan’s ancient capital Kharkhorin, to face a gruelling 1000 km race across the empty wilderness of Mongolia. This was no ordinary horse race. The Mongol Derby was not a test of the horse’s speed, but of the rider’s skill and endurance…
Franschhoek’s own Saskia Van Heeren has just returned from competing in the World’s Longest Horse Race – The Mongol Derby. Tremendous effort of endurance and fortitude over 9 days and 30 odd horses across the Mongolian Steppe. In the process of knock knees, back pain, sore bum and falling off she raised money for the Cape Cart Horse Protection Association and The Mercy Corps Mongolia.
Bravo Sas!!

3 Comments

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bobreply
February 13, 2010 at 08:02 AM

Howdy,
I’m planning a horeseback, village-to-village horseback trip in Mongolia. I would love to hear from anyone who might be able to offer any insights…
Thanks,
Bob

Joreply
February 15, 2010 at 02:02 PM
– In reply to: bob

Hi Bob, if you haven’t heard from Saskia you could try getting in touch with the organisers of the race, The Adventurists, through http://www.theadventurists.com
I am not sure how much they would be able to help but it might be a good starting point. Good luck!
Regards
Jo

bobreply
February 16, 2010 at 09:02 AM

Hi Jo,
Thanks for the great idea. It had not occurred to me that I could simply ask them a few questions since I’m not interested in a ‘derby’ or a ‘race’ but want to take my time and do a real go-slow-and-say-howdy-to-everyone kind of a trip. But you are correct… they probably have some good resources, pointers, or ideas. I’ll ping them.
Thanks again,
Bob

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