Welcome to the biggest undertaking of my life.

And while this may be my journey, as any competitor knows great undertakings require not just the physical and financial support of the community but the engagement and emotional labor before and during the competition. This may be a race but if you go on this journey with me we will travel through time, culture, and the Mongolian steppes themselves in search of deeper truths on the human condition, the natural world, and communal bonds that unite us from gers to chalets and ranches to haciendas.  

The Mongol Derby is a 10 day, 1000km (roughly 650 miles), horserace across Ghengis Khan's ancient postal routes in Mongolia. 

This race represents the human struggle, a confrontation of my own failures, and the realization of a dream.

Most importantly this race reminds me that I am still a living, moving being. We so often take our mobility and health for granted, but every ache, bruise, and sleepless night on this race will remind me of the honor of living. The race reminds me that we are all inexorably connected in our struggles, that the horse understands exhaustion as I do, that the Mongolian herder understands friendship without ever needing a translator, that the water I filter from streams on the steppes flows much the same as the Colorado River. Pain, effort, and hospitality are shared across culture and nature.

I have never not felt a draw towards horses. It didn't matter to me if it was a trail ride, eventing, wagon driving, barrel racing, or simply grooming. Horses have given me discipline, freedom, and emotional regulation throughout the phases of my life. As a child I remember seeing the cover of National Geographic with a girl only a few years younger than myself riding her rugged horse with a golden eagle perched on her arm and thus the dream of Mongolia was born. Touching the foundation of horsemanship in its purest form and connecting with the history and spirit of the horse is a mission of passion and this race is a colorful piece of the larger mosaic I hope to create with my life.

"If you're afraid- don't do it, if you're doing it- don't be afraid" -Ghenghis Khan

I'm not known for my tenacity or mental fortitude. And as a result of that lack of mental fortitude, I have never been an impressive athlete. But what I have always had is a strong survival instinct that I hope will drag me through the hard moments of this race. Because of this survival instinct, I have always had faith that I would remain mostly safe through my impetuous decisions.  Spending  a summer in Peru as a high schooler with very little Spanish and even less supervision, going to school in DC where this Texan girl learned the concept of preferred pronouns, or moving alone to a small Colorado town to pursue a hobby that has become a decade-long career.  I think of the unsuccessful solo backpack trip through Tazmania, the cultural frustration of ordering food in Egypt, and lack of motivation I had to reach my first 14,000ft peak, even if I did get to ski down it. And I think about how I might fail, but that not trying would hurt worse. 

This race showcases a dwindling way of life.

The traditional nomadic culture of Mongolia is become less tenable as climate change and urbanization increasingly shift the landscape for herders. Participation in this race includes a donation to the Mongolian non-profit, Steppe and Hoof, who work to provide nomadic peoples modern assistance to enable them to continue their lifestyles. These nomadic communities are meaningful stewards of land and history and can be self-sustaining with the adaptation of modern practices.  

"A Mongol without a horse is like a bird without wings".

The traditional Mongol lifestyle revolves around the horse, a symbol of strength that enabled the spread of the largest continuous empire the world has ever known. Horses provided means of trade and communication and were the basis of economic growth. In addition to transportation, horses are a source of sustenance, clothing, and other goods.  As a result of this empire-building animal, the symbolism of the horse remains strong today in art and folklore, with the Mongol language including over 500 words to describe horse traits and colors. Understanding and honoring the symbolism of the horse, and its relevance to the Mongol people is what this race, and I, aim to do.  

That I am strong enough mentally and physically to do this race is where your support comes in. 

 Over the following months I will be training, planning, and packing to ensure that I pass a test that signifies my ability to conquer dreams and not just milage. This race is truly a labor of love and I am honored and overwhelmed by the idea of bringing you on this journey with me.

You will be able to track and follow me live during the race being held August 5th-14th and I will also be starting a blog to keep you posted on my journey. For more information and pictures of the race visit:https://equestrianists.com/mongol-derby/

I will be creating lots of content, wearing lots of good gear and I'm happy to represent your brand!  For information on sponsorship opportunities please contact me at paigerylander@gmail.com

What does your contribution cover?

As you can imagine, the scope of this race is massive and as anything that deals with horses costly.  Here's what my entry fee, and your support goes towards:

• The Horses! It takes roughly 1,000 horses, acquired from local herders, many prized Naadam race horses, to get all of the competitors from start to finish. The process requires about 250 Mongolian herders to manage and deliver and maintain the horses to and throughout the race.
• 29 unique horse stations with Mongol families that cater and care for the racers. Mmmmm fermented yak milk!
• Medics on call for human emergencies and vets on call for horse emergencies as well as vet inspections at each horse station ensuring they are not being overworked.  
• Race crew on site and remote to ensure the logistics and smooth running of the event.
• Start and finish camps and Pre race training- the event fee also covers some training with the GPS system, mongol horses, as well as technical training prior to the start line. As well as awards ceremony at the finish line.
• Drivers and interpreters to get participants to and from Ulaanbaatar, move crew around throughout the race, as well as communicate with herders at horse stations. 
• Custom saddle and saddlebag designed specifically for the Mongol Derby. This saddle is lightweight, shorter, and durable enough to last 1000km.  

Mongol Derby Resources:

• "All the Wild Horses"- Documentary of the race can be found on Amazon Prime. https://www.amazon.com/All-Wild-Horses-George-Azarias/dp/B0CH6JQP91 
• Nat Geo Article: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/140806-mongolia-derby-horses-genghis-riders-adventure-race 
• Steppe and Hoof: https://www.steppeandhoof.org/