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The Mongol Derby is an equestrian endurance race. It extends 1,000 kilometres (620 mi) through the Mongolian Steppe and is the world's longest horse race. The course recreates the horse messenger system developed by Genghis Khan in 1224.
Mongolian horse racing is a captivating and ancient tradition deeply rooted in Mongolia’s nomadic culture. It’s much more than just a sport; it is a celebration of the skills and endurance both of horses and their riders.
One of the young winners of a Naadam horse race in Mandalgovi, Mongolia. Unlike Western horse racing, which consists of short sprints generally not much longer than 2 km, Mongolian horse racing as featured in Naadam is a cross-country event, with races 15–30 km long.
The Mongol Derby is the longest and toughest horse race in the world. We don’t say that lightly. A decade after launching the race that title is still being backed up by riders year after year. In 1224 man of the millennium Chinggis Khaan set up the world’s first long-distance postal transmission system.
The history of Mongolian horse racing is as vast and expansive as the Mongolian Steppe itself. From the ancient parades of the Mongol tribes to the endurance tests of the Mongol Derby, horse racing has been an integral part of Mongolia’s cultural identity for centuries.
28 kwi 2022 · Deeply embedded in Mongolian history, horse racing is a hugely important aspect of Mongolian culture. There are several important races throughout the year (Naadam Festival being the most famous) where 7 to 13-year-old children race bareback across the Steppe for victory.
The 2024 Mongol Derby champion is crowned aboard a lucky blue-eyed horse, after a tense dash for finish camp. The weather may have cooled but the competition heats up, as we prepare to watch two extraordinary horsewomen attempt to battle it out for the Derby crown tomorrow.
