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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.
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 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.
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.
Mongolian horses were the intercontinental ballistic missiles of the thirteenth century, and carried the all-conquering Mongol armoured warriors across half the world. Diminutive, sturdy, fearless, wild and unbelievably tough, they have changed very little over the centuries.
Horse racing is one of the three iconic sports in the traditional Mongolian Naadam and is taken very seriously, with horses running up to 30kms across country. Many families involved with the Derby graciously lend us their finest racehorses, though the vast majority of the horses you will ride will be the ordinary working horses of the steppe ...
