Wilder Mind- Mongol Derby 2020
Donation protected
In August 2020, I (the one on the left, don't worry I'm a grown-up now) will be taking part in the world's longest, toughest horse race - The Mongol Derby. I have no endurance or professional riding experience so apart from doing it for 'the bants,' the free t-shirt and so I can have a killer bio on Bumble - I'll be using this challenge to raise money for three charities.
Visit my website here.
The challenge:
A self-navigated race across 1000km of wild Mongolia landscape.
Riding 28 semi-wild horses.
Facing a bunch of hungry wild dogs and extreme weather conditions.
Last year, of the 44 riders that started the race only 27 finished.
Note: The welfare of the horse is of utmost priority during this race. A highly experienced team of international and Mongolian equine veterinarians provide the inspections at every horse station and response capabilities on the course. They ensure that horse welfare is maintained throughout the race and have the power to impose harsh penalties on riders who fail the vet inspections. To the nomadic Mongolians living on the steppe, these horses are an integral part of their social culture and cared for deeply.
The charities:
Horses and humans have shared a special relationship for centuries. However, in the UK and Singapore, an equestrian hobby is usually only available to those that can afford to pay the hefty price tag that comes hand in hand with it. A theme that seems prevalent throughout mental health and social issues, the many benefits of riding, are reserved for the wealthy and off-limits to the many.
My chosen charities remove the financial barrier of the equestrian world and use equine therapy to help the most vulnerable children and adults. They have often been failed by other people and our societies, fallen into gangs, left to cope with crippling mental health issues or abusive families; but by developing communication, relationship, and emotional skills through horses, they've been able to turn their lives around.
British born but now living in Singapore, I'd like to raise at least £1000 for both:
1) UK based Strength and Learning through Horses
2) Singapore based EQUAL-Ark - "rescuing horses so they can go on to rescue us."
(For those based in Singapore this is an IPC status charity so if you'd rather donate directly for tax purposes please do so and just reference the Mongol Derby 2020)
In addition, I'll be raising £500 for Cool Earth- the race organisers official charity that works alongside rainforest communities to halt deforestation and climate change.
Please note that when I hit my fundraising target - which I'd ideally love to smash - 30% of any additional donations raised will be used to help pay my obscene entry fee. Just to reiterate, this is only after my £2500 target is reached.
For a better idea of this epic adventure, here's the trailer to the movie: All the Wild Horses, this was made about the race - if you have some spare time, it's worth watching the whole thing!
About me:
When asked, friends and family use many different words to describe me. These range from complimentary terms such as driven, bubbly, fierce; to more questionable choices such as ‘a hurricane’, impulsive, naughty, chaotic. Recently, a close friend of mine replied “loves bad decisions” to sum me up in three words. This may well turn out to be rather apt!
Going back to my Romany gypsy roots, my mum has always said it’s not surprising horses and adventure have been two of my great loves. It’s in my blood.
Visit my website here.
The challenge:
A self-navigated race across 1000km of wild Mongolia landscape.
Riding 28 semi-wild horses.
Facing a bunch of hungry wild dogs and extreme weather conditions.
Last year, of the 44 riders that started the race only 27 finished.
Note: The welfare of the horse is of utmost priority during this race. A highly experienced team of international and Mongolian equine veterinarians provide the inspections at every horse station and response capabilities on the course. They ensure that horse welfare is maintained throughout the race and have the power to impose harsh penalties on riders who fail the vet inspections. To the nomadic Mongolians living on the steppe, these horses are an integral part of their social culture and cared for deeply.
The charities:
Horses and humans have shared a special relationship for centuries. However, in the UK and Singapore, an equestrian hobby is usually only available to those that can afford to pay the hefty price tag that comes hand in hand with it. A theme that seems prevalent throughout mental health and social issues, the many benefits of riding, are reserved for the wealthy and off-limits to the many.
My chosen charities remove the financial barrier of the equestrian world and use equine therapy to help the most vulnerable children and adults. They have often been failed by other people and our societies, fallen into gangs, left to cope with crippling mental health issues or abusive families; but by developing communication, relationship, and emotional skills through horses, they've been able to turn their lives around.
British born but now living in Singapore, I'd like to raise at least £1000 for both:
1) UK based Strength and Learning through Horses
2) Singapore based EQUAL-Ark - "rescuing horses so they can go on to rescue us."
(For those based in Singapore this is an IPC status charity so if you'd rather donate directly for tax purposes please do so and just reference the Mongol Derby 2020)
In addition, I'll be raising £500 for Cool Earth- the race organisers official charity that works alongside rainforest communities to halt deforestation and climate change.
Please note that when I hit my fundraising target - which I'd ideally love to smash - 30% of any additional donations raised will be used to help pay my obscene entry fee. Just to reiterate, this is only after my £2500 target is reached.
For a better idea of this epic adventure, here's the trailer to the movie: All the Wild Horses, this was made about the race - if you have some spare time, it's worth watching the whole thing!
About me:
When asked, friends and family use many different words to describe me. These range from complimentary terms such as driven, bubbly, fierce; to more questionable choices such as ‘a hurricane’, impulsive, naughty, chaotic. Recently, a close friend of mine replied “loves bad decisions” to sum me up in three words. This may well turn out to be rather apt!
Going back to my Romany gypsy roots, my mum has always said it’s not surprising horses and adventure have been two of my great loves. It’s in my blood.
Organizer
Lianne Mason
Organizer
England