Maggie Holloway takes on the 2024 Mongol Derby

Hi friends!

I thought it was time for a new adventure — after filling out applications, and a lengthy interview process, I am excited to announce that I have been selected as a participant in the 2024 Mongol Derby!

The Mongol Derby will take place from 8/04-8/17 and is described as the longest and toughest horse race in the world. Spanning 1000km across the steppes of Mongolia, on semi-broke (or half feral, whatever sounds better) Mongolian Horses. The race recreates the mail delivery system developed by Genghis Khan in 1224. Riding across Mongolia mountain passes, valleys, rivers, wetlands, floodplains,and open steppe. Only forty-five riders are chosen per year to compete in the Derby out of hundreds of international applicants. I will be riding between 27-30 horses 25+- miles each over a period of 7-10 days. Navigating semi-wild horses via a Garmin GPS to checkpoints across the steppe, and overnighting with Mongolian families in yurts by night. The local herding families provide up to 1500 horses for this race.

I have been following the race and have been longing to participate since it was first featured in National Geographic in 2014. Riding horses has been a lifelong passion of mine. After the tough decision to no longer pursue a professional riding career, I wanted to complete something that would put all of the equestrian (and life) skills I’ve acquired to the test. From trail riding, to pony club, to the hunters, to foxhunting, to pony racing, to playing polo, to galloping racehorses, to breaking yearlings I am feeling prepared for the challenge. (I am contemplating adding bronc riding to my resume in order to help prepare…(don’t tell my mom)).

While participating in this race is a privilege I hope to raise funds for two charities. Work to Ride and the Steppe and Hoof Charity.

Steppe and Hoof is a non-profit organization which has been set up to help herders and their horses in Mongolia who have been severely affected by urbanization and Climate Change. In an attempt to help preserve the nomadic lifestyles of the Mongolian herders.

Work to Ride (WTR) is a 501 c3, nonprofit community-based prevention program that aids under-resourced urban youth through constructive activities centered on horsemanship, equine sports and education.

It is my ultimate goal to raise $25,000 of which $15,000 is the entrance fee.The entrance fee pays for the use of the 25 horses that we will be using throughout the race, a full time medical and veterinary team, the help and support of 250 Mongolian herders who provide and tend to the horses, a purpose-built endurance saddle, race crew, race camps, food and accommodations on the Steppe. Up to $2,000 will be divided between flights, medical insurance, riding gear, and pre-race accommodations. The remaining proceeds will be divided equally between Work to Ride and the Steppe and Hoof. With your donation you will be supporting me as well as the people of Mongolia and Work to Ride. I appreciate all of your support and am looking forward to sharing this adventure with you!

If you would like to send a check - they can be sent to..

600 E. Water St. Suite H. Charlottesville, VA. 22902

I encourage you to learn more about the Mongol Derby at https://equestrianists.com/adventures/mongol-derby/