Riders prepare for 'pure madness' of the world's toughest horse races

Preparing for “pure madness” in the saddle is a dream come true for Queenslander Sarah Carroll, who will take the reins in the world’s toughest and longest horse race.

Carroll is one of only 40 riders selected from around the world to take part in next month’s Mongolian Derby.

Riders will find their way through 1,000 kilometers of Mongolian steppes while changing horses every 40 kilometers.

“The premise is probably pure madness and not for the faint of heart because only about 50 percent make it to the finish line,” Carroll said.

Riders start together as they travel 1,000.(Provided: Richard Dunwoody)

“I have a motto from Mike Tyson which is ‘everyone has a plan until they get a punch in the face’ so you can prepare as much as you want but you don’t know what will happen.”

The annual adventure race follows the world’s first long-distance postal transmission route, established by Genghis Khan in 1224.

“You get to ride a semi-wild horse donated by a local herding family and as the rider you have to work with the horse you provide and get to every checkpoint,” says Carroll.

“You are also given a portable GPS system and you have to know how to use it or you may end up heading to Russia.”

Riders are equipped with GPS to find their way through the plains.(Provided: Sarah Farnsworth)

Riders stay with Mongolian families, in tents or under the stars beside the horses when they arrive at each checkpoint.

“Everyone’s challenges will be different, for some it can be choosing the right horse or trying to manage an injury or getting used to eating and sleeping outdoors,” Carroll said.

“We have been told to get in the habit of eating mutton and noodles because it is a typical Mongolian food.”

1,000 km of friction

Spending 12 hours a day in the saddle is no easy feat, with blisters and physical exhaustion all part of the ride.

Carroll says part of his preparation is riding different horses and getting used to different riding styles such as trot and trot.

“I don’t think anyone can prepare something like chaffing,” he said.

“I’ve spent hours in the saddle getting used to the different lengths of stirrups as well as working on my physical fitness.”

Sarah Carroll (left) trains in southeast Queensland before leaving for Mongolia. (Provided: Sarah Sullivan Photography)

Ms Carroll trains with the endurance stable Flemingo Endurance Arabian where she learns about the endurance riding community.

“I’ve learned to try not to think about the distance itself, I’m just looking at breaking it down into smaller stations and not worrying about the end goal so we stick around,” he said.

Taking care of every horse

A team of veterinarians will be on duty at each checkpoint and make sure riders don’t ride too hard.

“Your horse can’t have a heart rate over 65 beats per minute and they check their vitals,” Ms Carroll said.

Load

“The herding families provide 1,500 horses and it’s about us treating them with the utmost respect and horses are the reason we’re there.”

He said the horses travel together in the herd and are only brought at certain times of the year.

Carroll said he also raised funds for the Black Dog Institute and Steppe and Hoof, a Mongolian organization that provides veterinary care for herding families.

“I want to help people along the way too, it’s not just a race but hopefully I finish the race,” he said.

“I believe that if I succeed, I will reflect on the journey and look back on how amazing it is to take the time and practice to have this experience of a lifetime.

“I guess I’ll be looking forward to a hot shower too.”

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