On Wednesday 2nd August, brothers Dominic and Rollo Gwyn Jones embarked on the world’s longest (and arguably toughest) horse race, the Mongol Derby. Whilst the legendary race is a ‘bucket-list’ for many, Dominic and Rollo are also raising funds for ACE SMA, a charity established to increase awareness and fund research into Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).
Known for their impressive riding skills on the hunting field, Dom and Rollo will need every inch of their horsemanship skills to be victorious. As Quorn Hunt joint master, Dominic has lead the field over some of their most thrilling (or terrifying) hedge-country and brother Rollo is a regular with the Quorn and the Vine & Craven Hunt, who he hosts meets for. Both riders recognise the Mongol Derby has a long history of testing riders and pushing endurance and stamina to the limits.
This extraordinary race across the harsh, yet stunning terrain of the Mongolian Steppe, covering a gruelling 1,000km (621 miles) over 10 days with 25 horse stations at 40km intervals. Competitors ride semi-wild horses borrowed from local herdsmen, riding across mountains, rivers and plains, retracing the steps of Genghis Khan. Over the 10 days of challenging physical effort, riding from 7am to 8pm each day, the horse stations require riders to change horses, adding a further element of skill, determination and risk to the race.
Quoted for their fundraising page before setting off, Dominic acknowledged the feat ahead, saying: “If you are lucky enough to stay on the horse – a feat in itself I’m told – you must contend with the Mongolian conditions of extreme heat and cold, the terrain and self-navigation. The Mongol Derby is a serious test of horsemanship and endurance racing abilities. More than half the field won’t complete the race.”
The stunning images coming through the Mongol Derby Facebook pages are enough to inspire any rider to want to take on this incredible challenge, but whilst we contemplate the physical attributes required and if we have them, we should support our hunting comrades and help boost them through the tough times that will inevitably shadow the glorious times.
You can support Dom and Rollo as they strive to raise as much as possible for the debilitating effects of SMA, by donating to their JustGiving page here.
Image credit: Penny Fillingham Photography