It’s been a long couple of years in the making but the Mongol Derby 2022 July edition hit the steppe with 46 riders from 10 different countries ready to take on the longest toughest horse race in the world.

It’s the adventure of a lifetime for these equestrianists; they have been hard at it preparing for the moment they strap themselves to a Mongolian horse and cannon off the start in search of that far-off finish line on the other side of the steppe.

But it’s not all saddles and stirrups and riding hell-bent-for leather: first there’s the introduction to rider training, the tech overview, and the obligatory weigh-in where the truth of training hits home. Each rider must weigh no more than 85kg dressed to ride and many a worried rider has stepped up to the scale wondering if they should have foregone that last croissant at breakfast.

Then it’s off to start camp and pre-race training where the riders are introduced to the mighty Mongolian steeds, learn the rules of the Derby, practice their skills and dive head-first into the Mongolian culture which will sustain them over the days of the race.

Before the start gun fires these riders will have had some hands-on practice with navigation, learned some tricks of the trade from the incredible Mongolian herders and sampled some amazing Mongolian hospitality. They’ll be ready for whatever the next 1000km of their journey may throw their way.