Kyalami keeps up in Mongol derby

The race started on 4 August and by the end of day three on 7 August, Kyalami’s Rall-Behm arrived at station number seven with 15 other riders.

Rall-Behm decided to participate in the fifth annual derby in order to spread awareness for The Rhino Sanctuary, based in Limpopo which cares for baby rhinos that have been orphaned as a result of the poaching trade.

The derby is dubbed the toughest horse race in the world as competitors ride semi-wild Mongolian ponies from station to station for

1 000km across Mongolia.

From the start, the conditions were harsh with rainstorms and freezing temperatures and most riders had to wear soaking wet clothes for their ride, as there was no way to get their clothes dry. At the starting line, it was reportedly so hot that a rider passed out, and the temperatures continued to soar throughout the day.

Rall-Behm was among the 25 riders who finished day one at station two. Only one rider, Devan Horne managed to ride to station three.

Day two was cold with rain and wind and saw the riders spread out in the field with Rall-Behm finishing the day between stations six and seven with six competitors in the field in front of her. One rider retired after suffering from gastric flu and is still recovering.

Rall-Behm has not updated her blog since she has started the derby but she detailed her travelling experiences, which included her struggles to exchange her currency and trying to find her misplaced luggage. She also said she was unable to sleep on the plane from the excitement.

She thanked everyone for their well wishes and for her send off.

Details: https://mongolderbyblog.theadventurists.com