Secunda resident chosen to be Mongol Derby photographer
The derby is featured in the Guinness Book of Records as the world's longest and toughest horse race.
SECUNDA – Mr Ian Haggerty was chosen as one of the official photographers for the Mongol Derby 2019.
The derby is featured in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s longest and toughest horse race.
This is the 11th year that 45 men and women from the four corners of the earth, will race 1,000km across Mongolia on semi-wild horses, during August.
Mr Haggerty was chosen from photos he took of Race The Wild Coast.
He was able to capture raw emotions and some extraordinary photos of the riders.
It also takes a certain type of person to be able to endure the conditions Mongolia will throw at you.
He is looking forward to meeting new people and taking awesome photos.
For him, it will be submerging into a whole new culture and he just loves adventure and exploring different places.
When asked where his love for photography and horses come from, he said: “One of the schools I went to growing up actually had horses.
“Kings School in Nottingham Road.
“So I learned to ride then and have not looked back since.
“The photography came later on.
“I was hitchhiking through the UK and wanted to document my journey.
“So I bought a camera.
“Still film back then and started taking photos.
“I then went on several courses to improve. You never stop learning.”
The opportunity to photograph the derby makes it his two favourite things combined, horses and photography.
“They say do what you love and you will never work a day in your life.
“This is what I love.”
He will not be on horse back during the derby.
Some of his biggest concerns are changing and charging his laptop and camera’s batteries and the fact that it will be very hot during the day and cold at night.
“It is going to be tough.
“It is hours of driving over very challenging terrain.
“I will probably be transported with a vet team in a very old Russian made vehicle, with a driver and a translator.
“After the derby, I will be doing a six day ride along the path Temujin went to become Genghis Khan.”
Although he loves horse riding, he said he will have to practice for at least a year to be able to take part in the Mongol Derby.
“This race is not for everyone. It is the longest toughest endurance race in the world.
“I would much rather be photographing it, than riding it.”
It is an honour for him to have been chosen to photograph this derby.
Looking through his lens, he is focused on becoming a full-time adventure photographer in his future.
“This is what I want to do. I want to become an adventure photographer full-time. To be able to document this is just something incredible. To witness what humans and horses are capable of and to capture those moments, is just an honour I can not really describe.”
The derby takes place from 4 to 16 August.
Mr Haggerty needs sponsorship for the following specialised camping gear and gadgets.
• Lightweight synthetic warm sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad
• Three seasons lightweight tent, easy to pitch that can withstand strong winds
• Small camping gas stove and pot
• Head torch
• Battery power pack
• Paracord
• Leatherman
• Waterproof jacket and pants
• Dry bags
If you can assist, contact Mr Haggerty at 073 249 1666.
