Clare's Mongolian Derby

I'm Clare Summers, and two years ago I first heard about the Mongol Derby. The idea of riding 1000 km across the Mongolian Steppes on 28 different semi-feral Mongolian ponies sounded like a great way to test myself, see a part of the world in a way that few people are able to, and experience a different culture firsthand.  At the time, I didn't think it was a possibility, mainly because of the rigorous selection process, the difficulty of the race, my age, and the expense. Over a thousand people apply from all over the world, and only forty are chosen. Two days ago, I got the call that I was one of the fortunate forty. One hurdle down. Obstacle two: the difficulty of the race. This is not a difficulty I can easily predict, but people who know me know that I am strong and fight until the finish line. The next obstacle was my age. My goal is to complete the race before I turn sixty. Next year's race will end the day before my 60th birthday, so third hurdle down.  The final obstacle is the expense, which is a $13,000 entry fee. The money that I raise will go towards the entry fee, which covers the cost of the ponies, an interpreter, insurance, food, shelter, a tracking system, and the finish line party, during which I will celebrate completing the race and achieving a dream! I have a huge amount of gratitude for all of you who donate - every donation helps fund my dream. Thank you.