Hay, It's Cat! The crazy horse girl! Heading into 2026 - I have some incredible news to share. After months of waiting and interviewing, I have been offered a bid to ride in the 2027 Gaucho Derby: an extreme 10-day, 310-mile (500 km) equestrian endurance race across the rugged Patagonian wilderness in Argentina.

I am an activy-duty member of the US Air Force, a lifelong horse lover, an aspiring large animal veterinarian and an adventure seeker! Being offered a bid to ride in the Gaucho Derby is a dream come true for my wild heart.

This race is about so much more than riding horses. It demands endurance, backcountry survival skills, expert navigation, and a deep trust in our abilities and the abilities of the horses we'll be riding. I've been training hard while continuing to serve full time in the military, and studying to complete all of my pre-veterinary school requirements. Now I am reaching out for support to help make this dream a reality!

What is the Gaucho Derby?

From the same race coordinators as the Mongol Derby - the Gaucho rivals the Mongol in testing riders' horsemanship, navigation, and survival skills by having them ride multiple horses, find and round up wild ones, and camp out in remote areas. It is famed as the greatest test of horsemanship and wilderness skills on earth.

Applicants must meet strict criteria to make it to interviews, including vast riding experience, prove survival and camping skills, peak physical fitness, weigh no more than 187 lbs, and most importantly - they must have a sense of humor!

In February 2027 riders will arrive in El Calafate where transport to Start Camp is provided, and four days of "firehose" training and gear checks take place.

Then we're off to the races! Check out more info here:

https://equestrianists.com/guides/gaucho-derby-more-details/#1-where-and-when

What does the (large) entry fee cover?

The entry fee for the 2027 Gaucho Derby is $17,500. The amount of support and effort that goes into putting on one of these races is incredible. Just a few of the teams include:

-Equine Veterinarians: To check out each and every one of the horses ridden at EACH checkpoint (I cannot WAIT to shadow them and hear their stories!)

-Specialist Medics

-Race Management Crew

-Estancia Owners and Horse Providers: A network of owners provide and deliver hundreds of horses for the race and keep them grazed and watered throughout.

-Tech and Expertise

-Pre-Race Training

Why am I asking for help?

Not included in the entry fees are the flights to and from Argentina, the gear, and all of the training preparation I have planned to ensure I am as ready as possible... which means LOTS of saddle time.

I will be campaigning two endurance horses in the 2026 Race Season to get as much saddle time as I can. I will also be training as cost-effectively as I can for upcoming Spartan Races in Texas, as well as half and full marathons in 2026 over varied terrain.

Gear is a big deal on the Gaucho. Proper rain gear, boots, water bags, saddle bags, and riding gear are going to save my butt! These costs add up quickly.

Your support- whether through a donation or simply by sharing my story- would mean the world to me. This journey isn't just about adventure; it's about pushing myself to grow, gaining the hands-on experience that will serve me in my future as a veterinarian, and representing those who dare to dream BIG while serving something bigger than themselves!

I'll see you all in 2026, thank you for your support!

-Cat, the crazy horse girl!