Hi, my name is Marlene and I am fundraising for Michelle Van Baalen, (born and raised in Langley BC), who has just been accepted to compete in the 2027 Mongol Derby, (Mongolia). The longest and toughest horse race in the world. It extends 1000 km through the Mongolian steppe wilderness. The course recreates the horse messenger system developed by Genghis Khan in 1224. (see map on their website) This is an unbelievable achievement and honour for Michelle!
Riders ride for 12 hours a day for 10 days. They must navigate to each horse check in station at 35 km intervals changing horses at each station. The route is tested for months to ensure that it delivers the greatest equine adventure in the world, high passes, huge valleys, wooded hills, river crossings wetlands and more. 1,500 horses are vetted and trained for the event. The horses are from local stock and are only 12 to 14 hands but are known to be grass fed power houses, diminutive, sturdy, fearless and tough. Racers stay with local nomadic people in yurts, and professionals are available to ensure the continued safety and health of the horses and riders.
The race and ride is as much about team work and survival than it is a race. Riders must navigate the countryside, tough the elements and be accomplished outdoors people. Michelle has demonstrated the character and expertise to meet all these challenges and hence has qualified to complete.
Michelle is very versatile as she rides Hunter Jumper, Rodeo and Endurance. She started to ride when she was 5 years old. Decades of private coaching and equestrian husbandry training provide the foundation for her expertise and passion of today. Her list of accomplishments prepares her well for the challenge of the Mongol Derby 2027. Michelle teaches and trains horses full time in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, her company is called Equineimity. A genuine love is working with children to build confidence, equine management skills and watching children build a love of the outdoors. Chelle teaches on trails as opposed to a riding ring.
Michelle won the 2022 and 2024 BC endurance races (Heather Bradshaw Memorial Race). These races were 25 and 50 miles respectively. She is an accomplished pack rider leading three day hunting trips with friends.
Chelle has been invited to ride with the First Nation Quilchena wild horse round up three times. Two of her horses are from the round up. Having competed in the Williams Lake Rodeo in 2017 to 2019 she has won (placed in) several rodeo events. The Cowgirl Race is one of her favourites. There are other challenging experiences on horseback that Chelle has participated in including mounted combat clinics and three day eventing.
Michelle believes in giving back to community and has volunteered for camps assisting children mourning the loss of loved ones.
You may ask why $50,000 is a fundraising goal. The entrance fee in Canadian funds is $28,000 which includes food and local remote accommodation in yurts during the face. Air fair and hotel in Mongolia before and after the race will be just under $10,000 plus event insurance. Michelle will need to train almost full time for the six months before the race. This will affect her income and she still has five mounts to feed. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.
Link to the Mongolian Derby webpage.
We will add more photos over the next few weeks.
We hope that you are able to support Michelle in this world class challenge. Our sincere thanks and appreciation.
Marlene