WHY THIS RIDE MATTERS
When I was seven, my mother was paralyzed by a spinal cord injury. Doctors gave her little hope of ever walking again. But through hippotherapy—therapeutic horseback riding—she found a path to recovery that no hospital could provide. Watching her regain her strength and independence on horseback was nothing short of miraculous. Her determination lit a fire in me, igniting a lifelong passion for horses and the healing power they hold.
By the age of ten, I had my first job: wrangling horses for the renowned cowgirl and author Kit Cramer in the Methow Valley of Washington State. Over the next ten summers, I returned to guide guests and care for a herd of over 50 horses, falling deeper in love with the wilderness and the way a horse moves through it.
Years later, I was living full-time on my family’s ranch in Chesaw, Washington - a remote and wild patch of land tucked just south of the Canadian border. During that time, I apprenticed with Keith Danielson, a lifelong working cowboy and one of the finest horsemen I’ll ever know. For two years, Keith taught me to break colts, run cattle, and read the subtle cues of both horses and land. Keith led with presence, patience, and a profound gentleness. His mentorship shaped my horsemanship, and my character.
When Keith passed away in 2024, I was devastated. Losing such a remarkable man and cherished mentor left me with a deep sense of unfinished business. In the time since, I’ve searched for an opportunity to honor all that he taught me—and discover what I'm truly capable of.
I have found that something. In 2026, I will be riding in the Mongol Derby—the longest and most brutal horse race in the world.
Keith and I often talked about horsemanship across cultures, and we were both fascinated by the riders of Mongolia. The challenge of the steppe; the tenacity of their horses; the soul of a place where horsemanship is ancient and sacred. The Mongol Derby felt like the truest test of everything we believed in; courage, humility, grit, and honor—for the horse, the rider, and all those who came before.
WHAT IS THE MONGOL DERBY?
The Mongol Derby is a 1,000-kilometer (621-mile) horse race across Mongolia. It retraces the route of Genghis Khan’s ancient postal system—using semi-wild Mongolian horses, no marked trail, and minimal support.
The race demands more than speed—it calls for resilience, skill, and an unbreakable bond with the horse. Riders switch horses every 21 miles and navigate solo across rivers, deserts, and vast open steppe.
The days are long. The weather is unforgiving. The terrain is raw. The horses are fast, feisty, and fiercely independent. It’s more than just a race—it’s survival.
Fewer people have finished the Mongol Derby than have summited Everest.
WHY I NEED HELP
Competing in the Mongol Derby is a dream I’m deeply committed to, but it comes with a hefty price tag.
The race entry fee is $18,000 alone, with additional costs for international flights, specialized gear, training, insurance, and medical checks. Altogether, my fundraising goal is $30,000, a portion of which will go to Mongolian based non-profit, Steppe & Hoof (see Use of Funds below).
Balancing a full-time job while preparing for this race is a challenge in itself, and I can’t make it to the starting line without your support. Every contribution—no matter the size—helps bring this dream closer to reality. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this campaign within your network would mean the world to me.
FINAL THOUGHTS
This journey isn’t just about the ride—it’s about honoring the quiet strength I’ve seen in the people who’ve shaped me.
I’m riding for Keith, whose gentleness moved my soul. For my mother, whose tenacity demonstrates what strength truly looks like. For Kit, whose pure grit ignited my own.
For anyone who’s ever carried more than their share, with grace and without recognition.
For the unshakable belief that horses shape us into who we are.
If you believe in that kind of strength, you’re already part of this ride.
Thank you for helping me get to the starting line.
-Katrina Leyh
Organizer
