Story
Thanks for visiting Holly Budge's Mongol Derby fundraising page.
She made history as the first woman to skydive from 29,500ft over Mount Everest and now Holly Budge takes on a challenge of a different but no less daring kind – the world’s longest horse race.
The 30-year-old adventurer based in Bristol, UK, tops last year’s Everest challenge by tackling 1000km of tough Mongolian terrain in the gruelling Mongol Derby. Holly was selected as one of an elite group of 26 competitors, including three times champion national hunt jockey Richard Dunwoody.
The adventure, which Guinness World Records has confirmed is the longest horse race in the world, will test Holly’s nerve, fitness, endurance and riding ability to the limit. From the start, at Kharkhorin, the ancient capital of the great Mongolian empire, she will race to the finish line more than 1000km away. Competitors will change horse every 40km in a format inspired by Genghis Khan’s ancient postal system of horse messengers which crossed Mongolia to Europe.
In addition to the very real danger of falling off her horse, Holly will risk heatstroke, dehydration and encountering the odd wolf while riding up to 150km per day in temperatures up to 35C.
The steeds are a challenge in themselves - an extremely tough breed that has changed little since the Mongol hordes swept across Asia in the early thirteenth century. 800 semi-wild unshod Mongolian ponies, with eight speeds to the Western horse's four, will be lined up for the race and Holly will ride 25 of them.
The Mongol Derby begins on August 22 and is organized by The Adventurists, based in Bristol.
Holly would love to raise over £1000 for MercyCorps whose worldwide team supports people in the world who have been effected by natural disaster, poverty or conflict.
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It's also the most efficient way to sponsor Holly: Mercy Corps gets your money faster and, if you're a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.
Sponsor Holly now!
Website: www.themongolderby.com and www.hollybudge.com
She made history as the first woman to skydive from 29,500ft over Mount Everest and now Holly Budge takes on a challenge of a different but no less daring kind – the world’s longest horse race.
The 30-year-old adventurer based in Bristol, UK, tops last year’s Everest challenge by tackling 1000km of tough Mongolian terrain in the gruelling Mongol Derby. Holly was selected as one of an elite group of 26 competitors, including three times champion national hunt jockey Richard Dunwoody.
The adventure, which Guinness World Records has confirmed is the longest horse race in the world, will test Holly’s nerve, fitness, endurance and riding ability to the limit. From the start, at Kharkhorin, the ancient capital of the great Mongolian empire, she will race to the finish line more than 1000km away. Competitors will change horse every 40km in a format inspired by Genghis Khan’s ancient postal system of horse messengers which crossed Mongolia to Europe.
In addition to the very real danger of falling off her horse, Holly will risk heatstroke, dehydration and encountering the odd wolf while riding up to 150km per day in temperatures up to 35C.
The steeds are a challenge in themselves - an extremely tough breed that has changed little since the Mongol hordes swept across Asia in the early thirteenth century. 800 semi-wild unshod Mongolian ponies, with eight speeds to the Western horse's four, will be lined up for the race and Holly will ride 25 of them.
The Mongol Derby begins on August 22 and is organized by The Adventurists, based in Bristol.
Holly would love to raise over £1000 for MercyCorps whose worldwide team supports people in the world who have been effected by natural disaster, poverty or conflict.
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It's also the most efficient way to sponsor Holly: Mercy Corps gets your money faster and, if you're a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.
Sponsor Holly now!
Website: www.themongolderby.com and www.hollybudge.com