Mongol Derby - Team New Zealand

The Mongol Derby is the longest and toughest horse race in the world and is run by the adventurists.

The 1000km course recreates Genghis Khan legendary empire-busting postal system. Riders change horses every 40km and stay with the local herders or camp under the stars.

Every year 30-40 professional, semi-professional and enthusiastic amateur riders compete for the derby crown.

To stand a chance of finishing riders must balance survival skills and horsemanship. They must endure the elements, semi-wild horses as well as unfamiliar food and terrain.

Marie Palzer, 22, Marahau New Zealand.

Horse riding provides Marie with a sense of freedom and empowerment. Marie entered the Mongol Derby as she is addicted to adventure and pushing herself to her limits. Marie taught herself to ride at a young age, now she classifies as a long distance rider after having spent 102 days travelling solo on horseback. She trains green horses, works at a horse trekking company, competes in trail rides, gives riding lessons and alongside all that Marie is a Waldorf Steiner teacher. Marie also runs a movement called Hoofing Around for Change which advocates equality and aims to empower others to follow their own dreams and stay true to themselves.

Please help Marie out, this is a once an epic once in a life time experience and she is already training hard for the race however is lacking funds. Please help her get to Mongolia!!!!!!

"The world looks different from horseback: it's a magical world full of wonder, empowerment and trust"

Marie Palzer - 2016.