Greybull local set to compete in 620-mile Mongolian Derby, known as the World’s Most Challenging Horse Race

Dede Anders, a Wyoming native with a background in horsemanship and a career in emergency medicine, found herself thrust into the world of competitive endurance horse racing when she was selected to participate in the Mongolian Derby. Originally slated for the 2025 competition, Anders was called up to the 2024 event with only a month’s notice, forcing her to accelerate her preparations for the grueling 620-mile race across the Mongolian steppe.

The Mongol Derby, known as the world’s longest and toughest endurance horse race, follows the ancient horse messenger system created by Ghengis Khan, covering terrain that once connected over half of the world. Competitors ride semi-wild Mongolian horses for nine days straight, riding 11 hours a day and swapping mounts every 25 miles at check-in stations. The riders must navigate the rugged landscape armed only with their packs, GPS, and backup supplies, facing challenges such as frosty mornings and the need to care for their horses to avoid penalties.

Anders, with her extensive experience in horsemanship and a career in emergency medicine, brings a unique set of skills to the competition. Raised on a ranch in Greybull, she has been involved in all aspects of horsemanship since childhood and has a deep understanding of the demands of caring for animals in challenging conditions. Her background as a medic in the U.S. Army and her degrees in nursing and emergency medicine have prepared her for the physical and mental challenges of the race.

Despite not having prior experience in endurance racing, Anders is determined to compete to the best of her abilities. She has a competitive spirit and a drive to finish the race, motivated by the support of her family and the challenge of pushing herself to new limits. Her upbringing in Wyoming, with its remote and rugged landscape, has instilled in her a sense of self-reliance and resourcefulness that she believes will serve her well in the competition.

As she prepares to embark on this incredible journey, Anders is focused on final travel preparations and bracing herself for the adventure ahead. She will be flying from Denver International Airport to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, where she will join her fellow riders for training days before the race begins on August 7th. Wyomingites can track her progress through the derby’s website and support her chosen charity, Wyo Hoofbeats, which provides equine-assisted therapies and learning programs to those in need.

In conclusion, Dede Anders’s journey to the Mongolian Derby is a testament to her courage, determination, and passion for horsemanship. With her unique blend of skills and experience, she is poised to take on the challenge of one of the world’s toughest endurance races and make her mark in the history of the event. Follow her progress and support her charitable cause as she embarks on this extraordinary adventure.