Jessica E Black

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Riding out of the wildernerss with seven fractured bones in my foot was probably good practice for next year's Mongol Derby--judging by this year's race!

Shattered Foot, Same Plan: One Year to the Mongol Derby

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All you need to follow the 2026 Mongol Derby, including brief introduction and links to key webpages.

How to follow the Mongol Derby: The 2026 race is coming soon!

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For MTUrk workers who are trying to figure out why you got approved or rejected or (sadly) trying to game my system.

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Some fun ideas for what to do with your yearlings, based on what I've done with my own.

What to do with your yearling: Entertaining lessons for Scheherazade

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At the 2026 Feliz Cumpleaños endurance ride, I was lucky enough to catch ride the Morab mare Vega. We had a great ride and I trialed gear for next year's Mongol Derby.

Catch riding Vega: Endurance miles, Mongol Derby prep, and a Morab at last

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Doniga Markegard, a regenerative rancher focused on living in balance with the environment, journeys to Mongolia not only to complete the Mongol Derby. She also hopes to broaden her understanding of human relationships to grasslands and livestock.

Riding for the Herders: Doniga Markegard's Journey to Mongolia

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Although I began learning Mongolian for the Mongol Derby alone, I have become fascinated with the culture and the language. Read about my first steps.

Learning Mongolian for the Mongol Derby: First steps!

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With spring semester over, I've got more time to get excited about, worry about, and PLAN for my adventure in Mongolia. August 2027 is not that far off! Read my updated to-do list, and please offer suggestions.

Stepping up Mongol Derby prep with a to-do list, v2 (send help)

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Have you ever questioned if you are--or are not--a horse trainer? I've been thinking about the topic because it comes up so frequently on social media. Here's my two cents (and why I don't call myself a trainer.) What do you think?

Am I a trainer? Doubts, delusions, and desires in horse riders and handlers

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Read about Sophia McKee's experience riding the third edition of the Mongol Derby, back in 2011. Another transformative narrative about a thrilling event, and immensely useful to those of us planning to complete the race ourselves.

The horse had no brakes. She ate chocolate anyway.

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Read about my successes and failures with Fantazia and River at the marvelous Cuyama Oaks xpride, 2026 version.

Cuyama Oaks xpride 2026: Fantazia and River complete 50 miles

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This is just a preliminary list of my needs for preparation and successful completion of the Mongol Derby 2027. Please offer suggestions! I need all the help I can get.

Starting my Mongol Derby wish list!

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Fantazia returned to competition with an easy 25-mile LD, and River completed another 50 miles. I began my long road to Tevis at Laurel Mt. Looks like I'll be back again many more times before going to Truckee.

The long road to Tevis runs through Laurel Mountain -- again

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When you can't make it to an endurance ride (You can't always get what you want)

When you can't make it to an endurance ride (You can't always get what you want)

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Smiling through the pain! Grace Netter's Mongol Derby experience

Smiling through the pain! Grace Netter's Mongol Derby experience

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River completed a 50-mile ride with new shoes to protect her heels

River completed a 50-mile ride with new shoes to protect her heels

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Catch riding in endurance: Training for the Gaucho & Mongol Derby

Catch riding in endurance: Training for the Gaucho & Mongol Derby