Endurance Riders From UAE Tie First in Longest Horse Race on Earth

Two UAE endurance riders have tied for first place in the Mongol Derby, a 1,000 km equestrian challenge through Mongolia’s vast steppe. Sheikh Khalifa Al Hamed and Issa Al Khiyari crossed the line alongside American rider Michael Pollard and British rider Anna Boden after eight days in the saddle.

The race, held from August 4th to the 11th, ran daily from 7 AM to 7 PM, demanding competitors navigate mountain passes, sand dunes, rolling hills, and fast rivers. Riders faced an added challenge: competing on unfamiliar Mongolian horses rather than their own. Dozens dropped out due to exhaustion or difficulty handling the animals, with only a fraction making it to the finish.

Often described as the world’s toughest horse race, the Mongol Derby traces the ancient postal routes of Genghis Khan. Its reputation for extreme difficulty comes not only from the sheer distance but also the unpredictable weather, rugged landscapes and physical toll, requiring up to 12 hours on horseback each day.