Heidi Telstad of Langley has won the Mongol Derby, a 10-day, 1,000-km horse race that follows the postal route through Mongolia that was created by Genghis Khan in the 13th century.
“It seems kind of unbelievable, it seems like a dream,” Telstad said.
Telstad crossed the finish line on Aug. 11, together with fellow competitors William Comiskey of Australia, and Marcia Hefker-Miles from the U.S.
It was the first joint win in Derby history. All three will share the Derby title and organizers said they will have to source another two trophies.
“It feels really good to have crossed the line with two great friends,” said Telstad, the only Canadian to ride in the 2016 derby.
“I’m surprised I’m not sore,” she said.
“My legs aren’t sore, my back isn’t sore. As other people were getting tired, I started to get more excited as it went through and it kept me going.”
She made her comments during an post-race interview posted on the Mongol Derby website,
The Derby is billed as the most difficult horse race of its kind, taking riders through desert and high mountain terrain.
Only 44 riders from around the world are chosen each year to compete.
Riders change horses every 40 km and either live with herders or camp under the stars each night.
The riders have 10 days to complete the race and can spend up to 13 hours a day in the saddle.
The actual course is kept secret until just before the race.
Telstad said the horses were “semi-wild” and a challenge to ride.
“I couldn’t saddle any of them by myself, I needed the herder’s help,” she said.
The first thing she did to celebrate her win was take a shower.
“I have long hair, and it took me about an hour to get a brush through my hair. It was so matted and gnarly.
Before she left for the race, Telstad told the Times that she wanted to raise money and awareness for her five-year-old nephew Chase, who has epilepsy.
“Nothing I’ve done, or am going to do, compares to what Chase goes through,” said Telstad.
Chase was born with the disorder and began having seizures shortly after birth.
“It’s heart wrenching.”
So far, Telstad has raised $2,800 for the BC Epilepsy Society through her Chase The Endurance Race web page and blog she has created.
— with files from Monique Tamminga