Preparing for "pure madness" in the saddle is a dream come true for Queenslander Sarah Carroll, who will take the reins in the world's toughest and longest horse race.
Ms Carroll is one of only 40 riders selected from across the globe to ride in the Mongol Derby next month.
Riders will find their way through 1,000 kilometres of Mongolian steppes while changing horses every 40 kilometres.
"The premise is probably pure madness and it's not for the faint-hearted as only about 50 per cent make it to the finish line," Ms Carroll said.
The annual adventure race follows the world's first long-distance postal transmission route, laid down by Genghis Khan in 1224.
"You get to ride semi-wild horses that are donated by the local herding families and as a rider you have to work with the horses you're given and get to each checkpoint," Ms Carroll said.
"You're also given a portable GPS system and you have to know how to use it or you might end up heading towards Russia."
Riders stay with Mongolian families, in a tent or under the stars next to the horses when they arrive at each checkpoint.
"Everyone's challenges will be different, for some it could be selecting the right horse or trying to manage injuries or getting used to the food and sleeping outdoors," Ms Carroll said.
"We've been told to get used to eating mutton and noodles as that's the usual diet of Mongolian people."
1,000km of chafe
Spending 12 hours a day in the saddle will be no easy feat, with chaffing and physical exhaustion all part of the journey.
Ms Carroll said part of her preparation had been riding different horses and getting used to different riding styles like cantering and trotting.
"I've spent hours in the saddle getting used to different stirrup lengths and working on my physical fitness as well."
Ms Carroll trained with endurance stable Flemingo Endurance Arabians where she learned about the endurance riding community.
"I've learnt to try not to think of the distance itself, I'm just looking at breaking it down to smaller stations and not worry about the end goal so we survive," she said.
Caring for each horse
A team of veterinarians will be on duty at each checkpoint and ensure the riders don't ride the horses too hard.
"Your horse can't have a heart rate over 65 beats per minute and they check their vitals," Ms Carroll said.
She said the horses travelled together in herd environments and were only brought in at certain times of the year.
Ms Carroll said she was also fundraising for both the Black Dog Institute and Steppe and Hoof, a Mongolian organisation that provided vet care for herding families.
"I want to help people along the journey too, it's not just a race but hopefully I finish the race," she said.
"I'm sure if I make it I'll be reflecting on the journey and looking back at how amazing it is to put the time in and training to have this experience of a lifetime.
"I think I'll be looking forward to a hot shower too."
