The greatest equine adventure in the world
August 31, 2010 on 1:31 pm | In Cowboy Fun Stuff | No CommentsLast summer the Mongol Derby thundered into the pages of equine history. Now the world’s longest and toughest horse race is back, longer and tougher than ever. This summer, on the 7th of August, a new band of courageous riders mounted their steeds deep in the Mongolian steppe to face a grueling 1000km race across the empty wilderness.
The Mongol Derby is based on Ghengis Khaan’s legendary postal system which could relay messages thousands of miles in a matter of days. Like the mighty Khaan’s system, the Mongol Derby relies on a network of horse stations (Morin Urtuu in Mongolian) stretching mile after mile across the Mongolian steppe. With ten days to cover the 1000km course, this is no ordinary horse race; it’s not a test of the horse’s speed but the rider’s skill and endurance.
The Horses
Mongolian horses are steeped in tradition and myth and a central part of Mongolian culture, outnumbering people there seven to one. These hardy animals are tougher than a pair of steel boots and live out on the steppe year-round. Although smaller than other breeds, Mongolian horses are more than capable of carrying the riders. The Derby organizers work with some of Mongolia’s top horse breeders and a network of horse racing associations to gather together a fine batch of healthy horses from across the country.
With over 1000 horses, animal welfare is of paramount importance. All the Mongol Derby horses are carefully selected and checked by vets before taking part. During the event the horses will be treated to an extensive vet support system to respond quickly to any problems and keep them healthy. To ensure horse welfare is at the top of their brave riders’ agendas, and to keep the competition fair, they all have to follow Derby rules. These detail how riders have to present their horses to Derby vets as well as the circumstances under which time penalties and disqualifications are issued.
Saving a bit of the world
The Mongol Derby is organized by The Adventurists in partnership with Tengri Group in Mongolia. Like all of their adventures, the Mongol Derby aims to save a little bit of the world. They believe all of their adventures should give back to the communities that make the adventure what it is. Each rider raises a minimum of £1000 for their two excellent official charities, Mercy Corps and AVSF, to make a genuinely positive impact over and above the benefits of the race itself.
The 2010 Mongol Derby
The Mongol Derby 1000km horse race across Mongolia thundered out onto the Steppe on Saturday, August 7th, and the dramatic horseback adventure saw rider injuries, withdrawals, extreme fatigue and intense competition for first place. Medical response services were provided by the Derby’s Official Medical Partner, Prometheus, who is well known for delivering emergency medical support in remote environments such as the Mongolian steppe. Unfortunately, a South African Rider, Alexandra van Heeren, sustained a broken collarbone during pre-race training and was forced to retire from the race.
Training was held on the steppe by Maggie Pattinson, Chef d’Equipe of the British Home International Endurance Team since 2007 and endurance expert extraordinaire. “If spirits high, bodies showing some wear and tear, even Madonna is tired.The Dark Horse is Richard, who looks no different morning, noon or night,” Maggie was quoted as saying at the halfway point in the race. Maggie’s dark horse is Richard Dyer, a British rider who was in the leading pack during the first half of the race. Justin Nelzen, a former US marine, is the only other man competing in the race and has been a favorite of many. He stated his intentions were to win, but he’d have to overcome Richard and the 12 female riders to win the 2010 Derby.
“Team Juskia” re-enact their ‘Man from Snowy River” fantasies and swoop down a valley for a glorious finish.
Eight days into the majestic Mongol Derby, US rider Justin Nelzen crossed the finish line to claim victory from Saskia van Heeren of South Africa. After 1000kms riding together the margin was narrow, just a few lengths, and both were jubilant after a final sprint for the line on a fine pair of horses.
Justin was hardly out of breath. Having initially made an assault on the finish line the previous night and been forced to turn back in a downpour of biblical proportions, they had a great run in for the final leg the final morning. Said Justin, “We were out in front last night, decided to take it easy this morning, no need to push the horses, we could afford to just look after them. About 300m out, Saskia gave me the nod and we “turned the horses loose” to see what they had and raced to the end. The horses were great, they look great, Saskia and I feel great, the Mongolian people have been great!”
He was full of praise for his team-mate, a Derby veteran from the inaugural race in 2009. “It was a team effort, two horses travel faster than one. Saskia deserves this victory as much as I do, she’s been with me the whole time. We’ve been riding eight days and we’ve had a lot of fun. When times were tough we motivated each other and told each other to “suck it up” a few times! You have to be tough waking up with aches and pains and facing another 12 or 14 hours in the saddle. But it couldn’t have been a better experience.”
Justin found much to admire on his journey. “The scenery is absolutely beautiful. And the people – they take such good care of you. To get to know them, such gracious people, such wonderful horses, was the highlight, said the victorious Justin” When asked what his immediate plans were, he didn’t hesitate; “I’ll be taking a hot shower if I can find one!”
Saskia was still buzzing from her final Derby dash, and in fact still mounted, when she spoke to the organizers. A glutton for punishment, this is her second Mongol Derby, and she insists it will be her last, “Another Derby and my knees will give out permanently!“ “We had a wonderful gallop down the hill to the finish, one arm in the air for balance, it felt like Man from Snowy River. I was half scared we would trip up on the final stretch, or spook at the finish line entourage. Please do not throw me off in front of all of these flags and cameras! It was a great finish! I have a beer in my hand, I’m sat on a horse, and it’s 8 am! Justin and I both agreed it was a big bonus to ride with someone else; it was give and take, you need someone else to help balance the highs and lows. In retrospect the things that were lows at the time become highs when you have endured them and completed the race. We rode in violent hail storms, nearly got struck by lightning, and rode in forty degree heat. I have two swollen knees and my back is in spasm. I am physically broken, but mentally absolutely high. You feel like you have achieved something very grand. The landscape is humbling, but also makes you feel proud. Proud in spite of looking very uncivilized, with our split lips.”
When asked about her experience of surviving on the steppe, she said “Mongolian people are the nicest on the planet, so friendly and so giving. They made a huge effort for us, and it’s an honor to be with them and stay with them, and a privilege that they lend their magnificent horses for us. Danger aside, you feel very safe out here with the Mongolians. It is a wonderful life out here on the steppe, you have to deal with being alone, with no barriers. Unrestricted by social/political constraints, you learn who you are. This is an experience everyone should go through! There is no room for bulls—, silly social worries. It’s pure survival.”
Reinsman Bits
July 21, 2010 on 2:07 am | In A Bit of Information, Horse Tack Reviews | No CommentsIf you are looking for the largest selection and best quality of handmade bits, M.C. Damond Ranch has one of the largest updated selection of Reinsman Bits on the internet. We also have great prices. We keep literally hundreds of Reinsman Bits in stock. To see the complete line on bits go to M.C. Diamond Bits. Check out Ring Bits, Offset Dees, Gag Bits, Sharon Camarillo Bits, Short Shank Curb Bits, D & L Reiner’s, Brian Bell Bits, Combination Hackamores, Hackamores, Mike Beers, Reining & Cutter Bits, Solid Shank Bits, Tyler Magnus Bits, Aluminum Snaffle, Molly Powell Bits, Pro Cutters, Steel Reiner, Kimberwick, Full Cheek, Dale Martin Bits, Clay Tryan Bits and the Quick Change Bit.
Clay Tryan World Champion Series
July 19, 2010 on 2:50 am | In A Bit of Information, Horse Tack Reviews | No CommentsM.C. Diamond Ranch introducing the new Clay Tryan World Champion Series by Reinsman. This is a very attractive and well balanced bit. It is designed with a longer pur chase for a fast response. A new ball “no pinch” connection at the mouth and a medium length shank for good control. Check out all six styles of the Clay Tryan bits at one of the best prices on the internet at M.C. Diamond Clay Tryan Bits.
Indiana Horse Shows
July 2, 2010 on 6:41 pm | In Event Calendars | No CommentsDestined to be the #1Evevt Calendar of Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Illinions, and the north. All events have Location Map, Weather and you can Share a Event many ways
and more. Most events have event flyers, websites, Motels and arena info and some with photos. Need to check it out at M.C. Diamond Event Calendar. You may add your event on this calendar at no charge. Thank for all the ones that have already listed there events.
Tyler Magnus Better Balance Series
May 27, 2010 on 11:19 pm | In Event Calendars | No CommentsAll new for 2010, the Tyler Magnus Better Balance Series by Reinsman at M.C. Diamond Ranch. This new stylish and functional shank by Tyler Magnus is sure to be a favorite. The blue steel is a nice contrast against the silver inlay. This unique and functional design is extremely well balanced to provide excellent stability and leverage needed for scoring, shoulder and stop response. A very versatile bit. Check them out at M.C. Diamond Bits. Tyler Magnus has teamed up with Reinsman in creating quality products like Tylers full line of bits and Tyler Magnus Ropng Saddles.
Rockin S Snaffle with 1/2″ Raised Snaffle
May 25, 2010 on 1:54 am | In A Bit of Information, Horse Tack Reviews | No CommentsM.C. Diamond Ranch is offering the Rockin “S” 1/2′ raised Snaffle. This bit is designed to decrease the discomfort at the corners of the horses mouth. It will not pinch. The extra 3” rings at each end of the mouthpiece float independently to disperse the pressure across the lip and cheek making the horse more responsive to the riders cue. The raised snaffle offers less tongue pressure for better feel at the bars and lips. Attach the reins to the floating Dee outside the cheek rings. “Lifetime Guarantee” The Rockin S Snaffle bit is one of our Best Sellers and receiving many comments having success using this bit. There sizes of this bit has been requested from many of our customers, click “HERE” for information or pricing on this bit. M.C. Diamond Ranch offers over 400 different bits on the mcdiamond.com with a lot of information on each bit.
Molly Powell Bits New 2010
February 17, 2010 on 2:56 am | In A Bit of Information, Horse Tack Reviews | No CommentsM.C. Diamond Ranch has just put up the New Molly Powell Bits for 2010. The new Molly Powell Maximum Performance Series has the 1″ gag action with the new “No Pinch” ball hinge. A great desigan and check then out “Here” They all have “UNIQUE” look I like the BBR131 for one of the horses I used to have. That mouth piece would have been the one I would have used on him. I like this Series make sure you take a look.
M.C. Diamond Ranch
Cowboy Western Recipes
February 12, 2010 on 7:52 pm | In Event Calendars | No CommentsLookng for Cowboy Western Cookng Recipes. M.C. Diamond Ranch has them. From Grilled Jalapeno Stuffed Peppers, Bourbon Peach Cobbler and many more. We offer a wide variety of hand thrown pottery in many designs and styles to cook and serve these Western Recipes in. See them at M.C. Damond Texas Handmade Pottery. Then serve the dish in our etched glassware for a stunning addition to your Western Dinnerware. You can see then at M.C. Diamond Etched Glassware.
Did you know?
When Cookie was finished with his work for the day and before hitting the sack, he would always place the tongue of the chuck wagon facing north. When the trail master started in the morning he would look at the tongue and then knew what direction he would be moving the herd.
M.C.Diamond Ranch
Diet Magic
January 21, 2010 on 7:59 pm | In Event Calendars | No CommentsDIET MAGIC ENERGY/APPETITE CONTROL PRODUCT STORY. It is an unbelievable product! It works like Magic! I have never seen a product that had instant results like this does. Check it out at M.C Diamond Ranch.
Over the last thirty years, my business partner, Danny Gibson, has been a consistent multiple six-figure earners in the network marketing industry. Danny also owned his own MLM Company for several years and sold it for a substantial profit. During this time Danny has worked with many products, but none proved to be as profitable as the energy/appetite control products that were available prior to 2004.
During this time Danny worked with and became friends with a lady who managed a production facility that manufactured many of the products of this type that were being sold all over the country. When these products were taken off the market Danny’s friend vowed she would develop an all natural product that was as good or better than these products but without any of the perceived problems.
A few months ago she sent Danny some product and said she had succeeded in developing the product after many attempts without success in producing the desired results. Danny had tested and tried every product of this type known to man, looking for something that would come remotely close to duplicating the effects of the previous products. He was resigned to the fact that he would never see such a product in his lifetime. The product just stayed in the package for a few weeks with Danny assuming it was like all the rest.
Sharon, Danny’s wife, walked by one day and noticed the package from their friend. She told Danny she was going to try the product because she wanted to lose about twenty pounds. Danny cautioned her that she had not been able to take the pre-2004 products because they gave her the jitters. Sharon took the product, felt great, and the rest is history. She has now lost twenty-six pounds and continues to take Diet Magic for maintenance.
Needless to say, this got Danny’s attention. Over the next few months Danny begin marketing the product to around a hundred and fifty health food store type establishments. The re-orders increased weekly. The product was working for almost everyone as an energy/appetite control product. It was a perfect product for network marketing.
We began our search for the right company. After serious talks with several companies, all of which wanted the opportunity to market the product, and two who wanted to do spin off companies with this product as the only product, we knew we had found the right company.
The company we chose was Symmetry Direct.
For many of us, this is our “second-chance of a life-time”. A lot of people are going to improve their health immensely and make a lot of money with this product and this company.
Over the last thirty years, my business partner, Danny Gibson, has been a consistent multiple six-figure earners in the network marketing industry. Danny also owned his own MLM Company for several years and sold it for a substantial profit. During this time Danny has worked with many products, but none proved to be as profitable as the energy/appetite control products that were available prior to 2004.
During this time Danny worked with and became friends with a lady who managed a production facility that manufactured many of the products of this type that were being sold all over the country. When these products were taken off the market Danny’s friend vowed she would develop an all natural product that was as good or better than these products but without any of the perceived problems.
A few months ago she sent Danny some product and said she had succeeded in developing the product after many attempts without success in producing the desired results. Danny had tested and tried every product of this type known to man, looking for something that would come remotely close to duplicating the effects of the previous products. He was resigned to the fact that he would never see such a product in his lifetime. The product just stayed in the package for a few weeks with Danny assuming it was like all the rest.
Sharon, Danny’s wife, walked by one day and noticed the package from their friend. She told Danny she was going to try the product because she wanted to lose about twenty pounds. Danny cautioned her that she had not been able to take the pre-2004 products because they gave her the jitters. Sharon took the product, felt great, and the rest is history. She has now lost twenty-six pounds and continues to take Diet Magic for maintenance.
Needless to say, this got Danny’s attention. Over the next few months Danny begin marketing the product to around a hundred and fifty health food store type establishments. The re-orders increased weekly. The product was working for almost everyone as an energy/appetite control product. It was a perfect product for network marketing.
We began our search for the right company. After serious talks with several companies, all of which wanted the opportunity to market the product, and two who wanted to do spin off companies with this product as the only product, we knew we had found the right company.
The company we chose was Symmetry Direct.
For many of us, this is our “second-chance of a life-time”. A lot of people are going to improve their health immensely and make a lot of money with this product and this company.
Professional’s Choice Brings Manufacturing Back to the USA
July 25, 2009 on 4:02 pm | In Event Calendars | No CommentsThis is Great News for M.C. Diamond Ranch! We know manufacturing in the USA is important for the Quality of the Products and American Jobs. That is why we carry the largest part of our products Manufacture in the USA. Quality!!
Professional’s Choice Brings Manufacturing Back to the USA – Saving American Jobs!
Dal Scott, owner and founder of Professional’s Choice Sport Medicine Products, Inc. makes a commendable decision to move a substantial portion of his manufacturing business back to Southern California. Production was originally sent to China in a effort to decrease internal cost and pass along saving to Professional’s Choice customers. However, when Scott realized overseas production was putting American jobs in jeopardy, he knew changes had to be made. With new advanced computerized equipment that would drastically improve productivity. A significant investment, but will actually cut cost in the long run.
Check out Professional’s Choice the popular Sports Medicine Boot®, the SMB® Elite.
Some very sophisticated engineering and rigorous testing were poured into the creation of the Sports Medicine Boot® Elite, making it the ultimate in leg protection. Contouring on both the inner and outer sides of the boot not only ensures a perfect, glove-like fit, but also keeps the dirt out.
The SMB® Elite is lightweight and multi-layered with an exclusive limestone-based neoprene exterior and Ultra Shock™ lining, providing 360-degrees of protection and safeguarding the cannon bone, tendons and soft tissue. It is proven to absorb energy from hoof impact by over 26%. The uniquely designed Suspensory strap stretches upon each impact of the hoof, allowing full ankle movement while eliminating hyperextension of the fetlock. The distinctive angle of this strap also guarantees proper application, ensuring the boot provides maximum protection.
Once again, the Professional’s Choice motto, “The more comfortable the horse, the better the performance,” has been made a reality. Professional’s Choice is unsurpassed in the arena of equine performance products and the SMB® Elite is the most definitive equine protective boot ever produced.
M.C. Diamond Ranch
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