If you are looking for one last summer book to read, I recommend Rough Magic by Lara Prior-Palmer, her memoir. I’m listening to it on audio. The Mongol Derby, in Mongolia, is said to be the toughest horse race in the world. Riding 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) for 10 days, using 25 horses along the way. Lara Prior-Palmer, won at 19 years old in 2013, she is the youngest person to have won the race.
Fast forward to 2019, when the oldest person, Bob Long from Idaho, won the race at 70 years old. He said that age is just a number. True; however, he grew up riding horses, so he felt comfortable with this type of rugged race. Still, at 70 years, that kind of race is hard on the body. He made it to all of his pit stops without over riding his horses in any way.
So, I’ve got to say, this was a good summer find.
I’d love to read another memoir like this, one of endurance. Any good reads, share them.
Enjoy the day!
Brilliant Viewpoint 
If my wife was as much a fan of horse racing as she is of the horses themselves, I’d recommend this book to her. But she believes horses belong on trails and not on tracks. Still, it sounds like a compelling read. Reminds me of ultramarathon running. I’ll put it on my list!
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This is not an exciting racing read. The author talks us through each step of the race. It’s a memoir, it’s interesting from that point of view. I think audio would be best.
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Your description is consistent with those I found on Amazon. Many readers were disappointed, but I think it was because they expected the story to be more about the race and less about the rider.
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Yes, I think since it is the toughest race, we are expecting a race where they are side by side, like at the race track and there is constant excitement, etc. But this is an endurance race. So, the story is more like a person who trains for a triathlon and their thoughts on the process. It might not be your cup of tea.
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I would not describe it as a ‘race’, more of a cross-country endurance camp out slog!
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LOL — So True, but it is a race, they do win money. BUT like you say, it’s rugged endurance that’s for sure! I like it!
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I loved the book: going to Mongolia is on my bucket list for sure. Maybe for my 60th…?
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Agree, I want to go there too! Let’s start planning… COVID can’t last forever.
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Thanks for the recommendation. Will read.
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