Montana rider Katrina Leyh trains for the 2025 Mongol Derby, a 1,000-km horse race across Mongolia’s steppe using random horses every 35 km.

Montana equestrian Katrina Leyh is training for the 1,000-kilometer Mongol Derby in August 2025, a grueling race across Mongolia’s steppe retracing Genghis Khan’s postal route. She will ride a different horse every 35 kilometers, chosen randomly at checkpoints, and navigate an unmarked route using only her skills, judgment, and resilience. Aiming to finish in 10 to 12 days, Leyh emphasizes mental strength, adaptability, and respect for horses and the land. Though not a professional, she is raising funds via GoFundMe to support her journey and shares her preparation with her community as a testament to what dedication can achieve.