A 49-year-old American jockey faced dire challenges in Mongolia after falling ill during preparations for the world's toughest horse race, the Mongol Derby.
Dede Anders, an experienced rider, was left without sufficient support as her health deteriorated just before the event, Daily Mail reported.
Dede Anders from Greybull, Wyoming, arrived in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on August 1, aiming to conquer the 620-mile Mongol Derby. A seasoned rider, she was driven by a lifelong passion for horses and a charitable cause. However, just days before the race, a severe illness struck, abruptly halting her plans.
By Monday, leading up to the race, Anders registered symptoms severe enough to sideline her from competition. Despite her condition, the medical response she received was minimal. Doctors advised her to "ride it out," a suggestion that left her frustrated and concerned.
Concerned for her well-being, Anders reached out to the event organizers, hoping for a robust medical assessment and support. Instead, she reported receiving only a cursive check-up, exacerbating her feelings of vulnerability and neglect in a foreign country.
The lack of adequate medical attention culminated in her decision to withdraw from the race entirely. This decision led to her next ordeal: seeking a way back home without the promised support from the event's organizers.
Following her withdrawal, Anders was transported back to Ulaanbaatar. She expected assistance with accommodations and logistical support for her return to the United States. However, Anders ended up having to independently manage her hotel and flight arrangements without the aid she anticipated from the Derby's organizers.
This left Anders stranded and navigating the challenges of international travel while still battling illness. Her experience highlighted significant organizational issues within the event setup, which Anders described as "messy" and "poorly managed."
The discrepancy between the organizers' statements and Anders' experiences became a focal point of contention. The event spokesperson claimed that they had provided "sufficient medical attention and support" and had even taken Anders to her hotel of choice upon her request to return to the capital.
Anders grew up on a ranch in Greybull, Wyoming, where her lifelong journey with horses began. From taming feral horses to competitive riding, her background made her a formidable contender for the Mongol Derby. Moreover, she aimed to use the race as a platform to raise funds for an equine-assisted therapy nonprofit, merging her passion with purpose.
Reflecting on her preparations, Anders shared anecdotes of her enduring love for horses, influenced by tales like 'Black Beauty,' which had captured her imagination since childhood. She expressed the profound disappointment of not being able to compete, especially after being a last-minute addition to the lineup.
"I've been riding my whole life," Anders had remarked in an interview last month, highlighting her readiness for the Derby. Yet, the reality of her situation in Mongolia starkly contrasted with her initial enthusiasm.
The cost of Anders' venture into the Mongol Derby was substantial, with the entry alone priced nearly at $17,000, contributing to a total of about $30,000 spent on the trip. The financial stakes added gravity to her predicament and her perception of the organizers' lack of support.
Despite the claims of the organizers, Anders' story paints a picture of an event lacking in critical areas of participant safety and support, particularly for those facing unexpected health issues far from home. She encapsulated her ordeal by stating, "Now I'm stuck here, and they couldn't give a c***."
Her vivid description of being ill far from the revelry—waking up to throw up while overhearing a distant party—underscores the isolation and frustration she felt.
In summary, Dede Anders' journey to Mongolia for the 2024 Mongol Derby turned from an adventurous challenge into a distressing ordeal. Faced with severe illness, inadequate medical attention, and insufficient organizational support, Anders managed her retreat back to the US independently.
Her aspirations to compete in what is claimed to be the world's toughest horse race and her efforts to raise charity were overshadowed by her struggle to receive the care and assistance she had expected.
The event's planners maintain their stance on having provided the necessary support, highlighting a stark contrast between participant experiences and organizer perspectives in extreme sports events involving high risks and remote conditions.
