The Mongol Derby is the longest endurance equestrian race in the world, and Junior Officer Grace Neuhaus, based in Puckapunyal, has risen to the challenge.
For the race, Ms Neuhaus decided to raise funds for Soldier On, a charity dedicated to supporting current and former Australian Defence Force personnel and their families.
“I just sort of felt like this was a big event with a lot of outreach, so it made sense for me to use that for some good,” she said.
“Soldier On sounds like the obvious choice. It sort of combines a lot of different interests.
“I think veterans’ mental health piece is really important, and a lot of the work that they do in that space is really influential.”
Patricia Foley, President of Puckapunyal Adult Riding Club & Horse Agistment, is one of the organisers for the fundraising “Grace’s Race 4 Soldier On” which happened on Saturday, July 6, to help Ms Neuhaus reach her goal of $30,000.
“When I first got to Puckapunyal, I initially was just asking for a bit of support in terms of people that could put me in the right direction,” Ms Neuhaus said.
“They’ve just been incredibly supportive.
“They’ve put together this whole event for me, which we’re doing this weekend. They’ve put together an auction.
“They’ve sort of just taken this idea and run with it in order to support me as best as they can.”
Grace’s Race 4 Soldier On at the Prince of Wales Hotel, Emily St, Seymour was a success pushing Ms Neuhaus’ funds to $7,306.
Ms Foley mentioned that Ms Neuhaus approached PARCHA for a horse to maintain her training for the Mongol Derby in August.
“Unfortunately, we just didn’t have a horse she could use because a lot of our horses are retired or they’re too young,” she said.
“I thought if we can’t help her with that, perhaps we could help with maybe doing a fundraiser to help generate the funds she’s after.”
Ms Neuhaus said she’s always loved riding horses growing up, and The Mongol Derby calls to her spirit for adventure.
“It echoes this kind of very old time-y adventures you don’t really get any more,” she said.
“It just seems like the ultimate challenge, so I applied a few years ago.
“I thought that there’s no way I’ll get selected for it, and then randomly got a phone call late last year, and it just seems like perfect timing.”
The Mongol Derby extends to 1000km through the Mongolian Steppe, recreating the horse messenger system developed by Genghis Khan in 1224.
Ms Neuhaus said the Derby’s challenge echoes the epic journeys of Australia’s Light Horsemen and adventurers of old.
“Being cavalry like the origins of our core and sort of horsemanship ... Well, that’s not really something that we do in our jobs any more,” she said.
“I think there’s still that little deep link between horse, people, and cavalry.
“It’s a very interesting connection to me.”
Ms Neuhaus has been preparing to traverse the Mongolian Steppe in August, but she said it has been difficult because she does not have access to a horse to practice with.
“I haven’t been able to ride for the last six months, which is definitely not ideal being here on course and posted away from my home,” she said.
“I do a lot of triathlon, so I’m trying to stay physically fit and then keep myself mentally prepared as well, but it’s difficult when you can’t do the one thing that’s obviously required of you.”
She said competing in the Mongol Derby has been her personal dream and now has resonated with the community.
“I’ve been really lucky with all the support,” she said.
“People have been hearing my story, so they try to jump in and help me out.
“I’m so incredibly grateful. It’s awesome that something that means so much to me can also mean things to other people.
“It’s been incredibly humbling just to see everyone coming together.”