Gaucho Derby

2022 Competitor Hinke Van Der Werf on the scenery of the Gaucho Derby:

The landscape is breathtaking. Literally, the brutal wind takes your breath away. The howling wind gives you wind burns making you look like a patient on prednisone. There can be snow and sunshine at the same moment but the wind will never stop. Don’t be scared for heights like me.

However if you step aside your fear, you will see the most beautiful panoramas. No man’s land full of mountains, crystal clear freezing lakes and guanacos everywhere. And don’t forget the mighty condors. Always circling around you hoping for the first bite ha!



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Some choose to tackle the mighty Gaucho Derby as individuals, and some, like Rendel Rieckman, Holly Mason, and Daniël van Eeden, choose to team up and combine their shared skill set to conquer everything wild the Andes has to offer. Together, these fine Equestrianists went on to win it in 2024.

Rendel Rieckman had this to say about what it was like racing as a team:

"One of the best moments during the derby was realizing I wouldn't have been able to finish without this team. Dan added his knowledge about the terrain and conquering it, and Holly's unstoppable drive—it was an incredible team spirit. I am especially thankful that even during the toughest times—realizing past decision-making mistakes, physical meltdowns, or errors like navigation mishaps, loose girths, or items flying out of saddlebags during full canter—we didn't waste time finger-pointing about whose fault it was. Instead, we made a plan of how to fix it and move forward."

Ps applications are now open for both our Gaucho Derby and Gaucho Derby Academy. Follow these links to apply:

https://equestrianists.com/apply-to-race/

https://equestrianists.com/the-academy/apply-for-an-academy/



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2024 Gaucho Derby Competitor Emmanuel Cardinaux on the scenery along the course:

The scenery was so varied and epic: desertic landscapes, oasis-like estancias, turquoise glacier lakes and steppe canyons, all of these could be encountered in a single day. One of my favourite sceneries was the dry lago La Rubia nestled in the mountains where a herd of guanacos seemed to be following us.



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Gaucho Derby Academy & Gaucho Derby veteran Emily Hoyt on her experience during the Gaucho Derby:

The Gaucho Derby brings new meaning to the phrase “ride or die besties.” I went into this experience expecting to meet some epic horses and epic people and the derby delivered.

First, my four-legged friends. The bond that you create with these horses is unlike anything else. Upon a quick, sometimes chaotic greeting, we agreed to entrust our lives to each other- the horses finding the safest tracks to guide me through perilous terrain, and me keeping their well-being as my utmost concern, ensuring green grass and fresh water at the end of our long days together. Saying goodbye to them was always bittersweet. I’d fantasize about bringing my new, trusty steeds home to the Colorado mountains, but I could never take them away from their native home.

While the horses stayed to roam the beautiful lands of Patagonia, I returned home with friendships to keep. The people who sign up for these derbies are not your average Joes. Most have a history of wild adventures that are admirable and inspiring. There is also a depth to them that I often yearn for in everyday life. Our conversations were deep and soulful, vulnerable and emotional. We laughed and cried together, sometimes at the same time. We’ve stayed in touch since the derby, and we’re already scheming future adventures together.

I think if I were asked what my favorite memory from the derby was, I’d give a different answer everyday. Right now, what’s standing out to me is the evening of day 4. My partner and I had a tumultuous day that ended with a peaceful campsite by the lake- just us and our two horses. We’d gotten lost, ran out of water, and we were almost out of food. But that evening, we had everything that we needed. We shared our snacks, drank murky lake water, and bonded over the ridiculousness of our day. We had each other, and our horses grazed happily near our tents.”

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Ps applications are open for both our Gaucho Derby Academy & Gaucho Derby, explore more here: equestrianists.com

Mongol Derby Veteran Rick Helson on what it was like taking part in the Gaucho Derby Academy:

"The Academy was fantastic! It gave us a look at the challenges of taking part in the Gaucho Derby and a chance to test our own mettle in the Andes. I live in Wyoming and riding in the Andes is unlike anywhere else I've ridden. Riding with new friends from all over the world was an unparalleled experience. I still correspond with friends who could only be made on the back of a horse."

Apply for the next Gaucho Derby Academy via equestrianists.com



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To successfully complete a 500 km journey across Patagonia, being well-acquainted with your GPS is crucial.

Future riders- this isn't something you want to take lightly, make sure you're practicing now and know the insides and outs of the Garmin. If navigation isn't your forte then it's a good idea to come to our Gaucho Derby Academy and learn from the pros.

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~ Spirit of the Derby ~

What do you do when you’re in last place, lost your sleeping bag, your horse, and generally are having a bit of a crappy start of Day Two?

Well there are 2 options and it’s safe to say we know which on MMO and GRO chose… but which would you pick??

Always smiling, always laughing and always a joy to see in the Horse Stations for our crew - thank you gals for being the embodiment of the Spirit of the Race and congratulations on a pretty epic comeback!

MMO and GRO everybody!

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- The Race Reports -

For those who wanna look back and read the day to day accounts scribbled by our Event Manager in the field Stevie Delahunt, have a gander here:

Gaucho Derby News - The Equestrianists Hot on their trail was our favourite couple of the derby VBR and CHB who came in still very much together and very grateful for their adventure, which is impressive considering how many opportunities there were to reconsider life choices along the way.

~ Vet Award Winners ~

A number of riders kept clean vet cards throughout the race and all the riders took exceptional care of each of their horses but our Head Vet chose these two riders for the extra time and love they showed their horses…

Congratulations to The Gaucho Grannies, Dot and Hilary, who crossed the line hand in hand after 500km of racing and thank you for your special efforts shown!

And for making sure your charity mascots ( ) made it to the end unscathed too!

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~ Tenacity ~

The grit to keep moving when everything says stop…

RAL and AMC know grit and this year they have made history - becoming the first para-athletes to complete The Gaucho Derby!

Dot Watchers - give it up for RAL & AMC — your Tenacity Award Winners

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