Hi Lucy,

I was wondering if you are familiar with the Gaucho Derby. This year the Derby is run in Patagonia. Well, maybe it is always run there…I am not sure. Liz’s niece, Emily Hoyt, is racing in the Gaucho Derby starting February 8th. There are 40 riders racing to compete a 500km horse race that tests horsemanship skills, navigation skills, survival skills and mental resiliency. My friend, Beth, in Lawrence (Salem the cat’s Mom) was a big rider but it was Beth’s Mom who also competed in these gargantuan races; testing rider and horse. Here is the link if you’d like to follow the race via live trackers on the riders:

Gaucho Derby

Here is an excerpt from their website that I feel would resonate with you:

“Horses, humans and history

The relationship between humans and horses has shaped the history of our species. Empires rose on horseback, hoof-trodden trade routes spanned the globe, cultures and religions grew around these incredible animals. Cut to the modern day and horses are not the everyday partner of choice for day-to-day work.

But there are places left on earth where our equine buddies still form a major part of people’s lives and cultures.”

I’ve added several pictures from Emily’s training leading up to the race launch this week.

I love you so much and would really like to see you soon.

Mom