2019 Mongol Derby: Suited and Booted

2019 Mongol Derby: Suited and Booted

*FOUR DAYS TO GO*

Some riders take everything, some take very little (see my earlier post: Poetry or Prose) but if they want to do it the Mongolian way, whatever they take they’ll race in a deel.

The deel is a traditional Mongolian overcoat that is still commonly worn, especially out of the city; it’s a long coat with no pockets that wraps around and does up at the neck and waist. You can belt it with a sash or an ordinary leather belt, but the trick is to leave a pouch of fabric over the belt or sash at the front to stash things in. The herders hang what they need (chopsticks, bowl, knife, snuff box etc.) off the sash.

They’re very practical; warm, roomy and the long sleeves mean you don’t need gloves even on a cold morning. You can buy summer, autumn/spring or winter versions; winter deels are sheepskin lined, autumn/ spring deels have cotton padding.

Did you ride in a deel? Did you come back and crew in a deel? Do you ride in a deel at home? Today’s prize is much admiration of your excellent taste and will be awarded to the best photo. Extra points if your horse pulls a less awful face than mine did.

*PHOTO CREDIT: Becks Nairn*