[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 10 (Thursday, January 16, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Pages S274-S275]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO ROBERT LONG

 Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, would like to congratulate one of my 
fellow Idahoans, Robert Long, on winning first place in the Mongol 
Derby. This annual competition held in August brings people from around 
the world to race across the Mongolian Steppe on horseback. Robert 
finished the course without any setbacks. This is truly one of the 
toughest tests of skill and endurance for any horseman or woman, and I 
am proud that an Idahoan represented the United States with such 
excellence.
  The Mongol Derby course follows the ancient path of Genghis Khan's 
horse messenger system first set up over 800 years ago. The course 
crosses 600 miles of some of Mongolia's harshest terrain and takes 
riders over a week to complete. Contestants are not only challenged by 
the terrain but also by the traditional methods of the race. The 
hundreds of horses that shoulder the journey are recruited from the 
local Mongolians' herds. Riders change horses every 25 miles, just as 
the ancient Mongols did. Thus, contestants must have the skill to adapt 
to each new mount and the instinct to ride within the limits of its 
strengths and weaknesses. Although the riders are racing towards the 
finish, they are also responsible for taking care of their horses' 
wellbeing and ensuring they are not overworked or injured during the 
journey. Robert's experience with animals helped him to win the race 
without any veterinary penalties.
  Robert's victory was surely an outcome of his extensive experience 
working with horses on the American Western terrain. ``Cowboy Bob,'' as 
he is known by his close friends, was raised in Wyoming and now lives 
in Boise, IA. He trained for the Mongol Derby across the American West, 
where the rough terrain is not so different from that of the Mongolian 
Steppe.
  Robert not only made an impression as a master horseman but also as a 
gracious guest. The course covers a vast area inhabited by Mongolian 
nomad herders, who volunteer their horses for the competitors in the 
race at each stop. Robert presented each herder with a blue ribbon from 
his past competitions, which he brought after learning the significance 
of the color blue in Mongolia, the Land of Eternal Blue Sky.
  In taking part in this race and performing with thoughtfulness and 
mastery, Robert exemplified how well Americans can relate to other 
peoples and cultures. U.S.-Mongolia relations have been growing 
stronger since our two nations established diplomatic ties over 30 
years ago. That the Mongol Derby attracts riders from across the world 
demonstrates Mongolia's ability to build global connections through

[[Page S275]]

history and culture. However, Mongolia's contributions are certainly 
not limited to these spheres. Mongolia is an example of a strong 
democracy. Mongolia currently has over 1,000 peacekeepers deployed in 
Africa and contributed troops to the fight against terrorism in both 
Afghanistan and Iraq.
  Mongolia is an important friend of the United States in the Indo-
Pacific region. I encourage a closer relationship between the United 
States and Mongolia. I thank Robert for representing his country and 
the State of Idaho well through fostering friendship and excellence 
abroad.

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