Formatting necessary for an accurate reading of this text may be shown by tags (e.g., <DELETED> or <BOLD>) or may be missing from this TXT display. For complete and accurate display of this text, see the PDF.
[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.
____________________