Lara Prior-Palmer is the niece of Lucinda Prior-Palmer, the champion eventer of my childhood. Lara is also a passionate and accomplished horsewoman, and this is her account of undertaking an extreme challenge, to ride the world's wildest and toughest horse race.

At just 19, Lara entered the Mongol Derby, where competitors ride 25 horses across a distance of 1000km. Many riders don’t make it to the finish line. She was young and foolish in that she was ridiculously unprepared.

She battled illness, dehydration, exhaustion and numerous falls, yet succeeded to complete the journey in seven days and become the youngest-ever champion and the first female winner.

Her account is engaging, comical and awe-inspiring and celebrates the liberation of travel and vast open spaces, and exploring an unknown and fascinating landscape. It's also about courage, adventure, fitness and endurance. It's a great read!