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[RC] Mercy Corps' Mongolian horse race draws opposition from equestrian groups - John Teeterhttp://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2009/06/ mercy_corps_mongolian_horse_ra.htmlMercy Corps' Mongolian horse race draws opposition from equestrian groups Hot-blooded equestrians are trying to assemble a worldwide posse to trample an unlikely opponent -- Mercy Corps, the Portland-based relief organization known for aiding disaster victims, not for helping stage horse races. Mercy Corps managers were taken aback Monday by allegations that a 534-mile race across Mongolia, billed as the "biggest baddest equine affair on the planet," would expose riders to wolf attacks, bubonic plague, rabies, flash floods, foul water, poisoned food, theft and assault. The nonprofit agency, which runs development projects in Mongolia, introduced herders to sponsors of the world's longest horse race, whose participants will raise money for the charity. "I doubt Mercy Corps realizes the depth of anger that is building in the equestrian world," said CuChullaine O'Reilly of The Long Riders' Guild, a Swiss-based association of equestrian explorers. "This is an international incident, and Mercy Corps is now deeply involved." .... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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