Episode Overview

In this episode, Dr. Fred Barrelet, a retired veterinary surgeon, shares his lifelong passion for horses, spanning his early love of riding, his work in endurance events, and his remarkable experiences in Mongolia. Fred offers insights into the ever-evolving horse-human bond, the challenges facing equestrian sports today, and why placing horse welfare front and center is more important than ever.

Timeline of episode:

• Fred’s Path to Equestrian Consultancy

  • Veterinary background and transition to international event work

  • Memorable career highlights, including involvement with royal carriages

• Endurance Riding & Equestrian Evolution

  • Growth and regulation in endurance competitions

  • The historical importance of Newmarket for racing and breeding

• The Human-Horse Bond

  • 7,000 years of partnership and why it still matters

  • Cultural nuances: “rough love” in Mongolia vs. Western training methods

• Social License to Operate

  • Increasing scrutiny of horse welfare

  • Efforts to maintain public trust and ethical standards in all disciplines

• Adventures in Mongolia

  • Mongol Derby background and its intense demands

  • Veterinary care vs. rider care: unexpected challenges

  • Trust-building and cultural respect when handling Mongolian ponies

• Personal Favorites & Reflections

  • Why eventing stands out for Fred

  • Admiration for both Thoroughbreds and heavy horse breeds

  • Horses as symbols of freedom and solace

• • Equestrianism is under social pressure: responsible welfare practices are key.

  • Approaches to horse training vary worldwide but center on respect and trust.

  • Fred’s experience highlights the importance of balancing tradition with modern standards.

  • Mongolia’s horse culture offers a unique look at the tough realities—and deep loyalties—of herder life.

    
    

  Notable Takeaways

  • Equestrianism is under social pressure: responsible welfare practices are key.

  • Approaches to horse training vary worldwide but center on respect and trust.

  • Fred’s experience highlights the importance of balancing tradition with modern standards.

  • Mongolia’s horse culture offers a unique look at the tough realities—and deep loyalties—of herder life.

In this engaging conversation, Fred Berry shares his journey from a tobacco farm in North Carolina to becoming a successful plaintiff's lawyer. He discusses his passion for fox hunting and the challenges he faced while participating in the Mongol Derby, a grueling endurance race across Mongolia. Fred reflects on the lessons learned from both his legal career and his experiences with horses, emphasizing the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the deep connection between humans and horses.

Takeaways

• He is a plaintiff's lawyer who thrives on challenges.
• Fox hunting has been a significant part of his life.
• The Mongol Derby was a spontaneous decision for him.
• He faced physical challenges during the Derby but persevered.
• Fred emphasizes the importance of horsemanship in the Derby.
• He reflects on the camaraderie and experiences shared during the race.
• The connection between humans and horses is profound and historical.
• Fred believes in adapting to challenges and learning from them.
• He finds joy in the simple moments spent with horses.

In this episode of The Horse People Podcast, I sit down with Tom Morgan, the visionary founder of the world-renowned Mongol Derby, often hailed as the "world's toughest horse race." We dive deep into Tom's entrepreneurial journey and how his passion for adventure and horses led to the creation of this iconic event.

Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:

• The Birth of the Derby: How the idea came to life and the challenges of organizing a race inspired by Genghis Khan’s postal system.

• Advice for New Riders: Tom’s wisdom on preparing physically and mentally for a grueling race like the Derby.

• Behind-the-Scenes Stories: Memorable moments, unexpected challenges, and what keeps the Derby going strong.

• What’s Next for Tom: His thoughts on the future of equestrian adventure sports and his upcoming projects.

Whether you’re a seasoned rider, a budding adventurer, or just a fan of incredible stories, this episode will inspire and entertain.

Follow Tom Morgan and the Mongol Derby:

• Instagram: @mongolderby and @tom_adventurists
• Website: The Equestrianists

Connect with the Horse People Podcast:

• Instagram: @HorsePeoplePodcast

Enjoy the episode, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast wherever you listen! 🐴