Genoan finds sense of home in Mongolia

The Carson Valley and Mongolia might be thousands of miles apart, but part time Genoa resident Betsy Cooksey said there are similarities that makes her feel connected to both locations.

“The Sierra and the Carson Valley resemble what it looks like over there,” she said. “It makes you feel like you are home.”

Cooksey has horse-backed across Mongolia on multiple occasions in support of disadvantaged children and the Veloo Foundation. One of those trips was a 3,600-kilometer ride and requires physical training in preparation for the journey.

“The terrain, hills, mountains and valleys in Mongolia are comparable to here and all that Carson Valley has to offer in recreation is perfect training,” said Cooksey.

Her training consists of skiing, pickle ball, hiking, and horseback riding.

“The stance you are in while skiing and playing pickle ball are great for your legs and resembles the position you would be in for riding, it’s a great way to train,” she said. “Getting out and enjoying the trails here, access to skiing, and just everything that the Carson Valley has to offer, I wouldn’t want to train anywhere else.”

She also said there is a sense of community and support in both locations.

“Everyone supports each other and is willing to help one another,” she said. “I’m fortunate to have such wonderful friends no matter where I am.”

This summer she is returning for two rides, one by herself and one with long-time friend and Foothill resident and Red Barn Ranch owner Sara Groenendyke.

“I love to travel, and I was so moved by Betsy’s experience,” said Groenendyke. “Her pictures show the beauty of the world without the congestion of distractions; just peace.”

Groenendyke has supported Cooksey and the program in the past and has always wanted to go, but not wanting to do the 3,600-kilometer and 3-month long journey.

Cooksey said she went to Julie Veloo, founder of the Veloo Foundation telling her about her 79-year-old friend and what accommodations could be arranged.

Thus an 11 day Blue Wolf Totem Expedition was created. The ride provides the same experience as the 3-month long journey allowing riders to experience the fullness of Mongolian history, culture, traditions, arts, and the land in less than two weeks with the luxury of retiring nightly into Gers.

The rides are part of the Blue Wolf Totem Charity Ride and is a partnership with the Veloo Foundation to raise awareness and funds for the foundation’s Children of the Peak Sanctuary Project/Narni Huuduud.

Founded in 2013 by Julie and Chelvan Veloo, the Children of the Peak Sanctuary Project/Narni Huuduud project is a school for children of more than 200 impoverished families living amongst garbage where food, clothing and fuel is scavenged for survival. The Sanctuary provides children with a warm place, three nutritious meals a day, clothing, education, adult supervision, and peer interaction.

While the Blue Wolf Totem Ride pays tribute to the legends and heritage of Mongolia, the Veloo Foundation serves to improve the lives of the families who live there. Both coming together to serve Mongolia’s past, present and future.

Cooksey said the rewards exceed beyond supporting families and children and is more than a chance to sight-see a foreign country.

“You learn about yourself in ways you didn’t know were possible,” she said. “You’re pushed to your limits, challenged, learn tolerance, and endurance. I look back before my first trip and how judgey I was, and how negative I was. But I found myself out there, I was humbled and found peace. I look at the world and myself differently.”

Part of the journey riders are encouraged to raise money for the cause and 100 percent of all donated funds goes to help the children.

One way Cooksey raises money and awareness is through donated mink coats.

“People in Mongolia wear minks 8 months out of the year,” she said. “I have taken coats donated by women who haven’t worn them in decades and we auction them at the Gobi Gallop Gala in Magnolia.”

She said she has raised over $15,000 through the coats.

Cooksey and Groenendyke have raised almost $24,000 together for their expedition.

“It’s an amazing program,” said Groenendyke. “I am looking forward to learning more about it on the front end and being able to unplug and experience the beauty of it all.”

Cooksey said she lives to inspire others and encourages anyone to take the trip, learn about Mongolia, its people, history and culture and to step outside of their comfort zones.

“I want to inspire that you can crash and burn, then get back up and live the life you were meant to live,” she said. “The growth and journey that comes from this experience is worth it and it’s all for a good cause.”

Support for the program can be through the expeditions, clothing and food donations, personal fundraisers, and volunteering. Visit www.veloofoundation.com for more information.