On a scorching August day, spirited racehorses toss their heads and pound the sand with eager hooves at Onion Lake Cree Nation’s Heritage Park, located 50 kilometers north of Lloydminster on the Saskatchewan side. The resonant voice of an announcer signals the start of the Indian Relay Racing event, drawing spectators who gather around the white rail fence that lines the track.
Race organizer Candy Jackson expresses gratitude for the enthusiastic crowd and the overwhelming support shown throughout the five-day event, which featured 14 exceptional and humble teams participating in the thrilling sport. Indian Relay Racing is a team sport where riders swap horses after completing three bareback laps, each on a different horse. The exchanges are intense, requiring riders to dismount, touch the ground with both feet, and swiftly mount the next horse.
The races are filled with adrenaline-pumping moments, ranging from collisions between riders to challenges with stubborn or overly excited horses that can swiftly alter the race’s outcome. Over the past decade, the sport has gained popularity across the Prairies, becoming a staple in summer track events that attract large audiences and offer substantial cash prizes.
Tyson Head, a seasoned farrier from Mistawasis, Saskatchewan, has witnessed the sport’s evolution firsthand since founding his team, T.K. Farrier, in 2017. He highlights the increasing fan base and the rise of significant monetary rewards in recent years. The growing appeal of Indian Relay Racing has also attracted more sponsors, sparking interest from aspiring participants eager to engage in the sport.
As the sport continues to expand, new teams emerge, with novices learning from established racers and eventually forming their own squads. However, Jackson emphasizes that while the sport’s growth brings benefits, it also presents challenges. She stresses the importance of maintaining the sport’s essence of unity and family, ensuring that races and riders remain connected to their cultural roots.
Jackson initiates race events with traditional ceremonies and prayers to uphold the sport’s heritage. Riders like cousins Kyla and Kayden Stanley from Onion Lake Cree Nation also engage in prayers and smudging rituals before racing, emphasizing the significance of spirituality and tradition in their preparations.
Beyond the allure of cash prizes and championship titles, each rider values the opportunity to honor tradition and heritage while navigating personal struggles. Jackson underscores the profound bond between riders and their horses, attributing the riders’ talents to the healing spirit of these noble animals.