Stampede & Exhibition set to host ‘America’s original extreme sport’ at inaugural traditional racing event

By BRENDAN MILLER on August 23, 2024.

Without saddles, stirrups or any protective gear, some of the top Indian Relay Horse racers will be competing for their share of a $50,000 prize pool this weekend as the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede is getting ready to host its inaugural Indian Relay Racing and Indigenous Artisan Market.

The exciting sport pays homage to the spiritual importance of horses in Indigenous culture used for hunting, transportation and in battle for hundreds of years.

Riders, as well as some horses, can be seen wearing face and body paint as part of their regalia.

The relay races kick off with the sound of a horn and from the starting line, up to five riders on thoroughbred horses race bareback around the half-mile track.

Anything can happen after a rider finishes the first lap of the track. This is when they steer the horse into a ‘pit stop’ similar to car racing and leap as quickly as possible off the horse they are currently riding and onto a new horse waiting with a handler in the ‘pit.’

This is known as the ‘exchange’ and can be performed in a matter of seconds by the top riders, however it presents dangers due to the number of horses entering and leaving the ‘pit’ area.

The team that completes three laps the fastest wins the relay race. Throughout the weekend 20 teams are in Medicine Hat to take part in the city’s first set of races. The 20 teams will compete in four races of five teams on Saturday in a ranking bracket. On Sunday, the teams will race for a portion of a $50,000 prize pool in the bracket they qualified in.

There will be a total of nine races throughout the weekend.

Between competitive races there will be a chief race, warrior race, lady warrior race and little warrior races, as well as performances from traditional jingle dancers, fancy dancers and a boy’s grass dancer. There will also be an Indigenous Artisan Market featuring a handful of traditional artists and drumming performances by the Wild Tongues.

Stampede staff say they have worked with community partners and several volunteers to make the inaugural event a cultural experience, and will begin the races with a grand entrance and land acknowledgment that will include all racers, local guests and dignitaries, including Elder Charlie Fox.

“This is going to be a very good event for us and we want to do it right,” explains general manager Ron Edwards. “In between the races we are going to have some Indigenous dances from some kids. We are going to have drummers and singers accompanying the dancers to bring some more entertainment.

“We have an Indigenous trade show, which we think will be really good, and that’s on in the afternoon between 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.”

Typically, the entertainment and thrill arrives in plentiful supply, as crashes, falls and even injuries are part of Indian Relay Racing. It is the reason why the relay races have been dubbed ‘America’s original extreme sport’ as it continues to grow in popularity in the western U.S.

“It’s bareback, and they’re thoroughbred horses that are running on the half-mile track. It’s pretty wild and there are some darn good riders.” says Edwards.

Tickets for the relay races are available online at tickets.mhstampede.com or will be sold at the grandstand for $25. Racing action begins Saturday at 6 p.m. and 1:30 p.m on Sunday.

Organization of the Indian Relay Racing events was a collaboration between the Stampede, Travel Alberta and Indigenous leaders and experts to ensure the culture of Indian Relay Racing is fully honoured and respected.

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