Indian Relay racing is returning to Halstead Downs, and if you’ve never experienced the sport, you’re missing out.
Indian Relay racing has been featured in Lloydminster as post-chuckwagon racing entertainment in the past, but this weekend, it’s the main event.
“We are thrilled to bring for the first-time ever the EXtreme Indian Relay Races," said Lloyd Ex general manager Jackie Tomayer.
“This event is a celebration of rich cultural heritage and the incredible skill and bravery of relay riders. We invite everyone to come and experience the excitement and tradition of Indian Relay."
Indian Relay is one of the oldest known equestrian sports in America and was traditionally used by Indigenous Peoples for training warriors and testing horsemanship
Not only is Indian Relay racing exciting to watch, it's also pretty easy to understand.
Teams are comprised are four people and three horses. The team's rider must make three laps around the track, changing horses at the start of each lap. Two teammates stand at the edge of the track holding and calming the waiting horses for the incoming rider, and the fourth's job is to catch the arriving horse while the rider dismounts and jumps onto the next horse.
The two-day event will also feature cultural performances including Indigenous drumming, dancing, and storytelling throughout the event.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 27 at 5:30 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Tickets are $20 for adults and kids under 12 get in for free. Tickets are available here.
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