As the rain cleared on Saturday afternoon, activities in the paddock area of Halstead Downs picked up for an Extreme Indian Relay rider and his team.
Beyond the rain-soaked track, the horses were fed, cleaned and prepared for the night's racing in the barns.
That is where we caught up to Crazy Cree Relay owner and rider, Tyrell McGilvery, tending to his horses, Billy, Birdie, Cappy and Dolly.
“We're from Heart Lake First Nation and this is our first year running Indian relay. My first year running my own team, my horses,” said McGilvery. “We've been having a great season so far and hoping to keep it going.”
The season has been going so well he became the first team to ever be invited to the Calgary Stampede in its first-year of existence.
He explained a little more about what is involved in competing in what is known as Western Canada’s oldest extreme sport.
There are four men, rider, catcher, back holder and setter, as well as three horses per team on the track.
“I jump on the first horse and go around the track, then jump off that horse and onto the next horse for another lap, then I do that a third time,” he explained. “The fastest of us to do that goes on to the championship round.”
He hopes the fans watching the sport enjoy what they do because they enjoy doing it.
“I do the riding, training and owning, there is lots for me to do. It’s what I love, I love being in the relay, racing my own horses, it’s a blessing."
Crazy Cree Relay came third during the two-day competition over the weekend.
Read More: Indian Relay returns to Lloydminster
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