It’s a type of race that has been around for over a hundred years and it is enjoying a resurgence.
That’s according to the president of the Elite Indian Relay Association with races every weekend this summer and dates through October. Vern Antoine says they are criss-crossing Saskatchewan. He explains that in the Indian Relay, racers ride bareback wearing their traditional garb, and the thoroughbred horses are colourfully painted. The rider begins on one horse and does transfers to two other horses, for a total of three horses in the relay per rider.
Antoine says the horse has a special place in First Nations culture. He looks forward to racing in Saskatoon at Marquis Downs the weekend of July 16th, which will be after the safety protocols from the pandemic have been lifted. Antoine hopes for a sell-out crowd of 3,500 fans.
