Canterbury Park to hold Indian horse relay races
American Indian riders in full regalia will race bareback and exchange horses at top speed during the first Battle at Canterbury Park Indian Horse Relay Sept. 12-14.
The sport of Indian horse relay dates back 400 years to the Great Plains tribes after horses were introduced to the continent by Europeans, according to the racetrack.
The tradition has continued ever since, and Canterbury's event will feature nine of the top teams in the country representing many different American Indian nations.
The teams consist of three horses and four warriors: one rider, one holder, one set-up man and a mugger (the horse catcher). Teams will compete in two heats per night on Sept. 12-13, and all nine teams will take part in the championship race on Saturday, Sept. 14. The relays will be conducted between thoroughbred horse races.
"We look forward to hosting this event and introducing this fast, thrilling and exciting exhibition of horsemanship and athleticism to our fans," Canterbury Park CEO Randy Sampson said in a news release.
The event is sanctioned by the Professional Indian Horse Racing Association.
"On many reservations, Indian horse relay is helping reconnect young people with their cultural heritage and traditions through horses," said Chairman Charlie Vig of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. The tribe and the racetrack are completing the first full year of a cooperative marketing agreement through which the tribe helps fund purses at the racetrack.
