We are proud and honored to have Janae Firehorse as Absorbine’s guest blogger this month! Strap in as Janae guides us through the sport of Indian Relay, how it works and the meaning it has for the Great Planes tribes. Enjoy!

What is Indian Relay? It’s a Native American sport that has evolved from the buffalo hunting ways of the Great Plains tribes into one of the most incredible forms of horse racing you’ll ever see. The astonishing athleticism of three horses and one fearless rider leaping from one to the next is simply heart-pounding, and the roles of the three-man support crew, which includes a mugger (catcher), an exchange holder, and a back holder, also require amazing strength and courage.

How does relay racing work? Think of a relay race in track and field, but instead of passing a baton between runners, the rider literally becomes the baton, leaping off one charging horse and onto the next, galloping off again in mere seconds. These exchanges, as they are called, are absolutely thrilling to watch as the rider steers his mount at full gallop into his team’s chalk-marked box, where he leaps off, runs a few feet, and throws himself up onto the next horse while the mugger grabs the first horse.

Most relays are held at state or county fairs on a “bullring” – a half to 5/8 mile racetrack – but the historic “Battle of the Horse Nations” is held at Emerald Downs in Auburn, Washington, whose full-mile oval required some problem-solving. The solution is to have not one, but two exchange points, and four-horse teams. Indian Relays will be held at Emerald Downs June 10-12 this year, promising thrilling competition among 18 teams. You can watch races in a live stream here! The first post time is 2 pm Pacific Time Zone – June 10, 2016.

To learn more, here is a documentary-style video about Indian Relay:

Have you ever attended or participated in an Indian Relay? What do you think about this unique sport? Comment below!