Medicine Hat To Host Indian Relay Racing: What the Heck Is That?
A relatively new sport in Canada, Indian Relay Racing is coming to Medicine Hat—here’s what you need to know.
Some people call it the original extreme sport, others call it the Indy 500 of horse racing. No saddle. No safety equipment. Just raw speed and skill as bareback riders zoom around dirt tracks, swapping horses on the fly. Hatters, prepare for a heart-pumping thrill ride—Indian Relay Racing comes to the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede grounds on August 24th and 25th. Here’s everything you need to know.
Newish to Canada, Rich in Tradition
This team sport has roots in Native American culture, dating back hundreds of years. However, the modern adaptation is relatively new in Canada, having made its debut in 2017 at the North American Indigenous Games and the Calgary Stampede.
Meet The Team
An Indian Relay Racing team consists of three horses, one rider, two holders, and a mugger. Each member plays a crucial role:
- The Rider: Travels bareback around the track, exchanging horses after each lap.
- Holder: Positions and calms the horses for the rider’s quick transitions.
- Mugger: Catches the rider's horse at the end of every lap, making sure it doesn’t run wild.
The Race
The rider must complete a set number of laps, switching to a fresh horse after each one. This means the rider must dismount and then leap onto the next animal, making a seamless transition without losing momentum. The rapid-fire speed requires extreme accuracy, agility, and trust among the team members.
What Medicine Hat Can Expect
The fast-paced, unpredictable nature of Indian Relay Racing will keep spectators’ eyes glued to the track. Hatters will witness the phenomenal skill and athleticism displayed by both riders and horses. As one attendee of a Calgary Stampede race phrased it on Reddit, “Worth the price of admission alone. Most badass athletes at the Stampede.”
More Than Just a Sport
Indian Relay Racing is a celebration of Canada’s Indigenous heritage. Traditional dancing, drumming, and an artisan market will be part of the event at the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede grounds. You’ll be able to immerse yourself in culture and history while enjoying the adrenaline rush of one of the most exciting sports around.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
If you’ve never seen anything like this before, prepare to become an instant fan. Indian Relay Racing combines the thrill of chuckwagon races with the rich traditions of Indigenous culture. It’s a sport that honors the past and delivers breathtaking excitement to the present.
The Indian Relay Races gallop into the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede grounds on Saturday, August 24th at 6pm and Sunday, August 25th at 1pm. Tickets are just $25 and can be purchased here.
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