Story and photos courtesy of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
High-speed American Indian bareback relay racing was on display at Canterbury Park August 24-26 in Shakopee, Minn. The event was presented by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC).
Relay teams consisted of three horses and four warriors. Riders in full regalia raced bareback down the track and exchanged horses at high speeds.
The Indian Horse Relay at Canterbury Park began in 2013 when the SMSC was invited to the Apsaalooke Crow Nation to see their Native American horse racing event. The SMSC’s Mystic Lake Casino Hotel partnered with Canterbury Park in 2012, bringing the sport to life in the area’s largest horse racing venue.
Native American music and dancing was held between races each night. Performances included SMSC Royalty, a traditional Native American drum group, and others. 
For more information on Indian Horse Relay races, visit: ShakopeeDakota.org.
