Experience America’s First Extreme Sport
An Indian Horse Relay team consists of four members—a rider, a mugger, and two holders—and three horses. Riders mount their first horses bareback at the stall, while the holders restrain the other two horses. After making a lap around the track, the rider hops off of the first horse and mounts the second horse in a dazzling display of athleticism. It is the mugger’s job to catch the first horse. After repeating the process once more, the third and final lap ends at the finish line in front of the grandstand, where thousands of spectators are cheering on the teams.
Indian Market
Inside the grandstand at Canterbury Park, there will also be an Indian Market for guests to enjoy, featuring crafts, jewelry, beading, and artwork for purchase from several Native American vendors. The Indian Market is open all three nights of Indian Horse Relay.
History of the Event
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, creating A Winning Combination, which presented the perfect opportunity to bring this sport to life in the area’s largest horse racing venue. Since the inception of the event, the annual Indian Horse Relay has celebrated great success and brings together racers and spectators from across the country every year.
Cultural Significance
The horse has long held a special place in Native American culture. Often referred to as the Horse Nation, horses—like the drum—have a way of comforting, healing, and bringing Native people together. Spending time around them is good for the heart and good for the spirit. During Indian Horse Relay, riders embrace their culture through horse paint designs, bareback riding, and wearing traditional Native American regalia.
Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
2330 Sioux Trail NW
Prior Lake, MN 55372
952.445.8900
Contact a Department >
