Five determined teams consisting of three horses, one rider, one mugger and two holders, entering the track, each taking their designated box in preparation to the start of the race. All of the teams have spent months practicing for the start of the race, ready to leap into action, confident that they will bring home the honors. Each of the fifteen horses are primed ready to leap into action, anticipating the glory of the race. The holders and mugger ready to do their job, despite the risk of personal injury to themselves, as the horses come in for their exchanges.
“Add to this the unsuccessful transfers-riders sprawled face down in the dirt of the track, or a rider clinging to the side of his horse in a struggle to stay aboard- and it’s easy to see why Indian relay is helping to fill the stands across the West” says American Cowboy “Indian Relay Racing” by Jack McNeel 2009 They are all working together to keep their team safe and be the first to cross the finish line. The thrill of the race is tangible and addictive to everyone attending. Chiefs, Warriors, and Maidens also compete for a win, all while riding bareback fearlessly against one another to claim individual titles of their own.