Indian Relay Championship of Champions: Moves to Cheyenne for 10th Anniversary

Cheyenne, Wyoming, will host the Indian Relay Championship of Champions this fall, marking the tenth anniversary of the event and a relocation from its previous venue in Casper, Wyoming. The three-day competition, described as “America’s first extreme sport,” is scheduled for September 25–27 at Frontier Park.

The move comes as the championship seeks a larger venue to accommodate its growing popularity, according to Horse Nation Indian Relay Championship President Calvin Ghost Bear. “We are excited to bring the Championship of Champions to Cheyenne,” Ghost Bear said during a Wednesday press conference. “Frontier Park is one of the most iconic western venues in the country and we’re proud to showcase Native horsemanship and culture in a place with such deep rodeo history.”

Indian relay racing is a deeply rooted tradition among tribal nations, featuring teams of one rider and three horses. Riders compete bareback, exchanging horses between laps with the assistance of a skilled crew. Ghost Bear has characterized the competition as embodying a “warrior spirit,” requiring courage, teamwork, and precise timing. The sport’s intensity is often described by participants and spectators as a unique and exhilarating experience.

The relocation follows the event’s departure from the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds in Casper, where it had been held previously. Natrona County Commissioner Jim Milne expressed regret over the event’s move last year, noting that local officials are working to attract similar events back to the community. The championship has also rotated through host cities including Billings, Montana; Walla Walla, Washington; and Fort Pierre, South Dakota.

Organizers anticipate the championship will extend Cheyenne’s tourism season, attracting visitors from across North America and Europe. Tickets will go on sale April 1 and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at www.horsenationsindianrelay.com. A Senior Editor, according to career resources, serves as a guardian of editorial integrity, upholding standards of accuracy and consistency [1, 2, 4]. The role also involves mentoring junior staff and making crucial editorial decisions [1, 2].