The excitement, speed, and tradition of Indian relay racing will be front and center this summer as the Indian Relay Tour of Champions makes a highly anticipated stop during Cheyenne Frontier Days.

Top relay teams from across Indian Country will compete in two action-packed weekends of racing, showcasing one of the oldest and most thrilling equestrian sports in North America. Women’s relay races will be held July 17–18, followed by the men’s relay competition on July 23–24 at Frontier Park during the world-famous rodeo.

Known for its fast-paced action and incredible athleticism, Indian relay racing features bareback riders sprinting around the track before exchanging from one horse to another in seconds — no saddles and no margin for error. The sport combines horsemanship, teamwork, courage, and deep cultural tradition passed down through generations.

“This event brings together elite relay athletes and celebrates Native culture in front of one of the largest western audiences in the world,” relay organizers said. “Cheyenne Frontier Days is the perfect stage for these competitors to showcase their talents and continue growing the sport.”

As an HNIRC-accredited race, winning the relay races at Cheyenne Frontier Days offers more than just bragging rights. Men’s and Women’s Indian Relay winners at CFD will earn a coveted berth in the prestigious Indian Relay Championship of Champions — now held each September in Cheyenne.

In 2026, the Championship of Champions will celebrate its 10th anniversary, bringing together top relay teams from across the region for one of the most respected and competitive Indian relay races in North America and a true season-ending showcase of champions.

The Indian Relay Tour of Champions continues to draw growing crowds and national attention as Native relay racing expands across the western United States and Canada. Spectators can expect intense competition, colorful team presentations, and a celebration of Native American heritage and western tradition.

Fans who experience Indian Relay racing at Cheyenne Frontier Days this July are encouraged to come back for even more high-speed action at the Indian Relay Championship of Champions, returning September 25–27 at Frontier Park in Cheyenne, Wyoming. After getting a taste of the excitement this summer, fans are sure to be hungry for more. Tickets and event information for Indian Relay Championship of Champions are available at horsenationsindianrelay.com

The Horse Nations Indian Relay Council (HNIRC) is proud to announce that the Indian Relay Championship of Champions will be held at Frontier Park in Cheyenne, Wyoming, September 25–27, 2026. Tickets for the highly anticipated event go on sale April 1, 2026, and fans are encouraged to purchase early as seating will be first come, first served.

Frontier Park, best known as the home of the legendary Cheyenne Frontier Days, provides a historic and exciting venue for one of the most thrilling sports in Native American culture. The 2026 event celebrates the 10th Annual Indian Relay Championship of Champions, a major milestone for the Horse Nations Indian Relay Council. Moving the event to Cheyenne begins an exciting new chapter as Indian Relay racing continues to grow in popularity, drawing competitors and fans from across North America.

“We are excited to bring the Championship of Champions to Cheyenne,” said Calvin Ghost Bear, President of the Horse Nations Indian Relay Council. “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.”

The three-day event will feature the fastest and most skilled Indian Relay teams in North America competing for the coveted Championship title. Each performance will begin at 2:00 p.m., with races taking place on Friday, September 25, Saturday, September 26, and culminating in an action-packed Championship Sunday on September 27.

Indian Relay racing is widely considered America’s first extreme sport, rooted in tribal traditions and horsemanship that date back generations. Teams race bareback around the track while exchanging horses at full speed between laps, creating one of the most electrifying spectacles in horse racing.

Each team races with three horses, one rider, and a skilled crew of holders and catchers who assist with lightning-fast exchanges between laps. The sport requires exceptional horsemanship, courage, teamwork, and precision timing.

The Championship of Champions brings together over 100 relay teams representing 15 tribal nations, drawing thousands of spectators each year. Fans attending the event in Cheyenne can expect a high-energy atmosphere filled with competitive racing, cultural pride, and the unique traditions that make Indian Relay one of the most exciting spectator sports in North America. Previous host cities have included Billings, Montana; Walla Walla, Washington; Fort Pierre, South Dakota; and Casper, Wyoming.

The event is expected to bring visitors from across the United States, Canada, and Europe to Cheyenne during the fall tourism season.

Tickets for the Championship of Champions go on sale April 1, 2026, and can be purchased at: www.horsenationsindianrelay.com

Due to high demand and first-come, first-served seating, fans are encouraged to purchase tickets early.

About Horse Nations Indian Relay Council

The Horse Nations Indian Relay Council (HNIRC) was established in 2016 to preserve, promote, and expand the sport of Indian Relay racing. Rooted deeply in Native American culture, Indian Relay showcases the extraordinary horsemanship, speed, and agility of its competitors. HNIRC’s mission is to honor the heritage of Indian Relay racing, support the communities involved, and inspire new generations of fans and competitors. Through its events and partnerships, the organization works to bring greater awareness and appreciation of Native American traditions to audiences across North America.