MHA NATION PRESENTS THE INDIAN HORSE RELAY
Thunder on the Track
United by Tradition, moved by the Horse.
MORE THAN A RACE
What Is Indian Horse Relay?
The electrifying Mandan Hidatsa Arikara (MHA) Indian Horse Relay returns in 2026 for two nights! The semi-finals will be Monday, July 20 and the championship will be on Tuesday, July 21, at the grandstand. With your Grandstand Showpass, you gain access to this breathtaking event, with additional tickets available for purchase on the day, subject to availability.
Experience the vibrant MHA culture firsthand as the MHA Dancers take the main stage during intermissions, enriching the atmosphere with their heritage and traditions.
Get ready for a thrilling evening as Native American athletes and their teams vie for victory in one of the Midwest’s most intense races. Each relay team, consisting of a rider, a mugger, and two holders across three horses, showcases incredible athleticism and coordination. Riders begin bareback, swiftly changing horses with each lap, culminating in a dramatic finish that captivates the audience. With four heats leading to the championship round, this event promises unforgettable excitement. Secure your tickets now and include them with your Grandstand Showpass for a complete experience.
One Rider
Bareback speed and precise transitions.
One Team
Mugger, holder, rider, and horses working together.
Three Horses
Multiple mounts. One continuous race.
MHA Nation wishes to thank those that make it possible!
A Huge thank you to our sponsors!
A LETTER FROM TRIBAL CHAIRMAN
Mark N. Fox
Dear Friends,
On behalf of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, I am proud to welcome you to the Indian Horse Relay at the North Dakota State Fair.
The MHA Nation is honored to be a major sponsor of this event and to help bring forward a tradition that carries deep meaning for our people. The horse has played an important role in our history, our way of life, and our survival. For generations, horses were central to trade, travel, hunting, and the growth of our communities. Over time, horsemanship became not only a skill, but a reflection of strength, pride, and cultural identity.
Indian Relay showcases that legacy in a powerful way.
When riders race bareback, leap from one horse to another, and move with speed, balance, and courage, they are demonstrating more than athletic ability. They are sharing a living piece of Northern Plains horse culture. It is exciting, fast-moving, and full of energy, but it is also rooted in history and respect.
We are proud to partner with the North Dakota State Fair to share this event with people from across North Dakota and beyond. The Indian Horse Relay has become one of the Fair’s most exciting attractions, bringing together families, communities, tribal nations, and visitors who want to experience the beauty and intensity of this tradition.
Our support for the State Fair reflects a larger partnership between the MHA Nation and the State of North Dakota. When we share our culture, our history, and our hospitality, we invite people to learn more about who we are and what we have to offer. From our powwows and rodeos to the beauty of the Fort Berthold Reservation and Lake Sakakawea, we are proud to showcase the strength of our people and the beauty of our homeland.
We look forward to another exciting year of Indian Relay and invite everyone to come watch, cheer, and experience the pride and energy of this incredible event.
Sincerely,
Chairman Mark Fox
Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation
PHOTO STORY
Feel the Energy
Each race is a powerful reminder of the skill passed down through generations. Riders leap bareback from one horse to the next at full speed. Holders steady powerful animals in the middle of chaos. Teams move with precision, timing, and heart. What the crowd sees as excitement, the people of MHA Nation recognize as heritage in motion.
Indian Relay honors the horse, the rider, the team, and the generations who came before them. It is not only a race. It is a celebration of identity, strength, and the continuing horse culture of the MHA Nation.
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TRIP
Plan Your Visit
Whether you are coming from Minot or traveling across the region, gather the practical details visitors need in one clear place.
- Getting to the fairgrounds
- Admission and tickets
- Parking and accessibility
- Hotels and lodging
- Dining and local attractions
- MHA Nation tourism
HORSE PEOPLE OF THE PLAINS
A Relationship Built Across Generations
For generations, horses have held a powerful place in the life of Plains tribes. Among the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara people, horses became essential to movement, trade, hunting, protection,and community life. A good horse was not simply transportation - it was a trusted partner, a prized possession, and a symbol of skill.
Indian Relay carries that legacy into the present. The speed, balance, timing, and bravery shown on the track reflect the horsemanship that has long been part of Native life. Each exchange, each lap, and each rider’s leap tells a story of strength passed from one generation to the next.
The MHA Nation Indian Horse Relay at the North Dakota State Fair began with a simple idea: bring one of Native America’s most thrilling sports to one of the biggest stages in the state.
What started as a conversation grew into a major cultural event. With support from the MHA Nation, the North Dakota State Fair, local teams, riders, organizers, and community members, Indian Relay quickly became one of the most anticipated events of the Fair.
For many MHA families, it creates a day at the Fair that feels personal — a day where culture, competition, and community are represented in front of thousands.
MHA NATION INDIAN HORSE RELAY
Witness the Tradition. Feel the Thunder.
Bring your family, meet the teams, and experience Indian Horse Relay at the North Dakota State Fair.