Horse Warriors

Episode 1

Episode #2.1

22 mins

Horse Warriors follows Indigenous relay racers as they train, compete, and strive for victory on the Indian relay circuit 'Indian Relay started back with the buffalo hunts. The buffalo have huge stamina, big hearts, strong lungs, more stamina than horses. What my ancestors would do back in the day is jump off one horse and hop on to another just to keep up with the buffalo. And eventually that turned into racing, and it's been part of our culture for generations and it will be part of our culture for generations to come.' Relay Announcer - Josh Jacko Considered "Turtle Island's Original Extreme Sport", each rider makes three laps around the racetrack on three different horses, leaping from one horse to the next. The team consists of the rider (warrior), the muggers (catchers) who capture the horses, and the setters, who hold the fresh horses for the riders to jump on and take off: all done bareback with no saddle. A fast and dangerous sport, it has deep roots in Indigenous culture. Earl Wood, from Cree Hockey Night In Canada, says "This is the Indigenous People's contribution to the modern-day equine sporting world, but it's a lot more than that. It's a spiritual coherence, it's a clarity, and it's a responsibility towards wholistic wellness for the generations to come." Season Two features three of the finest Indian relay teams competing on Turtle Island. Two Medicine Relay hails from Browning Montana and carries on a championship tradition that has been in their family for generations. The last few years has seen them continually being one of the top teams on the circuit but last year disaster struck and their #1 rider Cody had his knee catastrophically injured during a race. This year, Cody's younger brother Jesse is getting into the saddle and taking up the challenge of following in Cody's footsteps. It's not going to be easy because Cody was a dominant warrior on the circuit but the family remains undaunted and unified in their quest to remain on top of the demanding Indian relay game. Poitras Relay is based out of Saulteaux First Nation in Saskatchewan and they were one of the champion teams last season. They won big money races in Enoch, Sucker Creek and were on the edge of victory in the season ending champions race. They're coming back this year with a tight team and some of the fastest horses on the circuit. Their rider, Jay Peeaychew, is battling some chronic knee issues and is hoping to stay healthy so Poitras can make a run at being the best team in North America this season. River Cree Relay was one of the most successful relay teams in Canada only a few years ago but this year they're fighting to regain their former glory. It's a battle to find an excellent rider and they're hoping to solidify the rest of their team so they can make a run at once again being a competitive team. Last season ended with a wreck, and they are currently rebuilding the team. It's going to be a tough road for River Cree, but they're determined to claw their way back to respectability. These three teams are going to be competing at all of the top races this season and there's a good chance they're going to champions but not without a good deal of sweat and a lot of heartbreak. Horse Warriors the series shares their lives at their homes, on the road and definitely on the racetrack. Horse Warriors delivers consistent behind the scenes action and hair-raising on-the-track experiences. The series also uncovers rivalries and highlights other amazing teams on the circuit. From the family ranches to the Calgary Stampede and even to suburbs of Seattle - Horse Warriors rides along with all the drama and danger Turtle Island's original extreme sport continually delivers.