Author: Eileen Moss

Corona Ranch – Phoenix, Arizona: Friday, February 8 – Sunday, February 10

The inaugural Art of the Cowgirl event is now less than a week away. An event such as this has been decades in the making – certainly one that will fulfill a need to not only preserve heritage but to also develop talent in emerging artists. And Tammy Pate, Art of the Cowgirl visionary,  is just the person to bring it to fruition.

The mission of Art of the Cowgirl is as follows:

“Our Purpose is Twofold: As Art of the Cowgirl not only Celebrates Accomplished Artisans and Horsewomen, but also Provides Funding for Emerging Artists in the Development of their Crafts and Businesses.”

“Through our Fellowship Program, which is a not-for-profit foundation, we will work to pair those who want to learn, with those who are ‘Masters’ at their crafts. Funding generated by the event will provide support for the Master, as well as the Fellowship Recipient.” – Tammy Pate

Tammy has been Stockmanship Expert Curt Pate’s partner and wife for over 31 years. She herself, is an accomplished horsemanship clinician, yoga instructor, and talented boot maker. “I have cherished the artistic and creative process of building a functioning, yet beautiful pair of boots – a piece of art.” – Tammy Pate, in an Art of the Cowgirl video promo.

Ms. Pate’s strong ranching, horsemanship, and stockmanship background, combined with her travels alongside her partner and husband Curt, have ushered Tammy down a path that has introduced her to a network of Master Artisans, mentors, and genuine friendships with other women within the Western Industry.

Art of the Cowgirl is all about giving back to the women, their partners, and their families that have meant so much to Tammy. Her grandmother, mother, sisters, and now daughter, have all played integral roles in living a “passion-filled, rich life” – and Art of the Cowgirl will be a gathering to share, as well as to celebrate, talents and functional creativity.

The Art of the Cowgirl Fellowship has been well-received; and for its inaugural year, promises to be a smashing success. It has been consistently gaining momentum, garnering sponsors and media attention throughout 2018. Anticipation has been high – and Tammy has received numerous applications for Fellowship awards – even from as far away as Australia.

There will be seven Fellowships awarded to deserving Recipients, via an application process.

The Masters and their areas of expertise are as follows:

Nancy Martiny – Saddle Maker

Teresa Black – Rawhide Braider/Horsehair Hitcher

Amy Raymond – Silversmith/Engraver

Kelly Martin – Boot Maker

Jan Mapes – Fine Artist

Constance Jaeggi – Photographer

Lee Smith – Horsewoman/Clinician

The very first Art of the Cowgirl Fellowship Recipient is Toni Tolle, a 31-year-old ranching wife and mother from Encampment, Wyoming.

“It’s a truly humbling experience to know out of all the applications, I was picked. I’m so grateful I get the opportunity to represent such a great fellowship and organization to promote the Western Arts. I look forward to learning from an amazing artist like Nancy Martiny.”, said Toni.

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***Fellowship Announcement*** We are thrilled to announce that Toni Kay Tolle of Encampment, WY has been selected as recipient for 2019 Saddle Making Fellowship with Nancy Martiny. . Our Mission: The Fellowship Program is our original dream and basis for the Art of the Cowgirl Event. The fellowship provides an opportunity for western artists to work with masters– a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn or refine their passion with some of the most talented makers in the business. Whether it be a fine art, functional trade or horsemanship, these fellowships will enrich, empower and educate while honoring our western heritage. The fellowship seeks to remove obstacles such as funding and access for up and coming artists, without restriction of age or location. . #artofthecowgirl2019 #artofthecowgirl #cowgirlmaker #welovemakers #westernhorsemanship #westernfashion #westernart #lovelivecowgirls #silversmith #saddlemaker #cowboyboots @montana.silversmiths @purinafeedgreatness @staytuffusa @excel_supplements @cowgirlmuseum @cowgirlmagazine @westernhorseman @wrangler @ridetvnetwork @wranglernetwork @nrsworld @thebrandpaige1912 @greeleyhatworks

A post shared by Art of the Cowgirl (@artofthecowgirl) on Jan 3, 2019 at 9:19pm PST

Toni has been awarded a Fellowship to spend time with her new Mentor, and Master Saddle Maker, Nancy Martini. Toni’s trip, stay, supplies, instruction, and business education are all-inclusive; and she will be leaving Nancy’s workshop with a finished saddle. But more importantly, Toni will have a viable prospect of adding to her family’s income and carry on her father’s legacy; as he was a saddle maker by trade as well.

Art of the Cowgirl Fellowship Funds will be raised via individual donations, as well as during auxiliary events, taking place during the three days at the Art of the Cowgirl gathering.  Some of the main fundraising events include an Art Auction (Friday, February 8); Fellowship Auction (Saturday, February 9); All Women’s Ranch Rodeo (Friday and Saturday, February 8 & 9); and an Elite Horse Sale (Sunday, February 10).

Individual donations are accepted, via a partnership with Equine Empowerment, a Colorado-based 501(c)(3). CLICK HERE to learn how to play a role in raising funds for the Art of the Cowgirl Fellowship.

Join us at the historic Corona Ranch, just outside Phoenix, Arizona – February 8-10, and rub elbows with Masters of the Western Industry; shop and enjoy perusing many unique booths at the Art of the Cowgirl Tradeshow; attend a horsemanship clinic; soak in a concert; and enjoy the beauty, grace, grit, authenticity, and kindness of the people of Art of the Cowgirl!

Cowboy Lifestyle Network is proud to be a media partner in this upcoming event. We excited to announce that you can now buy discounted tickets using the code Lifestyle20 on their website.  Make sure to also follow Art of the Cowgirl on Facebook and Instagram for all of the latest updates!

Selling to the world with WSM Auctioneers

The exciting business of buying and selling goods is all the rage these days. In fact, selling at auction is the fastest, most efficient means to convert assets into cash.

Whether you’re a fan of the History Channel’s “American Pickers”, or the wildly popular “Pawn Stars”, it’s no doubt that tracking sales and resales of antiques and collectibles is a very entertaining pastime.

However, these shows have nothing over on WSM Auctioneers!

WSM specializes in municipal, utility, and construction equipment including – but not limited to – utility trucks, heavy equipment, building materials, filtering systems, tools and manufacturing equipment, and hardware – not just locally, but to the WORLD!

In fact, it’s nothing for this Phoenix, Arizona based business to sell pieces of heavy equipment, bucket trucks, and fleet vehicles to far off and exotic places like the United Emirates, Dubai, and even Jamaica!

The WSM story begins in the early 70’s with a former farmer and steel worker, John Cadzow, Sr – who had a passion for a good auction. He bought and sold on a handshake. He began with a small team, and worked with a big commitment to build a reputation of “fair and honest dealing”; and has continuously provided licensed auction services to individuals, corporations, and municipalities since day one.

John, Sr began his 40 plus year WSM journey with just a few contracts and a three acre tract of ground in Phoenix, Arizona. He took John, Jr with him on that journey – instilling the attributes of hard work and ethics on a daily basis – step by step, day by day – into his son.

In 2002, John Cadzow, Jr was well-prepared to take the WSM reins. And since that day, John, Jr has relished in continuing the tradition of meeting and exceeding the expectations of their customers that his beloved father began.

WSM Auctioneers now sells 90% of their product based from contracts; many of which have been renewed time and again over a 30-year period – which is basically unheard of nowadays.

They have anywhere between 800-1200 registered bidders, with 32.8% successful off site bidding.

WSM maintains a strong presence in the market by successfully fulfilling major contracts with many Arizona counties including Maricopa, as well as big companies like CenturyLink.

John Jr has also learned to “roll with the punches”, surviving smaller profit margins, the move to more online bidding, and a very tech-savvy customer. He thinks outside of the Phoenix “box” and has his eye on the world.

WSM has a monthly live auction, on the second Saturday of every month, with consumable goods, equipment, vehicles, and other materials and hardware onsite on their expanded 10 acre lot in the southeast corner of Phoenix. They are open for viewing Monday through Friday, 7a-4p.

They provide free parking, and no additional charges for loading/unloading product.

A gathering to celebrate western art and horsemanship February 8-10 – Phoenix, AZ

The February Art of the Cowgirl gathering in Phoenix promises to be a premiere event, including many auxiliary activities:

• Art of the Cowgirl Fellowship – a 501(c) (3),  providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn or refine a passion with some of Western Industry’s most talented Masters.
• A Fellowship Auction, with proceeds benefiting the Art of the Cowgirl Fellowship
• Daily concerts featuring Linda Thurston and the Genuine Cowgirls, Adrian Buckaroogirl, and others.
• Trade show
• Clinicians
• Ranch Rodeo
• Elite Horse Sale

The gathering will converge at the exclusive Corona Ranch, just six miles from the Phoenix Convention Center, beginning Friday, February 8, and running through Sunday, February 10.

Seven Masters, and one Guest Maker, of the Western Industry will be attending Art of the Cowgirl – as part of the Art of the Cowgirl Fellowship.

These accomplished artists, or Masters, will not only be exhibiting and auctioning their work to benefit the Fellowship program, but will also be participating in the Fellowship, wherein enrolled recipients will be eligible to be chosen to receive a scholarship to work with a Western Industry Master. Tuition, materials, and accommodations will be all-inclusive.

The Masters

• Nancy Martiny – Master Saddle Maker
• Teresa Black – Master Rawhide Braider/Horsehair Hitcher
• Amy Raymond – Master Engraver & Silversmith
• Kelly Martin – Master Bootmaker
• Jan Mapes – Master Fine Artist
• Constance Jaeggi – Master Photographer
• Lee Smith – Master Horsewoman
• Trent Johnson – Featured Guest Maker – Greeley Hat Works

The Art of the Cowgirl is a Tammy Pate Production.

“I have forever been in love with the West and Ranching….Art of the Cowgirl brings together and celebrates all elements of the Cowgirl Spirit –Beauty, Grace, Grit, Authenticity, and Kindness.”

              –Tammy Pate

Tammy often accompanies her husband, Curt Pate, a world-renowned stockmanship instructor on instructional tours. Curt Pate is a part of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Stockmanship Program. The NCBA is also a sponsor of the 2019 February Art of the Cowgirl event.

Click here for the Art of the Cowgirl Schedule of Events.

Click here to listen to Tammy Pate’s inspired story.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS TO ART OF THE COWGIRL

 

South Point Casino Equestrian Center – Las Vegas, NV:  All indications are that the 2018 WSTR Finale will exceed the $11 Million total payout of 2017. NEW to the 2018 World Series event, will be the #14 Finale, estimating a $1Million payout. The #14 is a switchover from the #15, and like the #8, also enjoyed a 22% growth rate during the 2018 season. The #15 and Open divisions will still have World Series Qualifier events taking place in the outdoor arena at the South Point Casino property during the Finale. The #8, which began as an experimental division just a few years ago, grew a whopping 22% over the season with over 400 teams expected; and the #9 and #10 Finales will have a combined payout of close to $5Million!!

Also NEW this year to the Finale event, is the partnership between the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) and AIM’s Equine Group (Active Interest Media). The PBR will represent TV and digital media rights for the AIM the WSTR Finale. This partnership will benefit the WSTR Finale by featuring the exciting competition for millions of dollars on RidePass. This quote was taken from the October 18th WSTR Press Release regarding the PBR partnership:

“We are excited to leverage the expertise of PBR and the greater Endeavor network to contribute to growth for AIM and the sport of team roping, broadening access and storytelling through digital, streaming and TV coverage,” said Tom Winsor, SVP Equine, AIM.  “This new relationship will benefit nearly 40,000 Team Roping competitors through expanded exposure.”

WSTR founder Denny Gentry has set a goal to have each of the seven divisions payout over $1Million – and he’s well on his way – despite the naysayers. He continues to direct growth by making the necessary “tweeks” to the format and schedule, as needed. This year’s event will run an extra day through Sunday, December 16, due to the growth in the #8 and #9 Finales.

The WSTR Finale will take place at the South Point Casino Equestrian Center in Las Vegas, Nevada December 8-16; coinciding with the 2018 National Finals Rodeo, which will be taking place at the Thomas and Mack Center December 6-15. Admission to the WSTR Finale is FREE. Yes, free to watch some of the best ropers in the nation, competing to win combined prize money of well over $12Million, in seven divisions. And, the South Point Equestrian Center is also hosting a Christmas Trade Show, featuring hundreds of unique, western vendors and stage performances by various country western artists.

Live viewing of the NFR will be available at the South Point Casino in several areas; and don’t forget the Montana Silversmiths Go Round Buckle Presentations, in the South PointCasino Dance Hall nightly, directly after each NFR performance, starting December 6th.

“I sponsor people who remind us what American spirit and character is all about. I support role models for what they teach us about courage, optimism and plain hard work. In Shorty Gorham, I found all that and more.”

John Cadzow, WSM Auctioneers – Phoenix, AZ

The Western Industry, and the sport of Professional Bull Riding in particular, tends to bring together people of like minds and hearts. It draws people in as family.

So it’s no surprise that investors and sponsors such as WSM Auctioneers, recognize everything that our rodeo family encapsulates:  patriotism, honor, doing business on a handshake, gritting your teeth and moving forward despite pain or other challenges, and really remembering what America is all about.

These old-fashioned principles are what attracted John and Shelly Cadzow of WSM Auctioneers to sponsoring bull riding, professional bull riders, and people like PBR Bullfighter Shorty Gorham.

So what, exactly, would be the long and short of Shorty Gorham? Well – truth be known – there’s nothing short about Shorty!

We can, however, summarize the PBR Bullfighter’s career with one word: Early.

Everything started early. However, there will be no early ending to his career!

A quarter of a century ago, a 14-year-old boy was taken under the wing of a California rancher named Gilbert Aguirre.

When Aguirre took that 14 yr old kid to a local rodeo in Indio, CA, that kid jumped at the chance to take the place of an AWOL bullfighter. Because Shorty came prepared. He came with all his gear.

Even then, he knew to prepare and jump at any opportunity to do what he knew he was destined to do: Bullfight.

From there, Shorty literally fought his way up to the elite, televised PBR level; protecting cowboys and keeping bull riders out of trouble for twelve consecutive years from 2005 through 2017.

Along the way, he’s managed to be a husband to his wife Amanda Lyne; a dad to two kids (both of which compete in rodeo and have competed in the American Semi’s – his stepson Tanner, a Tie-Down Roper, and his daughter London, a young barrel racer); train hunting dogs; lead his peers in respecting our country’s military and flag with the “We Stand United” initiative; aid the Texas Department of Transportation’s “Click-It or Ticket” campaign, helping to keep cowboys alive in and out of the arena; create and organize the American Freestyle Bullfighting Tour (AFB); and form/manage the “Lights Out” Fighting Bull Breeding Program.

However, the 2018 PBR: 25th “Unleash the Beast” World Finals (Nov. 7-11 in Las Vegas) will sadly be minus Gorham.

According to the PBR website, “Gorham injured himself [dislocated his left foot] leaping onto the back of the bucking chutes to avoid “Big Benny” during Round 1 of the Winstar World Casino & Resort PBR Invitational in Austin, Texas (the last week of September)….and will be out for multiple weeks.” 

He may not be working the PBR – however, he will still be managing and producing his AFB Tour events!

According to the AFB website: Shorty “turned to the future [beyond the PBR], by turning to his past, when he founded ShortyGorham’s American Freestyle Bullfighting – AFB – and is now producing top freestyle bullfighting events of the world.”

Deemed the “Most Dangerous Dance on Dirt”, up and coming bulls and bullfighters are scored on their levels of engagement while competing in the “ultimate salsa dance”.

Each bullfighter has 40 seconds to engage a fighting bull – one specifically geared towards a one-on-one arena encounter. Or, as Shorty has said, “This ain’t no bull ride; it’s the bullfighters’ turn to shine.”

He’s “looking to use his own brand to create a new generation of western sports superstars.”

Shorty’s finding those “superstars” of the future – the ones who’ll keep bull riders alive and healthy – something that Shorty has craved his whole, entire life.

And with the help of local sponsors such as  WSM Auctioneers, who’ve just come on board as an association title sponsor, Shorty’s making things happen!

WSM is helping him to accomplish mutually important objectives: To continue to protect and keep bull riders from harm; training up future bullfighters, and continue to highlight principles  America was originally founded upon.

Upcoming AFB events:

Nov 10 – San Antonio, TX – Freeman Coliseum

Nov 11 – McAllen, TX – State Farm Arena

Nov 16 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center

Nov 18 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center

Upcoming WSM Auctions:

Dec 8 – Phoenix, AZ – Live Public Auction

Jan 12 – Phoenix, AZ – Live Public Auction

Click Here for WSM Auction details

The 25th PBR: Unleash the Beast World Finals are finally upon us!

An “All-Star cast of the greatest Bull Riders and Bucking Bulls in the world” will be converging in Las Vegas, Nevada starting Wednesday, November 7 and bucking on through Sunday, November 11 – to determine who will take home a $1 Million Dollar Bonus; as well as the coveted $20,000 championship buckle.

The 2018 World Finals is a culmination of weekly tour events, which have been televised on CBS Sports, CBS Sports Network, and other networks around the globe. Currently, around 3 Million PBR Fans attend a live PBR event. During the 2018 season, the PBR turned 25, and will have awarded $11 Million in prize money, including the $1 Million Bonus – going to the World Champion Bull Rider.

Inside Story: Honesty, Integrity, and Hard Work Paves the Road to Success

The steadfast growth of the PBR as “America’s original extreme sport” wouldn’t be where it’s at now without the riders, bulls, stock contractors, the fans, and one other element: Sponsors.

In fact, the sport would not exist if it were not for the support from local businesses. And oftentimes, these sponsors come forward because a business owner connects with the sport of Bull Riding, on a personal level.

WSM Auctioneers is one such business; and John and Shelly Cadzow are those owners. For John, rodeo has been a long standing, family tradition. He understands the sport because he knows that it takes character and grit to succeed as a Professional Bull Rider.

He understands that the road leading to the PBR World Finals takes a daily commitment to meeting and exceeding personal goals; much as he has with his own company.

WSM Auctioneers, specializes in licensed auction services of equipment, vehicles, tools, and building material to individuals, corporations, and municipalities since 1971.

WSM have stayed at the top of their game because they’ve stuck to the standard set by the company’s founder, John’s father: The Standard of Fair and Honest Dealing, since day one.

John and Shelly Cadzow are putting their hard-earned money where their hearts are – with some of the athletes that have made PBR what it is today – a thriving and exciting sport. People that can truly be admired and respected – PBR Bull Riders Claudio Montanha, Jr (currently ranked #3 in the world), and Cody Nance (currently ranked #8 in the world).

The other PBR athletes that both John and Shelly admire are the bulls. They have become members of the Chad Berger Bucking Bulls Team – and own one of PBR’s top athletes – “Shelley’s Gangster”.

“Shelly and I are very excited to be a part of the Chad Berger Bucking Bulls team, while at the same time, having such a great bull that goes by the name of “Shelley’s Gangster”. My Company, WSM Auctioneers, is proud to be involved in the Western Industry and we look forward to a long-term family environment. In addition, we are proud to sponsor Professional Bull Riders, Cody Nance and Claudio Montanha Jr.”

John Cadzow

The bull “Shelley’s Gangster” originally made his debut at the March 2016 Built Ford Tough PBR event in Albuquerque, New Mexico. J.B. Mauney rode the bull for an impressive 88.25 pts, with the bull marked at 43.

Since then, “Shelley’s Gangster” has matured; and with 16 outs in 2018, is still going strong. In fact, Jose Vitor Leme rode him for 89 pts, at the 2018 Albuquerque event, with the bull marked at 43.50! He must be getting better with age!

“Shelley’s Gangster” 2018 stats include 16 outs with an average of 43.45 score per out, and he’s only been ridden 37.50%.

Chad Berger Bucking Bulls, home of Chad Berger – 7X PBR Stock Contractor of the Year, has also carried on family business and tradition from Chad’s father’s original bucking bull breeding program, which started back in the ‘60’s. He and John Cadzow share a passion for continuing the legacy of honesty, integrity, and hard work.

CLN would like to officially welcome the Cadzow family into ours – the Western Industry Family.

It’ll be exciting to see if “Shelley’s Gangster” will be matched with either one of the WSM Auctioneers team members; and we are looking forward to watching “Shelley’s Gangster”, Claudio Mantanha, Jr, Cody Nance, and all of the other hard-working athletes during the PBR: 25th Unleash the Beast World Finals.

America’s Cowboy Sport since 1990

The United States Team Roping Championships, USTRC, will converge for their National Finals Team Roping (NFTR) event at the Oklahoma State Fair Park in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Sunday, October 21st; on through Saturday, October 27th.

The USTRC, which has been promoting fairness in competitive Team Roping since 1990,  currently boasts over 85 yearly, sanctioned events; and 300 affiliate events – nationwide.

There’s an anticipated total payout within the $5 Million dollar range; with 4 – 5,000 teams competing. The #10 Division, as in most cases and areas of the country, will have the most entries.

2018 has been a “rebuilding year”, states Karl Stressman, President of the USTRC. He continued,  “We’ve done some things that have put us in a good position…we’re going to continue to escalate the [USTRC] brand”.

And indeed, they have made some additions and changes to their format that should do just that:

1. Sunday, October 21: Kicking off the 2018 NFTR, will be the #16 Case IH Tractor Roping. This will be an enter one-time event, with $1,000 entry fees. The winners of the average will each receive a Case IH Tractor
   
2. The 2018 NFTR  will be the first year to feature “RAM Exclusives” (age-capped at 25 yrs and over)  roping for the #12, #11, #10, #9, and #8 Divisions. Stressman believes that this will “level the playing field” for the bulk of their members. These age-capped divisions will be awarding a whopping $10,000 RAM Truck certificate to the winning headers and heelers in each division
   In addition, Bob’s Custom Saddles and Gist Buckles will be awarded to the top ten headers and heelers in each division.
3. NEW to 2018 for The Cinch Ladies Championships – Thursday, October 25: They will feature a #10 Division, with a #8 Incentive, and capped at a 6 Elite – both ends. The 2018 awards will include Bob’s Custom saddles, a full Cinch Ladies’ wardrobe, and a $1,000 cash bonus – all in addition to the prize money. (Over $55,000 was awarded in 2017; $18,040 of which Rylea Rae Fabrizio and Lorraine Moreno ended up winning.)
4. NEW to the Junior Looper Open (Monday, October 22) and #10 (Wednesday, October 24) Divisions: They are now a part of the Jr. NFR Program; with $50,000 up for grabs in both divisions. There will be five positions up for grabs at the NFTR in Oklahoma City, to be added to the 10 Year-End Qualifiers going to the Jr. NFR in Las Vegas – December 6-15.

Click here for a full schedule of USTRC Divisions – roping starts daily at 8 AM
Admission: FREE – and unique shopping available at 100’s of booths.

Click here for a full list of host hotels (when making  your reservations, mention the USTRC for your discount)

Wednesday, October 24 – Saturday, October 27th: The 91st National FFA Convention & Expo will take place this year in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Since 1927, FFA members, nationwide, have been meeting to attend workshops, learn about key business and tech advances within the Agricultural Industry, and celebrate each other’s accomplishments.

The 2018 National Convention expects to accommodate over 67,000 attendees.

With mantras to live by like “I am capable but WE are unstoppable” and “I can, but together we will”; the FFA is an organization that not only encourages self reliance through teamwork, but also provides training and platforms from which members can build a strong foundation for successful lives.

“We are capable of shaping the future of agriculture, our homes, communities, and the United States of America – when we believe in the power of Just One!”, as stated on convention.ffa.org.

2018 Convention Schedule Highlights

• Oct 21-24:
  State officer/Delegate, and Committee Chair activities and meetings
• Oct 24:
  State chapter photos begin
• Oct 24:
  National FFA Expo Grand Opening
• Oct 24:
  Private FFA Music Concert

There are currently over 650,000 student members, in a network of over 8,500 local FFA Chapters.

According to the FFA website, “Earth’s population will be 9.8 Billion by 2050, requiring a 60% increase in agricultural production. Rapidly evolving talent, innovation, and technical aptitude from FFA Members is required to meet this challenge.”

If you or a family member would like to become a part of one of what we at CLN consider to be an outstanding organization for youth, visit ffa.org for more information.

CLN Insider Info:

Famous people who were FFA members include TV series “Lost” actor Matthew Fox; country music superstars Taylor Swift and Tim McGraw; former President of the United States Jimmy Carter; and former NFL Football Player Bo Jackson.

Friday, September 21 – Sunday, September 23

Friday – 6:30pm

Saturday – 2:00pm

Sunday – 2:00pm

Held in conjunction with the Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days at the Walla Walla County Fairgrounds. And, as the website for the Walla Walla event states:

“The Walla Walla County Fairgrounds and Fair have a storied past ~ a place “where memories are made that last a lifetime” and while the name may have changed throughout the years, this great community event and tradition lives on, creating memories for the young and the young at heart!”

The sport of Indian Relay Racing is the #1 Native American extreme sporting event; involving the tribes of the Great Plains. It combines accomplished riding skills with evasive maneuvers that have evolved from the ancestral traditions of warriors and hunting parties.

Each relay team consists of four members and three horses:

➽  Rider (mounted)

➽  Mugger (set-up man to position the horse)

➽  Catcher (to catch dismounted horse)

➽  Back Holder (to rotate the exchange horses)

Mounted team riders race around a ½ mile track at speeds of up to 40 MPH! They hardly slow, as they lap and prepare to make a flying leap to the next of a total of three horses, held be a Team Mugger; and make another high-speed lap.

This is full, pedal-to-the-metal action; and it’s all based upon traditional, Native American Cultural history. No saddles, no boots, no spurs. Chiefs, Warriors, and Maidens ride fearlessly for the win.

There’s really no comparison to this action-packed sport; carried on by the descendants of America’s original residents.

The Horse Nations Indian Relay Council, (HNIRC), are bringing in the Tribes of the Great Plains and converging in Walla Walla, Washington for the “Championship of Champions” Finals!  It is truly one of the most exciting races in the sport of horse racing.

CLN Insider Info: The Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days event, although held under different names and at different locations in the general area, is in its 152nd year. Characters from past events include the infamous Ruth Parton Webster (1895-1978). Known as “the mother of thoroughbred racing”, Ruth began her racing career on the Yakima Reservation as a young girl, racing Thoroughbreds. During her career, she earned the title of “World’s Champion Woman Relay Racer”. She eventually retired in 1929.

Tickets Link: Horse Nations Championship of Champions Relay Race Finals

Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Days Main Office: 509-527-3247

Tickets: 509-527-3250

Fairgrounds Address: 363 Orchard Street – Walla Walla, Washington 99362