Independent Lens Season 15 Episode 3 Indian Relay

The show Independent Lens season 15 episode 3 titled Indian Relay, takes audiences on a heart-racing journey into the world of Indian Relay Racing. Indian Relay is a popular sport in the western United States that is deeply rooted in Native American culture. In this episode, viewers get a glimpse into the lives of several families as they prepare for the Indian Relay National Championships.

The episode opens with stunning visuals of beautiful landscapes and horses. The episode quickly gets into the action, following the Blackfeet Indian Relay team from Montana. The team is made up of three generations of riders, including a 14-year-old jockey and his father, who is a seasoned rider. The team's coach is also a former jockey who has won the National Championship multiple times.

The show goes into detail about the Indian Relay sport. Indian Relay racing consists of teams of three riders and three horses. The race requires the riders to change horses mid-race, and each team has a designated catcher whose job is to catch the horse as the jockey jumps off and onto the next horse. The show explains how dangerous the sport can be, with riders and horses sustaining injuries during races.

As the Blackfeet Indian Relay team prepares for the championships, the show also follows other teams, including the Shoshone-Bannock team from Idaho and the Crow team from Montana. We get a glimpse into their preparation, which includes horse training and team building exercises.

Throughout the episode, audiences get to know the riders, their passion for horse racing, and the legacy of Indian Relay racing in their communities. The riders come from families with a history in the sport, and they share their stories about what Indian Relay racing means to them and their families. They speak about the importance of the sport in their culture and how they hope to pass it on to future generations.

Viewers also get to see the support system behind the riders, including family members who help with training and provide emotional support during competitions. The episode highlights the importance of community and the bond between riders, as they come together during the National Championships.

Indian Relay is not just a sport but also an opportunity for Native American communities to come together and celebrate their culture. The National Championships are held at the Eastern Idaho State Fair, and the event attracts thousands of spectators from all over the country. The show captures the excitement of the event, with stunning visuals of the races and the crowd.

Throughout the episode, there are interviews with experts and historians who explain the history and significance of Indian Relay racing. The sport has a history that dates back over 400 years and has played a crucial role in Native American culture. It was originally used as a form of communication between tribes, and riders would deliver messages on horseback.

Overall, the episode offers a fascinating look into the world of Indian Relay racing and its cultural significance. The show is a testament to the passion and dedication of the riders and their families, who continue to keep the sport alive. Indian Relay is a unique and exciting sport that deserves more attention, and this episode is a great introduction for those unfamiliar with the sport.