O’siyo. This is rodeo season in Indian Country. The Crow Fair and Rodeo in Montana is one of the largest and most popular rodeo events in the United States.
Discussion Questions for this post
Wild Bucking Broncos at the Crow Fair and Rodeo. Photo-visitmt.com
Excerpt: Inside the ‘teepee capital of the world’ By S. McKenzie CNN
“Each August, the rolling hills surrounding Little Big Horn River in Montana are transformed into the teepee capital of the world,with over a thousand tents and hundreds of horses converging for the Crow Fair and Rodeo.
Crow Fair and Rodeo. Also known as Tee-pee capital of the world. Photo- CNN
Started over a century ago in 1904, the four-day festival is one of the largest gatherings of Native Americans in the country, with spectacular traditional costumes casting a luminous kaleidoscope of color beneath a brilliant blue sky.
Crow Fair and Rodeo. A rainbow of colors. Photo: CNN
It’s also an important training ground for the next generation of rodeo stars.
We’ve had quite a few young Indian men that have ridden here, gone into professional rodeo, and become world champions.
Indeed, if you thought the world of rodeo was simply that of the white cowboy, think again. There is another master of the saddle, one who has honed their horsemanship over hundreds of years.
Crow Fair and Rodeo. American Indians have a special relationship with horses.CNN
My family were known for their ability to ride bucking horses. There was a mastery to how they could ride a horse — it involved timing, balance,” said Old Horn, each word tumbling out slow and deep.
Crow Fair and Rodeo. Indian Relay bareback riding. Photo- Charles Dye
Outside the rodeo ring however, there’s another sport taking place at Crow Fair — and it’s as fast and furious as they come.
In the world of Indian Relay fearless jockeys race bareback around an oval track three times, leaping from horse to horse while still in motion.
At the end of each lap the rider jumps from their first horse, hits the ground running, then climbs onto the back of their next horse for the following lap.”
“American Indians have a special relationship with horses because it was a way of life.” ~Robert Old Horn~Crow Member
For additional information visit Crow website.
Discussion Questions for this post
1. In which U.S. state is the Crow Rodeo held?
2. How long is this festival?
3. In what year was the Crow festival started?
4. What is an Indian Relay?
5. Traditionally, the races and rodeo events occurred in the day. Which event took place in the evening?
