FAQs — Where IRR Happens
Which States Currently Host IRR?
Indian Relay Racing is an active, growing sport with events held across multiple western states. Here is where the sport lives today.
Indian Relay Racing is primarily concentrated in the American West and Northern Plains, where Native nations have maintained the tradition for generations. Events are held on tribal lands, fairgrounds, and established racing venues — drawing competitors and spectators from across the region.
The sport's geographic footprint continues to expand as sanctioning efforts advance and more venues recognize the audience and economic opportunity that IRR brings.
Montana
One of the most active IRR states, with events held at tribal fairs and rodeos across the Blackfeet, Crow, Fort Belknap, and Rocky Boy reservations. Montana hosts some of the most competitive and well-attended relay races in the country.
Wyoming
Home to the Championship of Champions at Frontier Park in Cheyenne — one of the premier IRR events on the calendar. Wyoming's deep rodeo culture makes it a natural fit for the sport's growth.
Idaho
IRR events are held in conjunction with tribal fairs and cultural celebrations, particularly among the Nez Perce and Shoshone-Bannock nations.
Oregon
Events are hosted on tribal lands in eastern Oregon, with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation among the active participants in the regional circuit.
Washington
Tribal nations in Washington state host IRR events as part of broader cultural and sporting gatherings, contributing to the sport's presence in the Pacific Northwest.
North Dakota
The Standing Rock and Fort Berthold reservations have hosted relay racing events, connecting the sport to the Northern Plains tradition from which it draws deep roots.
South Dakota
IRR events take place at tribal fairs and powwows, with the Oglala Lakota and other Sioux nations maintaining an active presence in the relay racing community.
Colorado
Emerging presence on the IRR circuit, with events tied to tribal cultural gatherings and growing interest from the broader equestrian community.
Oklahoma
Home to numerous tribal nations with deep equestrian traditions — including the Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, and Osage — Oklahoma has a strong cultural foundation for IRR and an active presence on the regional circuit.
“As pari-mutuel sanctioning advances, the number of states hosting regulated IRR events is expected to grow significantly — bringing the sport to new audiences and new venues across the country.”
— Horse Nations Racing Group