Relayhorse e-magazine March 2018 RHeM Feb 2018 2 26 2 | Page 16

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INDIAN RELAY
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP

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I

From the desk of

Calvin Ghost Bear

President of the Horse Nations Indian Relay Council
am very pleased with the 2017 indian relay season . Horse Nations Indian Relay Council worked hard to both preserve and expand the opportunities for indian relayers . We made some major moves by adding new races in both Dakota ’ s , and were successful in preserving the financially-troubled year-end race in Billings , Montana . This success is owed to the relay teams for having faith in us and our sponsors for supporting the cause . I personally thank the 13 race organizers that joined our effort to create a meaningful year-end championship event by accrediting their races . I thank every one of the 46 teams that paid into our organization and loaded their horses and hauled many miles to run at the accredited races we promoted . I also give huge thanks to the many sponsors that helped support the costs associated with operating such a venture . You all had faith in us .
For 2018 we have again made some major moves , starting with the ending ….. the 2018 Championship of Champions . Concerns over the track conditions at 2017 ’ s Championship of Champions in Billings , MT lead us to try to negotiate for better ground . The HNIRC board brought these concerns to the table with Metra Park ’ s management . The extreme cost of resurfacing , at our expense , along with the already high cost of renting the facility , forced us to look for another place to race , one that would have safer conditions for the teams . We scoured race tracks across the western states , requested multiple bids , checked the facilities , and chose Sun Downs in Kennewick , Washington . The track is a working ⅝ mile racetrack , noted for very awesome weather in September . Moving the race was not taken lightly . After all the consideration , we found it best for the safety of our teams to move the location of the Championship of Champions to the Tri-Cities for 2018 . I must say , I am very excited about this move !
For 2 years we have been in negotiations with the Cam-Plex , Gillette , Wyoming , to hold a relay race at it ’ s Morningside Park . We were able to secure it for the “ Cloud Peak Energy Resources Tour of Champions Season Opener 2018 ”. Cloud Peak has been a long time supporter of indian relay . I want to thank them for working with us to make this opening race a reality .
I am also excited with the possibilities that exist with our brothers to the north , the Canadian Indian Relay Racing Association . We have been talking about our upcoming seasons and what we can do to further our relationships beyond our borders to better indian relay .
These advancements are only the beginning of what we feel will be filled with some of the best races for our “ Tour of Champions ” season . We are working daily to update our season calendar at www . horsenationsrelay . com . You will also find the 2018 race accreditation and membership forms there .
INDIAN RELAY
TEAM MEMBERSHIP
Horse Nations Indian Relay Council and I , would like to personally thank everyone for being part of our 2017 season . Thank-you for having faith in us . We welcome you to our “ Tour of Champions 2018 .”
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP
JUNIOR / KID RELAY TEAM MEMBERSHIP