An after-school equine program on the Stoney Nakoda First Nation is using rodeo and Indian relay to empower youth, teaching traditional horsemanship skills while building confidence and cultural pride.
Program details
The Mountain Stone Equine program operates at Star 6 Ranch in Exshaw, Alberta, offering weekly sessions where young participants learn to care for horses, ride, and compete in rodeo events and Indian relay races. Scarlett Beaver and Keera Ryder were recently seen braiding a pony's mane during a session on Wednesday, June 10, as part of the program's hands-on approach.
According to program organizers, the initiative aims to reconnect Indigenous youth with their cultural heritage through horsemanship, a tradition that has been central to Plains Indigenous communities for generations. Indian relay, a high-speed team race involving bareback horse riding and horse-to-horse transfers, is a particularly popular activity that teaches coordination, trust, and teamwork.
Impact on youth
The program has seen positive feedback from participants and families, with many youth showing improved attendance at school and increased self-esteem. One participant said, "It makes me feel strong and proud to ride like my ancestors did." The program also provides mentorship from experienced riders and elders, who share stories and teachings about the spiritual connection between horses and the Stoney Nakoda people.
Leah Pelletier, a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, documented the program's activities and noted the enthusiasm of participants. The program is one of several community-led efforts to preserve Indigenous horsemanship traditions while offering constructive after-school activities.
