Our amazing vet Tracey showing the group what she looks for when she does her check-ups on the horses. She took blood from them to test for coggins and gave the history of why they check for that disease.
Tracey floating Pumpkins teeth to make them flat so she can eat better. The horses get their teeth floated about every other year and they don't have nerves close to the surface like humans do so it doesn't hurt their teeth at all.
Ivis sticking her tongue out like Skada. When they get their teeth floated, the vet sedates them. She only does a little dose and if necessary she will give them more. It is always good to give less than more.
GROUP PHOTO..TAKE 1!
All the youth touch Mick's thumbprint on his neck. This print is called "The Prophet's thumbprint." It is said whichever horse has this print will be very wise. Tracey explained to the group that it is just a rare birth defect that has been passed on from one horse thousands and thousands of years ago.
Tracey floating Skada's teeth. She explained how the power floater can work on one tooth which works better than the hand floater which is like a big nail file. With the hand floater it couldn't be possible to work on the one back tooth without grinding down the others.
While Midnite wakes up a little more from having her teeth floated, Tehya braids her hair to help her pass the time.
GROUP PHOTO...TAKE 2! Pidauƞyayapi Tracey!
Waniyetu (Winter) 2015
The Sunktanka saying "Hay!"
Skada giving Cante Tanka some kisses!
Baby Cante Tanka in his little blanket staying warm!
Circling up before starting the day off with one another.
Arvol Looking-Horse
Gianna Strong & Skuya
List of the 38 who were hung on December 26, 1862
Family & Love is created at the ride
Lunch Break
Many from the surrounding communities come and support the ride by hosting a meal for the riders. The community of Redwood Falls hosted this breakfast.
Santa came to visit the riders in Maka To on December 25
Gaby Strong & Wacouda
Humor is everything
The Sunktanka running with one another
Leo & Shayla
Wacouda, Gaby, & Midnite
Group Photo with our scarves gifted from Hawai'i
May 2014 when we had a visit from the Hawaiians and connected with one another. We were gifted these scarves that pray to their snow goddess. We wear it in honor of them and the bond that was created on the ride.
Mick not so happy about Laverne Goodthunder taking out all of the burrs stuck in his hair.
Bdoketu (Summer) 2014
Riding with Pezutazizi (Where they dig for yellow medicine/Upper Sioux Community)
Vincent Jackson not watching the road
Can you believe this is Emmarica Larsen's first day on a horse?
Working on rein movements and fundamentals by pole weaving.
Soaking up some sun
Youth learning Dakota Language threw an activity youth could use at home- Playing the WII or Xbox! "Just Dance- Waci!"
Youth building leadership by doing a team building exercise together. How will they get to the other island with everyone & 6 pieces of paper? How will they let their roles given to them shine?
Taking a trail ride in the beautiful Beaver Falls Park
Gabby Dow showing us her mini wahca (flower) with her hoops.
The Wiciyanna (Young Girls)- Neveah Hoffman, Tala Burnes, & Gabyy Dow hoop dancing.
Sunktanka group in the parade and giving candy out
Shawn Sherman & Winona Goodthunder (Not Pictured) teaching about DNA and how we are all made of the same material by having youth extract the DNA of a strawberry as well as extract some from themselves!
Thunder Brothers trying out how people carried water back in the day at their visit to the Lower Sioux Interpreter Center
Andre Larsen thinks he may take this home
Phew, after a day of hard work- time to clean up
Skada & his appaloosa spots
Kaila Renville & Honey Bun
Mick, Skuya, & Leo hanging by the new fence! Pidamaya Darwin Strong & J.B Weston for the work!