RIDE AS ONE
About
RIDE AS ONE is an electrifying journey into the heart-pounding world of Indian Relay Racing. Set against the gritty backdrop of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, this film follows a team of gutsy underdogs— including a standout female jockey— as they strive to overcome overwhelming odds and capture the World Championship.
THE SPORT
WATCH RACEIndian Bareback Relays are exhibitions of raw courage, a whirlwind of speed and skill, propelled by a primal synergy between horse and rider.
Here’s how it works: Teams consist of a rider, two holders, a mugger, and three high-strung horses. The rider leaps onto the first horse, takes it for a blistering 1600 meter lap, and then—in a move that's part ballet, part controlled chaos—throws himself off and onto the next, while the mugger ensures the previous horse doesn't bolt off. This dance is repeated two more times, with horses careening at heart-stopping speeds that can top 40 mph.
The threat of catastrophe looms large. A single misstep, a fleeting hesitation, could lead to disaster. Still, young racers press on, driven by the honor of victory, yes. But with prizes reaching $20,000 (in communities where a typical annual income is around $5,000) each race represents much more.
It’s a high-speed quest for a new beginning, where every heart-pounding lap signals a step towards a brighter future.
THE CAST
We’ve assembled a cast that’s not only highly skilled but also overflowing with personality and charisma. Our goal is to capture their evolving team dynamics—from friendships to fierce rivalries, and even a budding inter-team romance—all set against the backdrop of high-stakes competition.
Over five months, we’ll follow our cast as they compete in the 2027 season of the Tour of Champions—the most competitive Indian Relay circuit in the country. Top teams from seven Indigenous nations will race weekend after weekend, across North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington, Oregon, and Arizona, culminating in the prestigious Champion of Champions in Casper, Wyoming.
It’s a grueling journey, a true test of resilience and ambition. Like Hoop Dreams, we’ll use the lens of sport to explore their personal ambitions within a broader societal context. Our goal is to highlight what it means to be young and Native American today, while underscoring the daunting reality of chasing dreams in environments where they often seem out of reach.
THE THEME
Thrilling.Fearless. Joyous. Fun.
The underlying theme of RIDE AS ONE is the reexamination of the American dream. America is a country founded on the principle that anyone, regardless of race, creed, or origin, can be successful. But statistically, this isn’t true. The reality is that if you're born poor, you're likely to stay that way; and if you are born on the reservation, you are born poor with a capital P. 97% of Native Americans live far below the poverty line. How, then, does the American Dream work if you're a kid from the reservation with no industry, no work, and no clear path to a better future? How does it feel when the American promise doesn’t seem like it's meant for you?
These are the questions we will explore as we watch these kids hustling against overwhelming odds, trying to “make it” in a society that isn’t set up for them to succeed.
FINAL THOUGHTS
My friend Colton, who is from Pine Ridge, once shared something that has always stuck with me: “People are fascinated by us but they don't think we really exist. We have our issues here – the violence, the drugs. But that's all that gets captured when cameras roll through. Then, our kids see it and start to believe THAT’S who we are. And we’re left spending our whole lives explaining ourselves.”
This documentary is my effort to change that narrative. I'm aiming to craft a film where kids from the reservation (and beyond!) can point to the screen and say, "THIS is who we are.” A film that inspires them to chase their dreams and carve out their identities, on their own terms.
I’m incredibly excited about the possibilities and look forward to chatting more.
