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With Saddle Butte in the background, Jessee Vigen, back, and front runner, Hailey Vigen, take off down a steep hill in the three-horse relay during the 2nd Annual Saddle Butte Challenge.

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Megan Blacksmith is off the ground running to finish her four miles of hills and heat in the 2nd Annual Saddle Butte Challenge.

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Nicole Wells tries to catch Lexus Fox at the end of a grueling swim in choppy water during the 2nd Annual Saddle Butte Challenge.

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MANDAREE – Competitors took part in the 2nd Annual Saddle Butte Challenge on Saturday, Aug. 19, which took place in the foothill of Saddle Butte in the Independence area. The Independence area is northeast of Mandaree.

The race is a one-mile swim in Saddle Butte Bay, then a four-mile run over rough terrain with deep drops and high winds, followed by a three-horse relay of more than nine miles.

“The Saddle Butte Challenge was created to advocate an extreme challenge back on the Fort Berthold Reservation, bringing back a sport that was getting forgotten about,” said Hailey Vigen of the Independence area.

“Also, I wanted something that would showcase our home athletes, both the four-legged and two-legged. Our people are great horsemen and women. I don’t want people to forget that part of our culture. I want to connect with the youth and normalize having horses or ponies. The race is something that got my family into Indian relay and started our love for the sport of horse racing,” Vigen added.