Big Foot Riders ride to Battlefield

LAME DEER, Mont. – On June 22nd and 23rd, the Big Foot Riders from South Dakota were hosted by the Spotted Elk family near Lame Deer and a historic battle sight. They were taking a rest break from their annual ride to celebrate the Battle of the Battle of the Little Big Horn Anniversary, 2025 marking the 149th.

The Spotted Elks have been hosting the group for years, since Jenny Parker of Ashland and family can no longer do that. “They are our relatives” Rene Prairiebear explained. Indeed, there are still some Cheyenne-speaking Northern Cheyenne residing on several Sioux Reservations, the majority at Pine Ridge. The Sioux and Northern Cheyenne culture and history are very similar and it is very common for members of these two Tribes to live on one another’s reservations, especially due to marriage. Only distance separates them from their Montana relatives.

There are 85 riders this year ranging from the youngest, age 6 to a veteran rider well in his 70’s. “They have to be old enough to ride a horse by themselves and make the trip without complaint,” said Wendell Yellowbull, ride coordinator. Sioux and Cheyenne way, 6 years old is plenty old enough.

The ride was first organized by Oglala elders such as Mel Lonehill, Stan Brewer, and Wilber Mesteth as a means of educating young tribal members about the history of the Battle and to let them see first-hand the country their ancestors roamed so freely. They worked closely with Northern Cheyenne elders such as Jenny Parker, Teddy Woodenthigh to coordinate their visit. Cheyenne families arrange for good camping spots which have ample grass and water for the hundred or so horses; provide a meal where old friendships and relationship ties are renewed; and provide meals for the riders. Yellowbull who has been involved with the ride for years has inherited the role of coordinator. “We are always very happy to see our relatives and friends,” he said. “They treat us very well.”

“That is what we are supposed to do” replied members of the Spotted Elk clan such as matriarch Rhoda Bullcoming; Diane Spotted Elk; Lisa Limpy; and Rene Prairiebear. Tony Prairiebear, male spokesperson for the family recently passed.

Organizers spend a whole year fundraising for the trip, which includes many horse trailers, predictable flat tires, support crew, tipis, camping and cooking gear. They first travel to Ashland, MT; stay one night, also fed and welcomed by members of that community; ride to Lame Deer; then to the Muddy area, hosted by the Rosita Sioux family and the final leg is to the Battlefield. In the past other Cheyenne have been hosts such as the Linwood Tallbull and Killsnight families.

Normally the Big Foot riders are joined by the Northern Cheyenne Morning Star riders. This year, due to construction of a new Visitor’s Center, road and parking improvements at the Battlefield, only the Sioux will ride through the abandoned construction site before making a symbolic charge on Last Stand Hill, very theatrical and even dangerous as no holds are barred. This popular sight will not be viewed by tourists this year.

The Big Foot Rides and Northern Cheyenne already look forward to 2026 when the 150th anniversary of the Battle will be celebrated in very elaborate fashion.

(Contact Clara Caufield at acheyennereview@gmail.com)

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