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Named a “legendary Lakota horseman” by the Oglala Sioux Tribe, Fred Ecoffey (Oglala Lakota) has enjoyed a celebrated 68-year career as a jockey.
After winning his debut race in 1957, Ecoffey went on to compete in more than 17,500 races, earning inductions into both the Nebraska Racing Hall of Fame and the South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame.
Ecoffey, 88, has retired from professional racing, though he still helps one of his daughters with her barrel racing from time to time.
Last night Fred Ecoffey, a Lakota Sioux Native American and Nebraska Hall Of Fame Jockey, was inducted into the South Dakota Sports Hall Of Fame. At age 87, we expect to see him again as an official at Fon in 2025. Fred is pure class!!! @FonnerRacing @sdsportshof1 @timsmithkmit pic.twitter.com/5vRPJT7STv
— Chris Kotulak (@chriskotulak) September 24, 2024
Today, a new generation of young Native jockeys is taking up the mantle and finding success on the racetrack. Among them is Talliyah Timentwa (Colville Tribes), a two-time national Indian Relay champion who made her debut at Washington state’s Emerald Downs racecourse last year.
Tune into Native America Calling to speak with Native horse riders about cultivating the art of horsemanship across disciplines, from relay races and jockeying to the sport of dressage.
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