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Crazy Horse Ride 2012
THE CRAZY HORSE RIDE
A RITE OF PASSAGE FOR LAKOTAYOUTH
by: Karyn Souza
It is said, “One spark creates a wild fire. One drop of water creates a
wave.” That’s what happened when Pine Ridge Reservation native
Bamm Brewer decided to create an event to honor Lakota Warrior
Crazy Horse.
Now, 15 years later, about 200 youth participate in a ride from Fort
Robinson, Nebraska, where Crazy Horse was killed, to the Pine
Ridge Reservation.
The riders are symbolically bringing their fallen chief’s spirit back
to the reservation and a rider-less horse, wearing an eagle feather
in its mane and believed to be under the guidance of Crazy Horse,
leads the way. Chief Crazy Horse was killed after surrendering to
United States forces because he wanted to protect the Lakota from
continued reprisals at the hands of the federal troops.
The 15th Annual Crazy Horse Ride, “In Honor of All Veterans,”
begins June 3rd and this year’s theme is “In Honor of All Veterans.”
That first day, riders will cover 30 miles along the Crazy Horse
Highway to the City of Chadron, where police will escort the riders
along the city streets.
