Beaded Indian Relay logo.
By LORI ANN EDMO
Sho-Ban News
BLACKFOOT — In honor of the late Jimmie Dann Sr. the Dann family presented a beaded medallion of the Indian Relay logo Jimmie created in the 60’s to the eldest son Danford (Danny) Dann prior to the Indian Relay Races September 5.
Delicia Dann beaded the logo to carry on his legacy.
Lenny Yupe, a grandson of Jimmie, served as the emcee and gave background on Danford as a relay rider; relay judge and it’s about the horses.
Eric Chip Dann sang an honor song prior to the presentation and also a straight song for the youth from the Dann family to dance.
Delicia said the roses on the top of the logo and below represent the aunties – the late Josie Papse and Juanita Dann Teton. Colors around the edging also reflect colors of the relay teams.
Danny said in a statement he is not a champion but gives the credit to the horses that run the races. “I am born to a bungu/horse family. My grandfather Francis Dixey taught me to keep horses to feed, care, break them – most of all to respect horses.”
Danford Dann Sr. and family address the crowd at the Eastern Idaho State Fair Indian races Sept. 5.
He said his uncles Barney, Bugs, Willis and Ivan Dixey taught him to break, saddle hunt and chase Bottoms horses that they owned.
When he was 15 years old he was asked to ride for the late Enos Osborne and Red Robert Perry in the beginning. He rode for many relay horse owners throughout the years such as Johnny Ponzo, Alvin Buckskin and Presley Buckskin (all now deceased.)
Dann said winning wasn’t always promised but he rode to have fun, race against his friends and to be competitive. “We raced not for money but only pride of oneself.” He said wages for helping horse owners were meager but enough to eat dinner at the Pilot House.
He said races were during hot weather and some rain drenched track conditions. Parimutuel racing was cancelled but the relays still occurred. Many of those who competed against are not here today although they are watching over us. His victory was in 1973 when he rode for the late Alvin Buckskin and Pat Ball winning the championship. “I’ve been on relay horses at the EISF for 36 years,” Dann said. He’s also participated as a relay judge throughout the years. When they raced all were local and none were from out of town. He recalled Larry Navo had a team – he and his brothers led the horses from Sandy Road to the fairgrounds to race.
He wished good luck to all the teams invited and said, “Remember your horses are the champions.”
Many of the family members were present to honor the legacy.