Helpful FAQs
Relay Horse Race Information:
HOW MANY TEAMS ARE COMING?
The weekend is set for (48) teams this year. There will also be up to (6) teams for a kids race and (6) teams for the lady’s race.
HOW LONG IS THE TRACK?
It will be a ½ mile track.
WHAT DOES A RELAY HORSE RACE CONSIST OF?
There is a Rider & (3) team members. Similar to Nascar each team has a small area lined out for the next two horses and holders. The rider begins the race from the ground and when all (6) horses are at the start line the whistle blows. The rider mounts and the race begins. Once around the track the horse and rider come in and the rider dismounts and mounts the second horse almost on the fly! Again, it’s around the track for the second time and it’s back to the start area for another exchange of horses. Each teamAll three times around the track with the same rider.
WHAT DOES A TEAM CONSIST OF?
(4) people. The rider who rides (3) different horses each race. The Mugger who holds the next horse up. A holder who holds the 3rd horse in waiting and a catcher who handles the horse coming in.
DO THE HORSES HAVE A SADDLE?
No. This is bareback riding.
DO THE RACES BEGIN FROM GATED PENS LIKE IN THE DERBY?
No. This is way more exciting with the rider standing next to the horse and having to mount when the whistle is given to begin the race.
HOW MANY RACES ARE RUN EACH DAY?
(10) Total races. (8) are team races. (1) is a kids (10) and under race and another is a lady’s Warriors race.
HOW MANY TEAMS ARE IN EACH RACE?
(6) Teams per race.
HOW LONG IS THE WHOLE EVENT?
The entire (10) race day will take about 3-hours.
HOW OFTEN DO THEY RACE?
Every 15 minutes there is a race with a 30-minute break in the middle.
HOW MANY HORSES DOES IT TAKE FOR THIS?
Each team will have a minimum of (4) horses for a total of around 300 horses for the event.
HOW IS THE WINNER DECIDED?
The teams are placed in one of (8) heats for the Thursday Race. Then similar to a playoff the teams will be paired up for Friday with the (8) fastest times placed in one of the 8 races. The team with the fastest time will be placed with the (5) teams with the slowest times. The second fastest team times are placed with the next (5) slowest and so on.
On the last day (Saturday) the first race of the day will have the (6) slowest times over the first two days combined.
Race two will have the next fastest times combined and so on with the 8th race being the (6) fastest teams racing for the CHAMPIONSHIP.
WHAT ARE THE TEAMS RACING FOR?
There is a cash purse of $250,000. All teams will be compensated by finale position per race on last day.
WHERE ARE TEAMS COMING FROM?
Montana, North & South Dakota, Washington, Idaho, Minnesota, Wyoming, Oklahoma, Canada
Event Grounds Information:
CAN I TAKE PICTURES?
Yes. Pictures can be taken but no video cameras.
WHAT AM I ALLOWED TO BRING IN WITH ME?
A jacket or rain clothing if rain is a possibility. Sunscreen and/or hat is recommended. No food or beverage carry-ins are allowed. No pets are allowed. Children under eight years of age are not recommended to attend. Cameras are allowed for photography only (no video cameras.)
WHERE ARE THE RELAY RACES LOCATED?
A little over one-mile West of Eau Claire on the Remington Ranch at 6915 Curvue Road. Click here for directions.
IS THERE ALCOHOL ON THE GROUNDS?
Yes and No. There are bars with beer & wine only. They are open from 3:00pm to 9:00pm daily.
IS SMOKING ALLOWED?
Yes. In designated areas only.
ARE CARRY-INS ALLOWED?
No. Carry-ins are not allowed. All bags are subject to search at the main entrance.
WHAT TIME DO GATES OPEN?
Every day at 3:00pm
WHAT TIME DO GATES CLOSE?
Every day around 10pm.
IS THERE A MEDICAL STATION?
Yes. It will be located near the main gate.
ARE THERE ARTS & CRAFT VENDORS AT THE EVENT?
Yes. There will be a combination of Native American and a Variety of Arts & Crafts
ARE THERE FOOD VENDORS AT THE EVENT?
Yes. An assortment of food and beverage stands will be open from 3:00pm to 9:00pm
Are Extreme Thunder USA SOUVENIRs AVAILABLE?
Yes. There will be an Extreme Thunder USA kiosk with Native American shirt & hat designs, plus a stand with rider & team designs for purchase.
IS THIS AN EVENT FOR KIDS?
Yes. Because of the length of the event and during the race people are standing and cheering we suggest kids 8 years old & up. It is a great Experience of Native American Culture.
ARE THERE RESTROOM FACILITIES ON THE GROUNDS?
Yes. Portable Toilets with hand wash stations will be located in (4) different areas Please see the map for locations
IS THERE FRESH WATER AVAILABLE?
Yes. Please see the map for locations.
WHAT CAN I BRING ON THE GROUNDS?
Lawn Chair, a jacket or rain clothing if rain is a possibility. Sunscreen and/or hat is recommended. Cameras are allowed.
EMPTY water bottles or mugs. Umbrellas are allowed but must be down during the race.
WHAT CAN’T I BRING ON THE GROUNDS?
Alcohol, food and beverage, knives and firearms, illegal substances, fireworks, video or professional cameras. No pets are allowed.
Children under the age of eight are not recommended to attend.
IS THERE A SECURITY CHECK UPON ENTERING?
Yes. All attendees are subject to search upon entry.
IS THERE SECURITY ON GROUNDS?
Yes. Security will actively patrol the grounds. Please see the event site map for security stand location.
IS THERE AN EVENT MAP AVAILABLE?
Yes. Please go to Event Site Map under ________.
CAN I TAKE PICTURES?
Yes. Pictures can be taken but no video cameras.
WHAT AM I ALLOWED TO BRING IN WITH ME?
A jacket or rain clothing if rain is a possibility. Sunscreen and/or hat is recommended. No food or beverage is allowed in. No pets are allowed. Little children are not recommended. Cameras are allowed.
WHERE ARE THE RELAY RACES LOCATED?
A little over one mile west of Eau Claire on the Remington Ranch at 6915 Curvue Road.
WHAT TIME DO GATES OPEN?
Every day at 3:00pm
WHAT TIME DO GATES CLOSE?
Every day around 10pm.
IS THERE A MEDICAL STATION?
Yes. It will be located near the main gate.
Ticket Information:
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PRINTING TICKETS FROM MY COMPUTER?
You get your tickets right away.
- No will-call lines or mail delivery to wait for.
- You can print them at your convenience.
The tickets can be printed in color or black and white. Each ticket should be printed on standard 8.5×11-inch paper and treated like any other ticket. For your security the tickets are individually bar coded. The barcode allows one scan per entry so any attempts to duplicate, alter or sell any copies of your ticket will result in admittance being refused to the event.
CAN I BUY MY TICKETS OVER THE PHONE?
Yes. You can call us at (715) - _____________ to purchase tickets by phone.
I PURCHASED THE WRONG DAY TICKET. CAN I EXCHANGE IT FOR THE DAY I WANTED?
Yes. We have a 10-day return policy so if you call our office within 10 days of your order we will help you place an order for the day you want.
HOW WILL I RECEIVE MY TICKETS?
Tickets will be e-mailed from ticket company to you as an attached PDF file. Save the attachment onto your computer. You now have your tickets stored. Print them now or later.
CAN I GIVE MY TICKETS TO ANOTHER PERSON OR PERSONS?
Yes. You will need to forward your tickets to intended party after you receive them. Extreme Thunder USA will not mail to or transfer your tickets into another person’s name.
WILL THIS TICKET BE ACCEPTED FOR THE EVENT?
Yes. The ticket that comes out of the printer is a valid ticket and will be accepted at the event. Keep your ticket in a safe secure place. It is as valuable as cash. If any copies are made of the ticket, only the first scan of the barcode will be allowed entry. If more than one copy were to arrive, the barcode scanner will alert the attendant that the ticket has already been scanned.
WHAT IF I EXPERIENCE OTHER PROBLEMS?
If you have not received your tickets by mail or have other problems, contact us at (715) __________. Please explain what happened and we will help you with your order.
WHEN CAN TICKETS BE ORDERED?
Tickets can be purchased for the 2020 event beginning October 1st, 2019.
WHERE CAN I ORDER TICKETS?
You can purchase them on our web site at ExtremeThunderUSA.com beginning Tuesday October 1st, 2019 or call Extreme Thunder USA at _________________.
WHAT TYPE OF 1-DAY TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE?
Lawn Chair, General Admission Reserved Seat, Preferred Reserved Seat, VIP Seats.
WHAT TYPE OF 3-DAY TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE?
VIP Tables of (4) and (8) are sold for 3 days only. Tickets may be used by a different person each day.
CAN ANY 1-DAY ADMISSION TICKET BE USED ON DIFFERENT DAYS?
No. A 1-Day admission ticket of any type can only be used on the day it is purchased for.
WHAT TYPE OF 3-DAY TICKET IS AVAILABLE?
All single day tickets can be purchased for the same seat if you plan on coming for 3 days.
IF I PURCHASE A LAWN CHAIR TICKET DO I NEED TO BRING A CHAIR?
Yes. If you purchase a lawn chair ticket you must bring a lawn chair for seating. Not a lounge chair.
WHERE DO LAWN CHAIR TICKET HOLDERS SIT?
You will be seated on a grass hillside that is designated for lawn chairs only.
DO I NEED TO TAKE MY CHAIR HOME WITH ME EACH NIGHT?
Yes. All lawn chairs must be removed nightly.
WHAT IS A GENERAL ADMISSION RESERVED TICKET?
Your ticket includes an arm- chair seat with section and number to match your ticket. All general admission seating is hillside with easy access to track social area and hillside vendor village. Seating is tiered with 16 seats per row.
WHAT IS A PREFERRED RESERVED SEAT?
It is the same type seat as VIP and is located directly behind VIP seating. It includes free parking but does not include any discounted bar or hospitality.
WHAT DOES A VIP TICKET INCLUDE?
- Reserved arm-chair style seating
- Exclusive access to VIP Hospitality area
- Gourmet dinner each evening
- Discounted Beer & Wine Bar
- Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages
- Complimentary parking
- Executive restrooms
First right for renewal of same seats for 2021 until October 1st, 2020
DO KIDS NEED A TICKET FOR VIP?
Yes. All ages require a ticket for seating or hospitality.
ARE KIDS TICKETS AVAILABLE?
Yes. If your child is ten and under there is no charge for lawn chair seating. All other seating areas ticket costs are as listed for all ages.
CAN I UPGRADE MY TICKET AT ANY TIME?
Yes. Just pay the difference of what you paid and the cost of the ticket you are purchasing at the time. Upgrades can be done at any time.
IS PARKING INCLUDED WITH MY TICKETS?
A complimentary parking pass is only included with VIP and Preferred Reserve tickets.
DO PRICES GO UP AT ANY TIME?
Yes. Ticket prices will increase on designated dates.
WHAT DO WE DO WITH THE TICKET WHEN WE GET TO THE EVENT?
To enter your ticket will be scanned at the gate and you will receive a wristband. If the same person is using the same ticket & seat for all three days all three tickets can be turned in on Thursday for a 3-day wristband.
CAN ANOTHER PERSON OR PARTY PICK UP MY WILL CALL ORDER?
No. The name on the ticket order must pick up the will call order with valid photo ID.
CAN TICKETS BE COPIED?
Each ticket has its own bar code. Once scanned a ticket with the same barcode will no longer be allowed in.
CAN I RESERVE TICKETS FOR NEXT YEAR?
Yes. All tickets can be reserved beginning Friday at the 2020 event for the 2021 Event. Any tickets purchased for the 2020 relay race will have until October 1st, 2020 to renew the same purchase for 2021 event before they are open for the public to purchase.
CAN I MOVE UP IN ALL TYPES OF RESERVED TICKETS?
Yes. This is done on a first come first choice basis. The earlier you renew your seats allows you next up choice of seats not renewed.
CAN MY RESERVED OR VIP SEAT TICKET BE USED BY DIFFERENT PEOPLE ON DIFFERENT DAYS?
Yes. Those tickets can be used by a different person each day. If you are unable to attend a day you may give your daily ticket to someone else.
HOW DO I GET MY SAME RESERVED SEAT TICKET FOR 2021?
You can purchase your same General Admission, Reserved or VIP Seat for 2021 beginning on Friday August 28th, 2020 at 4:00pm on the Event Grounds. Location will be announced at event.
ADA Accessibility:
IS THERE HANDICAP PARKING AVAILABLE?
Yes. Handicap parking and shuttle service will be as close as possible to the main & VIP entrance gates.
WHERE IS THE ADA ACCESSABLE PARKING LOCATED?
You will be directed to our ADA accessible parking when you arrive.
DO I NEED TO PURCHASE ANYTHING TO PARK IN THE ACCESSIBLE PARKING LOT?
Our ADA accessible parking lot is available to those who have an ADA Parking Permit. When you arrive at the festival, please make sure your permit is visible and you’ll be directed to the ADA parking area.
IS THERE A SPECIAL HANDICAP VIEWING AREA FOR THOSE THAT REQUIRE IT?
Yes. There will be handicap seating areas for all types of tickets. Each handicap seating area will allow for the handicap person and one guest.
DO I NEED TO PURCHASE ANYTHING TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE ADA SEATING AREA?
To gain access to this area, you’ll simply need admission to the event.
I HAVE AN ALLERGY OR DIETARY RESTRICTION! HOW CAN I GAIN AUTHORIZATION TO BRING IN OUTSIDE FOOD?
If you have a true allergy or dietary restriction, please let them know at the entrance gates and your product can be stored in a locked or refrigerated area until needed.
Motels and Hospitality:
ARE THERE MOTEL ROOMS AVAILABLE NEARBY?
Yes. Please go to Visit Eau Claire Convention and Tourism Bureau, Chamber of Commerce, or our Room and Hospitality tab.
CAN YOU DIRECT US TO SOME GOOD RESTAURANTS?
Please go to Eau Claire Convention and Tourism Bureau for a list.
Vendor Information:
HOW DO I BECOME A VENDOR AT EXTREME THUNDER USA?
You can print of a vendor application here or call (715) 214-6201 for information.
WHERE CAN I FIND OTHER INFORMATION FOR VENDORS?
Please look under the vendor application on this web site for all hard good and food vendor information.
HOW MANY WORKERS ARE ALLOWED PER BOOTH?
Each application is viewed and approved individually but usually it is between 2-4 people per day
I NEED EXTRA WORKER PASSES, WHAT CAN I DO?
You can purchase additional passes at a discounted rate.
CAN I PARK MY VEHICLE AT MY BOOTH?
No. We would like to keep our event clear of vehicles. There is a parking area close by reserved for vendors.
WHEN DO SERVICE GATES OPEN AND CLOSE TO SUPPLY OR CLOSE OUT MY TENT WITH PRODUCT?
Service gate will open in the mornings by 9am and close prior 3:00pm daily. Vehicles may not enter grounds at night until 9:00pm each night.
WILL MY BOOTH AND PRODUCT BE SAFE LEAVING THEM UNATTENDED AT NIGHT?
Although we cannot guarantee the safety of your products from theft or damage, our grounds are secured nightly with locked gates and security patrolled from close to open. Event patrons are not allowed on grounds after closing.
We do recommend you secure your booth as much possible each night.
CAN I CAMP AT MY BOOTH?
No. We do not allow vendors to camp at their booth.
IS THERE A CAMPGROUND SET FOR VENDORS?
There is a campground area reserved for vendors. Each vendor is allowed one campsite free of charge.
Please see vendor application for details.
Vendor Information
No. We do not allow vendors to camp at their booth.
No. We would like to keep our event clear of vehicles. There is a parking area close by reserved for vendors.
You can print of a vendor application here or call (715) 214-6201 for information.
Each application is viewed and approved individually but usually it is between 2-4 people per day
You can purchase additional passes at a discounted rate.
There is a campground area reserved for vendors. Each vendor is allowed one campsite free of charge.
Please see vendor application for details.
Service gate will open in the mornings by 9am and close prior 3:00pm daily. Vehicles may not enter grounds at night until 9:00pm each night.
Please look under the vendor application on this web site for all arts, crafts, merchandise and food vendor information.
Although we cannot guarantee the safety of your products from theft or damage, our grounds are secured nightly with locked gates and security patrolled from close to open. Event patrons are not allowed on grounds after closing.
We do recommend you secure your booth as much possible each night.