Paulina Alexis says her interest in horses started after seeing Indian Relay, the Indigenous horse-racing sport, and deciding she wanted to try it herself. In an interview with E! News, the Reservation Dogs alum said she taught herself to ride when she was 21.
Alexis explained that Indian Relay is a fast-paced bareback race involving four teammates and three horses, with riders switching horses after each lap. She called the sport intense and said it requires athletes to be in excellent shape.
The First Nations actress, who plays national park ranger Zoey Bear Child in the USA Network drama Anna Pigeon, also said she was able to ride on the show. Alexis told E! that it was the first time she had gotten to ride on a TV production.
While filming, she also had to get used to driving a stick-shift truck, which she said was a new challenge for her. Anna Pigeon is based on the Nevada Barr book series and airs Fridays at 10 p.m. on USA Network.
