The Long Wait Is Over

July 4th, 2008 by Dustin Gorst

 There is nothing more exciting that the first day of the Rangeland Derby.  Every driver, outrider and barn crew member  have dreamed  a hundred times over about winning this years derby.  Every race day and training day before this has been a build up of today.  But the most important thing to remember is that the stampede is not a stampede is not a sprint it is a marathon.  No matter what happens today there is still nine more days of racing. 

As for the Gorst barn, the horses are feeling good and the hopes are high.  We feel with a little luck that we can have a real good showing.  Dad ( Gary Gorst ) has two real nice lead teams and three bone headed pole horses that don’t know the meaning of whoa.  The outriding horses are a little soar but i think we should be alright.  The main thing for us is to stay focused, what ever happens just take it in stride and act nothing bothers us.

Tonight I will be riding all nine heats. I have worked hard all winter to be in top shape this year and i think i am ready for this years derby.  The season this far has gone really good, i have three show championships under my belt this year.  But there is not much i can do but do my best to help the driver and stay penalty free!

Good Luck to all the participants at this years Calgary Stampede.