I’ve attended over 300 rodeo performances. It’s a relatively specialized application. Stampede is certainly the biggest bucking horse client we have. I’m here from July 7 to 18 – 24/7. I’m do thousands of veterinary examinations visually and some hands-on. We feel like it’s a responsibility we have to the animal athletes and the human athletes and the public to do the very best we can to make sure that any animal who’s participating in an event in Calgary has had appropriate veterinary care to make sure that they’re fit to be here. We call it “Fit to Compete”.

Follow me through a day getting ready before the Stampede Rodeo:

It all has to be done in an order. We know when we’re sorting them in the morning which horse is first in the bareback riding and which is the tenth horse. If one acts up in the chute, we might have to switch to a different horse and that might change the order.

A couple different stock contractors bring animals to the Stampede. We keep all the contractor stock separate because strange horses will fight with each other and the same with bulls. You also don’t want to put a stud horse with another stud because they’ll fight to establish which one is “boss.”

Some of the horses get nervous if they are by themselves in a pen because they are herd animals so we bring a buddy horse – one that’s not bucking that day – just to be in the same pen during preparation time.

Every horse and every bull has a delivery which means they buck either right or left out of the chute. It’s like being right or left handed. It’s just their preference. Bulls and horses that circle to the right – you wouldn’t put them over on the right side because then, when he jumped out and started to buck like he normally does, he’d buck into the fence. So we are careful to make sure we put them where they’ll be safe when the chute opens.

The horses that have been bucking at the Stampede for a long time, they know ‘O Canada’. By the time the last chorus is playing, you can see them getting excited. They’re ready to perform.

The chute boss tells the stock crew what time to load. The timing has to be right because you don’t want the stock standing around in the chutes too long and you don’t want to load too late because then the cowboys don’t get enough preparation time.

After they buck, they go to the “strip chute” where we take the saddles and the riggings off. Then they go to the feed and water pens and relax.

After the rodeo, everything’s penned and it’s easy for everybody to load. We have a timeline after the rodeo to be out of the infield because of the preparation needed for the chuckwagon races.

Every horse and every bull is different and every one of them has special needs that we need to pay attention to, especially behind the chutes.

We’ve all been there… “Who’s the guy in the stripes? Why did they just blow the whistle? How are some baskets worth 1 point and some worth 3?”

Watching a sporting event when you don’t know what’s going on isn’t really all that fun. Not for you, and not for the person you’re with, who’s often trying to WATCH the event rather than explain the minutiae of the rules.

Well, the Calgary Stampede Rodeo is no different: Many people don’t understand what it is they’re seeing, and why some rides are worth 50 points and some are worth 90. This seemed like an EXCELLENT opportunity for the Next Generation Committee to check out how the good folks on the Rodeo Committee are trying to educate this and future generations about the events and rules in Rodeo.

Enter “Rodeo Inside & Out”, also sometimes called “Rodeo 101″.

This presentations happens daily in the Northern Lights Arena (near the Scotiabank Saddledome) from 11 am until 11:30 – leaving you 2 hours between the end of the session and the start of that day’s Rodeo events at the Grandstand.

I attended a session with a born-and-raised Calgarian who was unaware of the various rodeo events, or their rules. By the end of the 30 minutes she could identify the various pieces of equipment and tack used in the events, could tell the difference between roughstock and timed events, was pointing out good rides and bad ones during the Saddle Bronc event at Tuesday’s rodeo, and was completely enthralled with a world that she hadn’t understood in the slightest that morning.

The setting is extremely laid back, and the information comes in small, easy-to-digest morsels in plain language. There were born-and-raised Calgarians in the audience, as well as visitors from across Alberta, Canada and the rest of the world – as well as some very recent arrivals to our country who had chosen to make Calgary their new home and wanted to learn about this popular sport that was so completely foreign to their understanding. Rodeo Inside & Out was extremely well-presented, and comes with a tactile component as well, as many pieces of equipment are passed around the audience for folks to touch, test the weight of, and appreciate.

The best thing about Rodeo Inside & Out, however, wasn’t just that they won a new rodeo fan in my friend Ashley. It’s that later that night she went home to her family, and explained the rules of the rodeo, its history and the differences in the events, to them while they watched the rodeo together on television and fully understood, for the first time, what they were watching. They didn’t gain one fan for the Calgary Stampede Rodeo – they gained 5.

Learning about ropin’ at Rodeo Inside & Out

Enthusiasm for the sport of rodeo is contagious – all it takes is 30 minutes to learn, and a lifetime to enjoy. And the Stampede Rodeo Committee is making it easier than ever, starting at the very beginning by teaching visitors and locals alike about Rodeo Inside & Out.

We evaluate four year-olds, usually around Christmastime every year just to see what kind of natural talent they have. We have a dummy saddle we put on them – no cowboys get on them. We put a flank strap on them and let them buck for few seconds so they can see how bucking feels with something on their back. The equipment releases with the press of a button like a garage door opener. It’s a lot like drafting hockey players. You go through all the colts and you find the potential superstars.

It’s a very relaxed atmosphere that we create for them. In the early spring, we have a cold-riding where we get young cowboys – novice cowboys – to get on them. If a young horse bucks a young cowboy off – that’s good for us. It builds the horse’s confidence. For their first year bucking, we buck them a couple of times with the novices and then they go back to pasture to grow for another year.

As five year olds, that’s when they get exposed to a few more rodeos – mostly domestic rodeos. That’s the open bareback and bronc riding. As six year olds, if they show quality, they’ll be on the big truck to rodeos throughout North America.

A bucking horse is in its prime between 8 and 14, but some animals can still get the job done at 20.

We try to keep them fit all year round. It’s no different than for any other athlete. By going to other rodeos, they’re used to being bucked. The fitter they are, the better they are for competition and the less the chance of injury.

A flank strap is a sheepskin-lined or padded leather strap. Flank straps are not laced with spikes and other irritants as some people have falsely claimed. A rider is seeking as high a score as possible and to harm his horse or bull will have the opposite effect. Since half of a competitor’s score is taken on the animal’s performance, it is in the cowboy’s interests to treat it well.

The Stampede's K-17 Kauai Coconut, bucking out perfectly with the help of a flank strap.

On a new bucking horse, the strap around its flank causes a tickle, or at most an irritation (but so does any new piece of equipment on a new horse – even a saddle). On a practiced bucking horse or bull, the flank strap acts as a conditioning tool – the animal learns to associate the flank strap with performing.

The strap is adjustable to fit each individual horse or bull but is not possible to make an animal buck simply by adding a flank strap. If this were the case, then any animal could be bucking stock. The flank strap enhances the bucking action and helps the animal kick outwards and upwards but it doesn’t force the animal to buck if it doesn’t feel like it.

While the animal stands in the chute, the flank strap is loosely fitted. It‘s not tied around an animal’s genitals. This is a physical impossibility and those who claim this need an anatomy lesson. In human terms, the strap is similar to wearing a snug belt around the waist.

As the gate is opened and the animal leaves the chute, the strap is pulled snug to a set limit depending on the animal. The limit makes sure the strap isn’t pulled too tight by accident. When the horse or bull feels the strap tighten, they know it’s time to buck.

Watch this video to see what a flank strap looks like and what it does:

The Wild West shows that toured North America in the late 1800s had a major role in shaping popular images of cowboy life.  Performances mythologized the “old west” and created an entertainment culture that featured riding, roping and shooting.

However, Calgary Stampede founder Guy Weadick had a different vision.  His dream was to create a genuine cowboy contest that tested the skills and horsemanship required by working cowboys.  So for the first Calgary Stampede in 1912, cowboys (and cowgirls) gathered from across North America to test their wrangling skills in the bourgeoning sport of rodeo.  

Some early events did grow out of the Wild West genre – such as bulldogging (steer wrestling) – invented by Wild West performer Bill Pickett – or buffalo riding, which would never have taken place historically.   Other events, however, emerged from ranching traditions: saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, and bareback riding all originated from roundup and branding activities. 

During spring roundups in the late 1800s, cowboys would gather the cattle that had wandered on the range during winter months, and brand the new calves.  Ropers were key figures in the branding corrals, and many went on to win championships in rodeo events.  One of the outstanding ropers at the Bar U ranch in the 1920s, for example, was a Nakoda cowhand, Jonas Rider, who was known for his exceptional speed and dexterity.  He became the Calf Roping champion at the Calgary Stampede in 1923 and was a top contestant through the rest of the decade.  

Clearly as time has passed the lines between historical working cowboys, rodeo cowboys, and romanticized Hollywood cowboys have blurred.  But the western heritage and values that the Calgary Stampede promotes and preserves, in significant part through its western events, have authentic roots in the local conditions, economy, and culture of the region in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries.

Twelve months ago, I was unsure what I was stepping into as Indian Princess but now that the year is over, I have gained a new understanding of my world. The royalty program prepared me with great leadership and public speaking training – I feel confident stepping into the world as a mature young lady.

It was such a wonderful and humbling experience to represent the Indian Village and the First Nation people of the Treaty 7 area. I have many more great friends as a result and I thank all the people who welcomed me into their lives and alowed me to share my Blackfoot culture with them. I walk away with great memories that I will hold dear to my heart.

In my year as Indian Princess I wanted to represent the Calgary Stampede and the Indian Village with as much pride and enthusiasm as I could create. I believe I did this. I will continue to encourage all young cowgirls and young native girls to compete in the Royal Trio and the Indian Princess competition. It was such a great experience where you grow as a person, meet wonderful people, attend world class events and make friendships that will last a lifetime.

I want to send my gratitude to all my supporters, new friends, the Calgary Stampede, the Indian Princess Committee and Indian Events Committees and most importantly, my family. I wish each of you the very best.

I’m confident the next Indian Princess will have an equally rewarding year.

Farewell and THANK YOU!
Sahvanne Weasel Traveller
Calgary Stampede Indian Princess 2010

I met hundreds of people at the many events I attended. The entire city of Calgary was alive with western heritage and values – The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth had finally arrived! Many visitors came to watch and participate in the parade that was the kick off to the Stampede. This year as the Indian Princess, I rode the Indian Princess horse Stormy in the parade. That was an unforgettable experience, to have a chance to wave and greet all the people of the city and world as they watched the parade.

There were many pancake breakfasts that I attended with the trio. It was wonderful to meet so many people at the many breakfasts hosted by the local corporations and businesses.

The rodeo was the one of the many great attractions for many professional cowboys and cowgirls. I was thrilled for the opportunity to ride in the rodeo grand entry. It was very exciting to see all the friendly people smiling and waving back at me.

Each evening the chuckwagon races created high energy as the crowds cheered on their favourite chuckwagon driver and outriders. I had the honour, along with the trio, to escort daily rodeo and chuckwagon winners onto the main stage for their trophies and prize money.

The most exciting event was the celebration of dances, ceremonies and tea gathering at the Indian Village. I was so proud to represent the First Nations people as I was at these Indian Village events.

I am deeply grateful to the many sponsors, chaperones, Indian Events Committee and Indian Princess Committee members that made my experience at the Stampede a memorable one.

Until next time,

Your 2010 Calgary Stampede Indian Princess
Sahvanne Weasel Traveller

Here’s what some of the NGC hosts had to say about introducing the Western Culture to new audiences at the 2010 Calgary Stampede.

The Western Oasis in the BMO Centre was really great this year.  I really enjoyed being able to walk around and enjoy the western art with all of our guests as well as look at the unique entertainment that was showcased.  One of my favourite parts was the living statues.  A lot of people really liked looking at them from afar and then slowly getting closer and closer to them, to see when they would move and what they were going to do next. I also really enjoyed looking at the Royal Trio Alumni exhibit.  It was so interesting to see how much history the Stampede has and also how the outfits have changed over the years (for example the bright yellow pant suit from the 1970’s).  Another highlight was watching the artist build the Inuksuk’s.  Western Oasis was great as it was a chance to really interact and get to know our guests in a quiet, calm and very interesting setting. 
-Andrea Miller

I really enjoyed the whole weekend so it will be hard to pick out a favorite part.  But after initially being scared to tears by the living statues in Western Oasis, the 4 year old from the Chinese community association asked “Mom, why did it move?” then wanted to go back and see it again, that was definitely up there for favorites!  Or the little boy from Vietnam who, after eating Bannock at Indian Village exclaimed “I’ve ALWAYS wanted to try Indian food!” and the lady from Eritrea who was so impressed with the vibrancy of the Native culture.  The teenage girl from Afghanistan who told me her favorite part of the tour was looking the artwork in Western Oasis.  And the father from Somalia who stopped to do his Muslim prayers next to one of the nature displays in the Western Oasis.  Those moments really stuck out for me.
- Nicole Mosher

Had enough rides, drinks and mini-donuts? Check out the Western Oasis, located in Halls D & E of
the BMO Centre. The Western Oasis features the western art and lifestyle elements of the Calgary
Stampede we know and love in an oasis-style atmosphere where you can unwind and relax. While
you’re inside check out phenomenal western photographs, bronzes, paintings, cooking
demonstrations, arts & crafts and western entertainment. Or, put your feet up and relax in one of
the natural oasis environments.

So.. I have a slight confession to make, I already know real cowboys (I grew up with them). This is for all the people who don’t know them. The Professional Bullriders (PBR) Merchandise Trailer is returning to the greatest outdoor show on earth.  Located by the main entrance of the Grandstand, the PBR Merchandise Trailer is where you can meet real cowboys and PBR superstars and get all your PBR gear.

Daily autograph sessions will be held immediately following the afternoon rodeo.  Don’t miss your chance to get up close and personal with 2009 PBR Canadian National Champion and Built Ford Tough Series (BFTS) contender Beau Hill ; 2009 PBR Mexico Champion Jason O’Hearn; and 2008 PBR Canadian National Champion Aaron Roy .You can also meet PBR World Finals qualifiers Zane Lambert , Dusty Ephrom, Matt Bohon and Edimundo Gomes ; and 2009 PBR Team Canada member Ty Elliott.

PBR Merchandise Trailer Autograph Schedule
After the Rodeo | Grandstand Entrance | Stampede Park
Fri July 9 – Beau Hill and Zane Lambert
Sat July 10 – Matt Bohon and Beau Hill
Sun July 11 – Zane Lambert and Matt Bohon
Mon July 12 – Matt Bohon and Zane Lambert
Tues July 13 – Aaron Roy and Edimundo Gomes
Wed July 14 – Edimundo Gomes and Dusty Ephrom
Thurs July 15 – Ty Elliott and Jason O’Hearn
Fri July 16 – Jason O’Hearn and Aaron Roy
Sat July 17 – Dusty Ephrom and Ty Elliott
Sun July 18 – Zane Lambert and Jason O’Hearn
Note: Schedule subject to change

Also, because one can never get too much rodeo or bucking bulls, the PBR Canadian Cup National Finals presented by Wrangler will be held on November 19-20 at the Credit Union Centre in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.  Tickets begin as low as $15 and are on sale now at the Credit Union Centre Box Office, Saskatchewan Ticketmaster outlets, online at ticketmaster.ca or by telephone at (800) 970-7328. There is bucking chutes positioned at both ends of the arena, giving fans the ultimate PBR experience.  This is not a rodeo; it’s the Toughest Sport on Earth! Its a great event to go to.

So you now you can go and keep your promise of meeting a real cowboy this Stampede.

Matt Lait and I at the rodeo office this morning.

My “Promise” for this year’s Stampede was to meet a real cowboy. I had the incredible opportunity to meet Matt Lait, a bareback rider and genuine, bonafide cowboy!! Matt is a five-time Canadian Finals Rodeo qualifier. In 2004, Matt was the reserve Calgary Stampede Champion, winning $25,000 for his efforts, at the age of 21!

Before we get started on his interview, here is a brief lowdown on what Matt’s passion is- Bareback.  It is one of the most physically demanding rodeo events. Using one arm, the cowboy holds onto the rawhide handhold of a riggin (a leather pad cinched around the horse’s girth). The handhold is snug-fitting and is customized to the individual’s grip. The stress on the rider’s arm is intense as the riding arm absorbs most of the horse’s power.
A bareback rider will be disqualified for touching the animal or equipment with his free hand, or bucking off before the end of the eight-second ride.
The bareback rider tries to reach as far forward as he can with his feet, then rolls his spurs back up toward the riggin. At the same time, he must keep from being pulled away from the handhold. The higher and wilder the rider spurs, the higher the marks. Sounds pretty crazy, right? Let’s read on and see what I learned from my chat with Matt this morning.

1. When did you start rodeo?

I was about 12 or 14 when I first got into it.  It was a slow entrance into rodeo…some kids are born into it but it was my best friend that got me into it.

2. What was your first big moment in rodeo?

I would have to say winning the $25, 000 right here at the Calgary Stampede in 2004 was my finest moment (so far!). That is a lot of money to win at the age of 21.

3. What did you do with your earnings?

Paid my truck off and went to school at SAIT for Petroleum Engineering Tech.

4. Where is the farthest rodeo you have travelled to?

Arcadia Florida is the farthest. That’s a lot of miles to put on!

5. Have you had any injuries that have hindered your progress in rodeo?

Unfortunately, yes. My biggest injury was a broken leg in 2004 that put me out for a year and half. Six weeks ago I broke my wrist so that has been really challenging. It’s difficult, lots of adjusting. When you’re healthy you let it hang out but when you’re hurt you have to change your technique to be in the least amount of pain.

6. Are you friends with your competitors?

Yes, it’s a pretty tight circle. Rodeo is like one large family. I am really lucky that my Mom and Dad are my biggest fans, along with my wife Allie. They try to travel with me as much as possible.

7. Do you have your sights set on winning big this year?

I had some big goals but being out for 6 weeks is going to maybe hinder them. But you can’t let them get out of sight… I’m still trying to accomplish them. I want to be Canadian Champion and make it to NFR (National Finals Rodeo) in Las Vegas, Nevada.

8. How do you get to NFR?

You have to ride a lot. Money won is points. It usually is about $68, 000 to qualify.

9. What is the hardest part of rodeo?

Being away from home, and staying healthy. Travelling definitely takes its toll.

10. I have been asking everyone I interview about his or her “Promise” for this year’s Stampede. I was surprised to learn you were actually IN one of the television commercials!

Yeah, I was in the Goth ad (to Promise Plaid is the new Black). For me, I promised my wife I’d win some money.

Matt, thank you so much for meeting me at the Rodeo Office today. I know how busy you are during Stampede- you are an amazing Cowboy and wish you all the best for the rest of this year’s rodeo as well as hope you make it to the NFR. I’ll be watching for you in the ‘big show’ on Sunday!

There are still lots of great seats available for the rodeo over the last few days of Stampede so come on down and cheer on Matt as he sets his sights on winning some big prize money. For updates and info on everything Stampede, make sure you follow us on Twitter at @calgarystampede , on Facebook through our official Facebook fan page, and stay tuned to the official Stampede Blog to learn more about some of the things happening Here. All Year.

JJ Elshere, Saddle Bronc Rider and Jill Belland, Host of BT

 - Photo courtesy of Glenn Stevenson 

J.W Harris, Bull Rider waits with a cup of coffee

 - Photo courtesy of Glenn Stevenson

Wayne Brooks, Rodeo Announcer at the interview desk 

 - Photo courtesy of Glenn Stevenson

“There’s the Horn: Annnnnnnnddddd They’rrrrrrrre Offfffffffff………….” That’s what we all hear when Les McIntyre starts the Chuckwagon races at the GMC Rangeland Derby. Then there is the mad dash of the outriders putting the stove and tent poles into the back of the chuck, and the thunder of the horses running by. I can tell you it’s one of my favourite parts of the Stampede. But the chuckwagon wasn’t always used for that. Today, we’ll look back to its humble roots.

A Quick History Lesson.

The chuckwagon was designed by Charles Goodnight in 1866. He purchased a government wagon and completely rebuilt it according to his specifications in seasoned bois d’arc, the toughest wood available. The most identifying feature of the wagon was the sloping box on the rear with hinged lid that lowered to become a cook’s work table. The box was fitted to the width of the wagon and contained shelves and drawers for holding food and utensils. To the cowboys, “chuck” was food, so the box was called a chuck box and the wagon became known as a chuck wagon. Goodnight’s early prototype of the chuck wagon was copied widely and changed little in the years to follow. During the long trail drives, the chuck wagon was the headquarters of every cattle outfit on the range. Cowboys didn’t just eat their meals there; it was their social center and recreational spot. It was a natural gathering place filled with tall tales, listening to music, or just recounting the day’s events. The chuck wagon was also the cowboy’s only known address, truly their home on the range. If the chuck wagon was their home, the chuck wagon cook was king. The morale of the men and the smooth functioning of the camp depended largely upon him - the cook’s authority was unquestioned. Wagon cooks, as a group, had the reputation of being ill-tempered, and no wonder - their working conditions usually left a lot to be desired. The nature of the cook’s job required that he get up several hours earlier than the cowhands, and work longer hours with less sleep. When the outfit was on the move, he had to be at the next appointed camp and have a hot meal ready on time - often working short of both fuel and water. He was constantly called upon to battle the elements – wind, rain, sand, mud, insects, and even rattlesnakes. In addition to preparing meals, the cook also was expected to act as barber, doctor, banker, and sometimes if needed, a referee if a disturbance among the cowhands arose.

The chuck wagon was also used as a hospital unit used by the Union army surgeons during the later stages of the American civil war.

How it got started at the Calgary Stampede.

For the very first Rangeland Derby Stampede in 1923, founder Guy Weadick convinced a number of working ranches to enter their authentic chuckwagons and roundup crews. The No. 10 Event evening competition was the “Cowboy’s Chuck-Wagon Race” with Purses and Prizes totaling $275.00. Bill Sommers, a stagecoach driver from the Yukon, won the first wagon race that year.

For the Official Canadian Championship title, each outfit, consisting of 4 horses, a wagon, a driver and 4 helpers, were required to “cut a figure eight around barrels, out through backstretch into track, run around track back to camp bround, unhook team from wagon, stretch fly. No less than two stakes, and make a fire. First puff of smoke signals the winner. The Prize of the day goes as follows: Day Money: 1st $25 | 2nd $15 | 3rd $10 | Free Entrance – Man entering team that wins the greatest number of races out of 5 will be awarded a special prize of a $25.00 and a John B. Stetson hat”.  Today is a completely different story!! Now the cowboys compete for $945,000 dollars and $150,000 sudden death championship and a GMC truck.

Today the rules are a little bit simpler – no starting fires and first smoke, but you have to make sure everything is timed absolutely perfectly. The rules are: hitch a team of four high-strung thoroughbreds to a chuckwagon, stop them at a barrel, settle them as four outriders (each with their own horse) set the tent poles and stove, and wait for the starting horn. When the horn goes off, throw the stove, tent poles in the back of the chuckwagon and then do a figure 8 around the barrel and then run like crazy to the finish line. There is a thin line for error and those who cross it will not earn a spot in the $150,000 final heat on Day 10. It’s those little intangibles that make it so difficult to run 10 days penalty free. When so much has to go right—to run fast, to stay in the top four—you just hope to avoid penalties. Teams can be penalized for: stove off ground- 1 second, late Outrider 1 second, wagon failing to follow proper figure 8 pattern- 5 seconds and the list goes on.

The 36 drivers that qualified for the 2010 Calgary Stampede are based on the formula established by the Calgary Stampede, the breakdown as follows:

• 8 wagon drivers from the 2009 GMC Rangeland Derby Aggregate Standings after eight performances;
• 8 wagon drivers from the CPCA Final Standings in 2009;
• 16 wagon drivers from the WPCA Final Standings in 2009; and,
• 4 wagon drivers selected at the Stampede’s discretion

There you have it. A brief history of the chuckwagons and the evolution to modern day racing.  I hope you all will come down and watch at least one race. I’ll be down on the tarmac, cheering on all the drivers, hope to see you there!