Calgary Stampede 2010 was the most exciting time I have experienced. Nothing could have prepared me for the ten days of celebration.

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

Wow, what a day Sunday turned out to be.  For me, it started off watching my good friend Neal Walgenbach sell off all his horses to other wagon drivers at an auction at his barn.  I guess it really hit home for me when I saw those horses go that Neal is actually retiring.  But I guess everything comes to an end, and ol’ Neal sure went out in style by winning the aggregrate title and making it to the $100K dash for cash.  I was really hoping he would pull it off and complete the Cinderella story, but second place behind Kelly Sutherland is still something to be proud of.  I would like to thank the Walgenbach family for allowing me to be a part of it with them.  I was pretty sad when I got off that outriding horse, knowing it was the last time I would outride for Neal.  Congratulations to Kelly Sutherland for winning his 11th Title at Calgary.  It’s amazing what he has done, and I can’t think of anybody that has been at the top of their respective sport for more than 40 years.  History was made last night; thumbs up to Kelly and his outriders.  I would also like to congratulate Devin Mitsuing for winning my grandfather’s award, The Orville Strandquist Memorial,  for the top rookie driver.  Way to go Devin, you drove like a champ!  For me, it was a great week.  I had 2 of my wagons make the final heat, but we couldn’t quite pull it off.  That’s wagon racing.  In closing, I would like to thank the Calgary Stampede for putting on such a first class event, it is the greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.  God Bless, and we hope to see you down the Chuckwagon trail

Sincerely

Ed Melville Jr.

Ken Stuart standing next to the Chuckwagon 101 Wagon.

Ever wondered what actually happens behind the track on a daily basis behind the scenes at the GMC Rangeland Derby? I had the opportunity to catch up with Ken Stuart, a member of the Chuckwagon Committee to learn some more about the Chucks.

1. How did you get involved with Chuckwagons?

As a kid I was friends with a neighborhood family that were Chuckwagon advertisers. Then my wife gave me a membership in the Pardners Chuckwagon Team, and here we are over 20 years later doing one of the things I love.

2. You’re very passionate about the sport and the people involved in it. What makes the Chucks at Calgary Stampede so special?

I think it is the gathering together of the best Chuckwagon people in the world and the close relationships that are associated with the “Chuckwagon Family”. Competition on the track is fierce but they all take care of each other after the races are over, and that is very special.

3. What have been some of your roles on the Committee?

I have had several roles since joining the Committee. I have been a wagon caller during the races, I have been responsible for media barn tours during the day, and since I am one of the few Committee members that have time off during the Calgary Stampede I do whatever needs to be done. I am currently responsible for the Outrider Recognition Program as well as an advertiser liaison for two wagons.

4. It takes a lot of people to put this all together, how do you guys do it?

We have close to 40 people on our Committee during Stampede week. Our Committee is very diverse and knowledgeable with many people bringing special skills to the table. This base allows us to work together and at the same time allows us to use our skills to contribute to the success of the “Show”.

5. How long is an average day for you and your fellow volunteers during the 10 day show?

My day is quite long, sometimes from 6:30 AM to midnight; but I usually try and get some down time for an hour or two in the afternoon. It may be long, but if you are having fun you don’t notice the time.

6. Do you have one standout memory from all your years at the track?

I have a whole bunch of them but probably the most satisfying was last year’s successful implementation of the first ever Outstanding Outrider Award at the Calgary Stampede. These are Cowboys that deserve some recognition.

7. Can you give a little bit of insight into what happens behind the scenes in the barns?

Sure: the mornings usually begin with the barn help walking horses and then a video review for the drivers to review the previous day’s races. Around 4:00 PM in the afternoon the anticipation begins to rise as the advertiser’s guests begin to arrive in the barns. The excitement continues to rise until an hour before race time. The barns are then cleared of guests and the outriders horses are moved to the infield. Just prior to the start of the show the first heat of wagons begin to hook up their horses and warm up around the H barn and the races begin. After the races are done we welcome all the guests back in to enjoy the atmosphere.

8. For newcomers to the Calgary Stampede, what do you think is the most exciting aspect of coming down to watch the Chucks?

I think the most exciting part of being there for the races is the sound and feel of 4 wagons and 32 horses coming down the home stretch at the same time. It is something you will never forget. It sends a chill down your spine.

9. What do you see for the future of the sport?

I would like to see the sport grow and become one of our premier sports in Western Canada. The excitement is addictive.

10. What is your personal “Promise” for this year’s Calgary Stampede?

I “Promise” to get my boots dirty. Mission accomplished many times over!

Ken and I in the barns.

Thank you Ken, it was wonderful to gain some insight into what happens behind the scenes at the GMC Rangeland Derby. You and your Committee do an incredible job putting on a safe, exhilarating show for 17,000 lucky spectators every evening. I hope that all you Calgary Stampede blog readers make it down to check out the Final Four “Dash for Cash” tonight at 8:00pm. It’s going to be an exciting night of Chuckwagon Racing with a $150,000 final heat!

The Cinderella story played out a little bit last night as Neal Walgenbach won the Richard Cosgrave Memorial as the aggregate champion.  Like I said earlier, I have been with Neal when we were so close to winning this award in the past and just missed it.  To win in his last year - what a story!  While we were on stage, they played a clip of Richard that just about brought us to tears.  For those of us that knew him, it was emotional to be given our buckles by Richard’s wife Tara, mother Bernice, and son Colt.  That is a moment I will never forget.  I would like to thank Dustin Gorst for allowing me to go on stage with Neal, that was a classy thing for him to do.  I rode the first 4 nights with Neal, and Dustin rode the last 3 nights in my place because I had to ride for Luke Tournier in that heat.  Dustin is a great guy and I will find a way to make that up to him.  Anyway, the final 8 is decided and we run the last 2 heats tonight to see who makes the $100K dash on Sunday night.  The Orville Strandquist Rookie title is still up for grabs between Devin Mitsuing and Brian Mayan.  I wish they could both win it as I know it would be special to both of those drivers.  Anyway, you should come watch the last 2 nights, I know it will be exciting.

Thank You

Well Neal Walgenbach is one day closer to winning the Richard Cosgrave Memorial and the new GMC truck that goes with it.  That would be one of the coolest endings if he were to pull it off in his last stampede.  Also, Richard and Neal grew up together and were pretty much best friends, so I know how special that would be to Neal.  It would also be special for me because I have outrode for Neal since 1992, and he has been so close so many times.  Well, we have 1 more night to go and Neal needs a good run tonight to hold off Jason Glass and Buddy Bensmiller.  The track was great tonight with a lot of good races.  I better get to bed, tomorrow is a big night.

Well, it felt great to get back to racing last night after the rainout on Tuesday night.  My hat is off to all the workers that spent all night fixing the track as they did an amazing job.  The conditions couldn’t have been better last night.  Also, congratulations to Brian Laboucane for winning day money - he flew out of there.  It’s been a fun Stampede so far, and we enjoyed the kid’s breakfast in front of the grandstand yesterday morning.  My wagons are hanging in there right now, but Luke Tournier took a step backwards last night.  He was forced 3 wide all the way around the track, and dropped from 11th to 17th.  That barrel we hit on night 2 is looming large right now, but 2 good runs will put us back in it.  Neal Walgenbach and Kirk Sutherland are hanging tough so hopefully they can stay there.  We will see.

Thank You

For the first time in history, the wagons didn’t run tonight at the Calgary Stampede.  I think a lot of us competitors were shocked when we got the news that the races were cancelled - I know I was.  When I looked at the infield and the track, I could see that the right call was made.  It was a swamp out there, and the safety of the horses and people were put first.  It makes things interesting for the rest of the week, because they rotate the barrels tomorrow night, and those drivers banging on the door to get into the top 8 will have one less day to get in there.  Hopefully the track will dry up quick and we will get to run for the last half of the show.  As always, the plot thickens again.  Stay Dry!!

Well we just finished night 4 and my wagons ran big last night.  Neal Walgenbach took top day money last night, and Kirk Sutherland was second.  They re-drew the wagons after last night, so I had 4 guys hooked in the same heat together so I had to quit some guys.  As an outrider, re-draw night can be stressful because you want to keep your good wagons apart so they don’t stack up together.  I had to quit Neal Walgenbach last night because he is in the same heat as Luke Tournier and Luke is my first call.  I hope I can get Neal back Saturday night after these 4 days are over.  I especially want to ride for Neal because he is retiring after the Stampede and I have been with Neal for over 15 years.  It won’t be the same without the Walgenbach family around.  I hope the rain holds off, but it doesn’t look good.

Thank You

By Killa Burkinshaw

“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!

Well, it’s good to be back at the Stampede for my 20th year. I can’t believe how quick time passes. We have raced 3 days so far, and all and all, things are going pretty good. I am riding all 9 heats this year so far, probably a couple more than I would like, but that is what we are here for. My top outfits this year are Neal Walgenbach, Luke Tournier, Chad Harden, Kirk Sutherland, and Layne Macgillvray. Right now, Neal is sitting 4th and the others are down a little ways, but there is a lot of running left to get to the top 8 after Friday night. The outriders have a little extra help this week, as Gary Belecki form the Cowboy ministry comes by before the wagon races to give us a prayer behind the chutes before we ride. Most of the guys are embracing it well, and it is comforting to know that someone is looking over us - we need all the help we can get. I had a bit of a scare for Chad Harden opening night when my bridle fell off right before the horn was to blow. Luckily, another outriding horse got loose before the horn blew and the wagons had to pull out, allowing me to fix my bridle. I don’t know where we would have ended up, but it would have been somewhere in a hurry. Anyway, enjoy the stampede and we will have more to report as the days go by.

We’re back with another edition of Stampede Mythbusters.  I’ve been asking around to find out if people are going to Stampede this year and this myth seems to be a popular reason people give when they say they don’t plan on attending.  It’s a great topic to investigate because it’s something that applies to everyone – Stampede is too expensive.  Or is it?

Now, don’t get me wrong, if you WANT to spend a lot of money during Stampede, there are oodles of ways to lighten your wallet.  But, if you’re like me, you want to have a great time, enjoy some old faves, check out some new things, and know that your bank account isn’t going to be hit too hard at the end of it.

How much does it REALLY cost?

Let’s start off with some numbers so that we’re all on the same page.

Stampede Gate Admission – $14 ($11 if you take advantage of some of the deals – see below.)

Rodeo admission – $12 gets you in, but you’ll be standing.  For good value, I recommend the Bronze seats – $24.50 which includes your gate admission and the best part is you’re up high so you’re covered from excess sun (or rain!).

Grandstand and chucks – $15 puts you on the tarmac (lots of excitement down there for the Chucks, but harder to see for the Grandstand).  For good value try the silver seats – $41.50 – you’re down low so you’ve got a great view of everything, plus it includes your gate admission.

What does it get me?

Stampede Gate Admission is a smokin’ deal.  Essentially, you get access to everything except the rodeo, chuckwagons/evening show, concerts going on in the Pengrowth Saddledome, and rides on the midway.  Honestly, the Coke Stage concerts themselves are worth the admission price but you’ll also be able to check out things like the Acrobatic Ice show, the High Dive act, old faves like the Superdogs, the Western Oasis, and the Stampede market; honestly I could go on and on.

Your pre-purchase rodeo and evening show tickets INCLUDE admission to the Park.  Often it’s a better deal to buy your seats ahead of time.

I HIGHLY suggest using the Stampede Planner to see what sparks your interest and which days will let you get the most bang for your buck.  I really like the ATCO Kitchen Theatre so I ran a search on that and am going to stop by to check out the dueling chefs!  The best part is the free samples at the end!

Looking for a Deal?

There’s no need to pay full price to get into the park or to ride the Midway.  There are several deals that offer you at least a couple bucks off your gate admission.  Check out the deals page to find the one that’s right for you.  If you plan on snapping up the midway deal, act fast.  It’s only available at Safeway stores until July 8^th.

Ok, I think that’s a pretty good overview of what it really costs to get in the gate, watch the rodeo, or take in the Chucks and Grandstand show.  If you want to upgrade your experience with the purchase of something like mini-donuts, luckily they are only a few dollars more!

The point I’m trying to make is that you really do get a LOT for your dollar; you can still enjoy your old favorites as well as the new attractions.  If you are looking to save some money, there are ways to do it too.

Finally, why not win to get in?  There are lots of cool contests going on through the Stampede Twitter and Facebook pages.  Check out Twitter at @calgarystampede and @HereAllYear, or the official Facebook fan page, and stay tuned to the Stampede Blog as Stampede Mythbusters keeps bustin’ those myths!

Next up in our interview feature series of incredible people within The Calgary Stampede organization is Les McIntyre. Les embodies all that we hold near and dear here at the Calgary Stampede as he authentically lives to preserve and promote western heritage and values. I had the honor to spend some time interviewing “the eye in the sky”- aka the voice behind the GMC Rangeland Derby.

10 Questions With… Les McIntyre, the voice of the GMC Rangeland Derby

1. Your appointment as Joe Carbury’s successor must have been such an honor for you. Tell us how you felt when you accepted this new role?

The feeling was one of total accomplishment. I am very honored to be the new voice of the GMC Rangeland Derby. I’ve worked hard at this for over 30 years, I’ve dreamt about it…and I am so grateful for the opportunity to fulfill my dream. Joe Carbury is a very unique and wonderful man who can never be replaced. I’m grateful I was chosen to take over!

2. When did you call your first chuckwagon race?

I called my first race at Whispering Winds Stables in 1984.

3. The sport must have evolved a bit since then. What are some of the changes you have witnessed over time?

The races today are certainly faster but a lot safer than they were 35 years ago. There’s a better class of horses, better cared for horses and the whole wagon entourage is a very modern, classy, and professionally run business.

4. How do you manage to keep track of all the drivers, outriders and horses? It seems as though so much happens in a short amount of time.

There are only 4 drivers out there; it’s really quite easy.

5. Do you have any pre-race rituals or routines that help you to prepare for calling the evenings races?

First and most important I must have my homework done. I like to eat a substantial meal 3 to 4 hours before a show when possible.

6. Certainly racing during The Calgary Stampede is the highlight of the year for all the drivers; just how much is at stake for these competitors? They must work hard all year training and caring for their horses to get to the big show.

There’s a lot of money up for the drivers and it is such an expensive game to play. Of course there’s the $100 000 final heat plus a chance to win a beautiful GMC truck. Finishing high enough in the standings to qualify for next year’s GMC Rangeland Derby is very important as well.

The wagon drivers start training in March or April. Horses are like young children; they require your care and attention 24/7. Race season is very intense for the wagon families and once the season ends in September the wagon men travel to racetracks all across North America to search for faster horses.

7. Can you describe what makes taking in the “Chucks” at The Calgary Stampede so special?

The Calgary Stampede is where it all started on a large scale. There is so much unique history and marvelous western heritage you won’t find anywhere else in the world. It is the most beautiful unique setting for our sport, where you see the very best outfits and drivers the sport has to offer in a one of a kind outdoor setting. It truly is THE Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth! Not to mention the “out of this world” Evening Show. Truly it is first class entertainment that can be enjoyed for the whole family!

8. What has been one of the most memorable races you have called?

There have been so many memorable races it is hard to keep track. For instance, when one of the all time great drivers retires and runs his last race, or when two family members go head to head down the homestretch. I would have to say last years championship race for $100 000 at the GMC rangeland Derby tops them all.

9. The vantage point from the “Eye in the Sky” must be pretty special. What is your favorite aspect of being up there?

It’s a place I’ve dreamt of being for 25 years. The view is spectacular and the huge enthusiastic crowd of cheering fans is totally awesome! It’s everything I dreamt it would be and more.

10. The “Promise” campaign has recently been revealed in the media. What is your personal “Promise” for this year’s Calgary Stampede?

I promise to live every day of my life with an “attitude of gratitude”!

Thank you, Les for we are truly grateful to have you! Want to find out more about the Chucks or are you trying to plan your Stampede activities in advance? There are still many great ticket packages and deals to be found, can’t wait to see y’all at the track!

Should you have some burning questions in the back of your mind that you’ve always wanted to ask a member of the organization, why not drop us a line? We’d be happy to take any request into consideration. Stay tuned for more new and exciting “10 Questions With…” as we approach this year’s Calgary Stampede.

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.

The 2009 edition of the GMC Rangeland Derby has been nothing short of spectacular. Remarkable skills, horsemanship, desire, and a touch of reckless abandon have all been on display around the “Half Mile of Hell.”

The onslaught of rain has created a track that’s been sloppy, dangerous, and ridiculously exciting to watch.

An interesting battle that is taking place going into race night 8 is the one between veteran driver Kelly Sutherland and the rookie, Obrey Motowylo. The drivers are mere seconds apart on aggregate times and the final nights should be a pretty great thing to watch as these two go at it for the big time money that the winner will take home in the end.

Kelly is a 10-time Calgary Stampede GMC Rangeland Derby Champion and a 10-time World Champion Chuckwagon Driver.Kelly is a 10-time Calgary Stampede GMC Rangeland Derby Champion and a 10-time World Champion Chuckwagon Driver.Sutherland is a 10-time Calgary Stampede GMC Rangeland Derby Champion and a 10-time world Champion Chuckwagon Driver. Motowylo on the other hand, is making his first ever appearance at the GMC Rangeland Derby and is a relative newbie on the WPCA circuit.

Everyone expected Sutherland to be at the top of the pile but few predicted Motowylo to be competing for anything other than the Orville Strandquist award for Top Rookie Driver……oh how things can change in a hurry. Coming into night eight, the two are battling for top spot, top money, and maybe most importantly of all, the bragging rights for an entire year of winning the biggest prize and The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.

If you have never seen the Chuckwagon races live it is something you definitely need to experience. The neat thing about the layout of the Grandstand is that you can stand on the tarmac which is closer to the race track. When you’re that close, you can feel the ground shake from the hooves of all the horses that race by you and if you’re lucky enough…even get hit by some dirt that is kicked up! Until you watch the races in person, you cannot imagine how fast they are actually going or appreciate how dangerous a sport it may be. If you want to have a great time with some friends and place some bets on which team will win, then the Chuckwagons are the perfect place. Even if you don’t know all the rules, you will still have a great time yelling at some horses! (more…)

Howdy!

First off, I want to wish a Happy Mothers Day!  We got to help hundreds of people with gift ideas at The Bay, showing off the newest and hottest perfume lines!  That same day, we helped with the ceremonial ball drop at the Calgary Roughnecks game for western night with Kelly and Mark Sutherland, two cowboy ledgends in our own time!  What a fun game, and a great excuse to use our loudest yahoos! (giggle!)

Everyday we get just a little bit closer to the Stampede in July, and everytime someone says so, I get butterflies of excitment!  Oh boy… I might need to go to another Roughnecks game to shout again!! )

YaHoo!!
Kateri

It is hard to believe that we are already starting to wrap up this year’s Calgary Stampede. already this morning I sent seven horses home to farm. It is such a short tunrover time between here and Bonnyville, so the more rest the horses can get at home, the better.

Although the days have gone by fast, the gruelling demands and extra work that is involved with racing at Calgary has taken its tole on both the horses and the barn crew. The horses, are ready to be turned outside and have some time to themselves. The barn crew has taken full advantage of the Calgary party scene, as well as, working extra hard to keep the horses looking their best. This combination has called for a few extra long afternoon naps.  I have suggested on many occasions that maybe they should go to bed, instead of going out, but they don’t seem to be taking my advice. Oh well! That’s what Calgary is all about.

Chad Harden

Yesterday (Tuesday) was a very busy day. We started chores an hour early (around 6) and by 7 am myself and the barn crew were on our way to the Spartan Controls office (one of my sponsors) for a pancake breakfast. We returned from there and finished chores, just in time to give a barn tour to a group of visitors. Than while the barn crew took in the sites at the midway, I headed off to the children’s hospital with a few of my fellow drivers. It is difficult to go there and see so many precious children in pain.  The kids really look forward to seeing us and I feel like giving these kids a reason to smile is is the least I can do. No matter how bad a race I have, or how bad a day I’m having I am always thankful that my children are all healthy. Everytime I visit the children’s hospital I am reminded of just how lucky I am.

We got a break on Monday night with a clean run and finished 9 for the day. However, last night I was once again plagued with penalities. This time is was the wagon that knocked a barrel. Sometimes even your best team can have a off day. There isn’t much that can be done, but I am considering some different options that I may try.

This sport is anything but consistent which is one of the reasons why I love it. However, it’s the inconsistencies which make it so frustrating. Just when I thought things were going smoothly, a couple of outriding penalties last night have thrown a wrench in things. It is always in the back of mind (and sometimes closer to the front) that as long as I run clean everything will turn out all right.  There is nothing more maddening than finishing a race and then being told that you have outrider penalties.  We changed a few horses around on the outriding team last night, so perhaps that had something to do with it or perhaps there are other issues that need to be addressed. It is hard to say. Day four is a new day and we must move on and hope that we can stay clean for the rest of the show.  

The track was a little muddy Friday but I was happy with my run. I felt quite confident I could out turn Jim Knight, Tim Haroldson and Sean Debolt and I told my outriders that they had better be ready because they were going to have to catch me because I was going to get to the front end. I didn’t make a good turn (Sloppy Barrel Turn). I was driving my son Ryans lead team and I did not drive as well as Ryan. I got to the front end going down the back stretch, I took their heads a bit then sent them down the lane and they flattened out at the wire. Saturday morning we had a track meeting and decided to maintain the track as we have had no complaints from drivers and felt we were seeing some of the best races that had been run in Calgary for years. My wife, daughter, son and Barn Crew are getting things done and a big helps so I can have piece of mind and focus on racing. Going into tonight’s race I drew the 4 barrel, I drove three of the same horses I drove Friday and borrowed a right leader from Brian Laboucane. My plan was to go high on my top barrel, go slow and drop in. I turned far better than I expected and was hung 4 wide then made a quick decision to pull and head to the rail behind Jason Glass. I tucked in behind and followed his stove rack for 6^th day money.

I had a good run tonight. My outfit didn’t start extremely hard but they ran when they hit the track. I sat in behind Wayne Knight who had a good turn on barrel one and waited until the third turn before I tried to take a run at him. My leader just nosed him at the wire by 2/100ths of a second. The last 2 years we had some horse problems heading into Calgary but this year Iam sitting pretty good. “Will” is starting to run and work harder than he has been. “Eddie” runs a route and likes the distance. “Donny” has been off since we raced in Wainwright. He didn’t start hard but ran well and should be ready to go Saturday. We are on barrel 2 again tomorrow (Saturday) so we will hook the same set of horses then give them the night off Sunday. Dallas Dyck, Curtis Meyers, David Bensmiller and my brother Mick will outride for me again for the next 4 nights but I will probably lose Dallas after the redraw when he goes to race in Lloydminster.