SIXTH ANNUAL CALGARY STAMPEDE WORKING COW HORSE COMPETITION

Celebrating the athleticism of the horse, this competition has roots as far back as the vaqueros (Spanish cowboys) in the 1700s. The competition is two parts. The first part is rein work where the horse maneuvers through a pattern of figure eights, straight runs, lead changes, sliding stops and 360 degree spins. The second, and most challenging, is cow work. The horse must control the movements of a single steer at a dead run, heading it off and turning it both ways along the fence, then bringing it into the centre of the arena to circle it once in each direction. Both Open and Non Pro classes are presented.