Calgary Stampede Part 2
I had seen rodeo events in movies and television shows, but this was my first time attending a real-life rodeo. The Stampede is the largest rodeo in Canada, and has been an annual tradition since 1912. The rodeo events start every day at 1:30pm, for ten days. Entrants from around the world compete for over a million dollars in cash prizes, starting with $500 - $7,000 for the daily high scorers to $50,000 for the champion in each event.
Three main events were all about “riding” a bucking animal: Bareback, Saddle Bronc, and Bull Riding. I was surprised to learn that half the score was for the rider (control, spurring, style), and the other half was for the horse or bull (bucking pattern, power). Many cowboys wore safety vests; some even wore neck braces and helmets. The most physically demanding event was Bareback, and the most dangerous was Bull Riding - for the rider, and for the equally courageous rodeo clowns. Most of the bronc riders were able to stay on their horses for the requisite eight seconds, but only one of the bull riders lasted that long. It was all very exciting to watch, but I guess I’ll never understand what makes a person want to sit on a bucking animal, particularly a 1,700 pound bull with horns.
The other main events involved horsemanship and cowboy skills: Tie-down Roping, Steer Wrestling, and (for the cowgirls) Barrel Racing and Breakaway Roping. I felt a little bad for the calfs and steers, but after being roped or wrestled, they all bounced back up, seemingly unharmed.
My favorite event was the Wild Pony Race, in which each team of three kids tried to hold onto a wild pony so that one kid could jump on and ride it. It was chaotic and a lot of fun to watch!
There were non-rodeo events between rounds, including traditional First Nations dances and television celebrity appearances. My favorite was watching these beautiful mares and foals - retired and future bucking horses - gallop around the rodeo ring.
After the rodeo, we wandered through the huge Marketplace and toured the “dream home” that was being raffled off. Then we had the unexpected treat of seeing a performance by the Calgary Stampede Showband, a group of 150 young musicians and dancers. They were spectacular! I thought it was even better than the Grandstand Show from the previous evening.
As we left Stampede Park, we paused to admire the large buffalo, a new work by our new favorite artist, Jason Carter. It had been an exhilarating day. I had a marvelous time at my first rodeo. YAHOO!
Fun Facts
Canadian cowboys call “Yahoo!” instead of “Yeehaw!”
More than 7,500 animals take part in the Calgary Stampede, including over 600 chuckwagon horses.
Most of the animals for the rodeo come from the Stampede Ranch, which breeds bucking horses and bulls and sends them to rodeos around the world.
The Stampede places highest priority on the health, care, and safety of the animals. Every animal receives a veterinary inspection every day.
Bucking horses work just two minutes per year! That works out to fifteen eight second rides.
Every year, over two million mini-donuts are consumed at the Calgary Stampede.
Smithbilt Hats, the maker of the iconic Calgary White (Cowboy) Hat, has the following instructions: "If you spill your whiskey on your hat, rinse the spot immediately and brush it with your finger. Let the hat dry out naturally. Do the same for yourself."
