Postcards from the Saddle: Game On at Calgary Stampede!

Chuck Wagon racing

Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride

Julie getting ready to drive the mini chuck wagon in the Calgary Stampede Parade

World Champion Riders compete daily at Calgary Stampede for a 100th Year Commemorative Buckle & Saddle

Rodeo Queens ready to take part in the Parade

Horsezone Liaison Julie McLaughlin has been in the thick of the action in Calgary since the Stampede started on 6 July and will continue to be there until the very last day on 15 July.

Julie has also been to famous Spruce Meadows to watch the showjumping and took part in the Aussie sport of Polocrosse... Canadian style! See the Photo Gallery for all Julie's great photos from these events as well as the Stampede.

Here are Julie's notes from her adventures so far...

Calgary Stampede Parade

People from over 120 floats plus riders, walkers and marching bands got up at 4.00am on parade morning to gather for a free pancake breakfast (put on the by the stampede committee).  Then it was off to pretty up and meet at 8.00am for a 9.05am start.  The Parade is 6 kms long and takes each individual 2 1/2 hours from start to finish.  The Parade leaders can be finished before the rest of the Parade has started! It was an amazing experience driving a mini chuck wagon - my teeth were rattling by the time we finished. To see the faces of over 120,000 people as you drive by, waving and cheering the whole way was just fabulous. Got back to find I had plenty of face time on the national Canadian TV channel too!

Highlights

• The Parade - because it's very special to be invited to be a part of that.
• The Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride - a world renowned tradition dating back to 1887 - where the equestrian skills of 32 regular members of the world most famous police force is showcased. They travel the world just doing their routines. The rest of the time they practice. The ride involves slow cantering for 30 minutes to music, while performing the most amazing and difficult formation work.
• It's also been great to have access to the South Media box, which only seats about 12 people. Have had a birds eye view of the chutes for the Rodeo and the start of the frantic and dangerous Chuck Wagon Races, plus all the amazing opening ceremonies. The grandstands, where people pay, are full with over 100,000 people for the Rodeo and then the Grand Finale and Chuck Wagon races that are on each day and evening.
• Budweiser Clydesdales - Majestic. Powerful. Graceful.  For over 75 years they've embodied the Budweiser brand heritage, serving faithfully as ambassadors of this great beer.
• Cowboy Up Challenge - one of the fastest growing equine activities, the CUC is a multi-faceted equestrian sporting event that showcases both horse and rider as they manoeuvre through a series of obstacles demonstrating both their amazing horsemanship skills and incredible speed.  Both men and women compete in this.
• Tails (very similar to Australian Outback Spectacular in concept) a one and half hour show held four times a day. A compelling story told through the eyes of the horse with expressive equestrian arts, dynamic videography and explosive special effects.  The audience follows the lives of three horses (liberty style) on a Western landscape as they bring people together to create The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth (Calgary Stampede).

Observations 

• Have met some amazing Canadians. They are very friendly people and everyday here at the Stampede is different.  184,000 people came through on Sunday (peoples day) in 31 degree heat.  It's alot like our EKKA but about five times as big!
• All the people participating in the Calgary Stampede are by invitation only.  So being the best in the world is not enough to get to here.  Unless you are invited you don't get to go.
• Riders from age 4 to 90 have horses and enjoy them at the Calgary Stampede.
• Mini Horses are a big thing in Alberta. There are lots of long time breeders who show. Mini Chucks are a slightly smaller group. They are all just as passionate as every other breed I've met.  Have noticed that everyone respects everyone elses passion for their chosen breed which is nice.
• Heavy Horse, is the term used for all big breeds and their are some huge ones including Draft, Peruvian, Belgian, Fresian, Clydesdales - many are pulling spotless carts and carriages are constantly seen around the Stampede.
• The Marching Bands International Competition was held yesterday and this is very serious business.  They must practice a lot!  Never missed a note or a formation move.  Amazing to see.
• Free demonstations are great. Watched Craig Cameron Natural Horsemanship Demo and didn't have to fork out for a weekend clinic! Lots of these displays are on daily so if you miss out on day one you can catch it again on another day.  Bonus of being here the whole 10 days.
• Nashville North - a Huge nightclub featuring all the visiting country music artists - is the place to be.  People line up for hours to get in.
• Only one downer of the whole experience - the crowds are incredible for a girl from little Mudgeeraba!

Quick Links

• View the Calgary Stampede 2012 Photo Gallery
• Visit the Calgary Stampede website