I am extremely sad to announce that the chuckwagon races are back again this year at the Calgary Stampede. We really need to put a stop to this before one more horse is injured or killed!

In 2021 chuckwagon races were held in Red Deer, Alberta. “A horse had to be put down after a crash during the final heat of the North American Pony Chuckwagon Championships on Saturday evening in Red Deer, Alta.”

And even more recently chuckwagon races were held in Medicine Hat, Alberta. “Thursday’s return of chuckwagon racing to Medicine Hat for the first time in three years ended on a helpless note for those in attendance. On the opening night of the 2022 Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede chuckwagon races, a horse collapsed in the infield and had to be taken away in a trailer.“

With these recent occurrences, and the history of the 70 horses that have already died in chuckwagon racing accidents at the Calgary Stampede, I do not believe this is a safe “sport” for horses. 

The Calgary Stampede claims they have upped their safety protocols this year. For the first time there will only be 3 chuckwagons racing instead of 4 and there will also be a “series of permanent foam bars that will extend in one lane of the track. It will give drivers a cushion if things get tight.”

I guess we will just have to wait and see if the horses are really any safer with these minor adjustments? I just hope that all of the horses involved this year make it through this potentially lethal event uninjured and alive!!