CALGARY - Canadian Rockies: Including Banff and Jasper National Parks - page 467

CHUCK WAGON RACES
The Rangeland Derby chuck wagon races feature nine heats each evening starting at 8pm.
At the end of the week, the top four drivers from the preliminary rounds compete in a
$100,000 dash-for-the-cash final. Chuck wagon racing is an exciting sport anytime, but at
the Stampede the pressure is intense as drivers push themselves to stay in the running. The
grandstand in the infield makes steering the chuck wagons through an initial figure eight
difficult, heightening the action before they burst onto the track for what is known as the
Half Mile of Hell to the finish line. The first team across the finish line does not always
win the race; drivers must avoid 34 penalties, ranging from 1-10 seconds, which are added
to their overall time.
RODEO EVENTS
The rodeo is made up of six traditional events, three of which are judged on points
and three of which are timed.
BAREBACK RIDING
In this event, the rider doesn't use a saddle or reins. He is cinched to a handhold and
a leather pad attached to the horse's back. The idea is to stay on the wildly bucking
horse for eight seconds. As the cowboy leaves the chute, he must keep both spurs
above the horse's shoulders until the horse's front hooves hit the ground. Riders are
judged on style and rhythm, which is achieved by spurring effectively and remain-
ing in control. The cowboy is disqualified if he doesn't last eight seconds, if he loses
a stirrup, or if he touches the animal with his hand. Scores are given out of 100,
with a maximum of 50 points allotted for the horse's power and bucking pattern, and
a maximum of 50 awarded to the rider for his control and spurring action. Scores
above 85 are usually good enough to win.
SADDLE BRONC RIDING
This event differs from bareback riding in that the horse is saddled and the rider,
rather than being cinched to the animal, hangs onto a rein attached to the halter.
Again, both spurs must be above the horse's shoulders until after the first jump.
Bronc riding is one of the classic rodeo events and, when performed properly, is a
joy to watch. Riders are judged by spurring action and are disqualified for falling
before eight seconds have elapsed. The highest score ever achieved in this event was
a 95 by Australian Glenn O'Neill at the Innisfail Rodeo in 1996.