The 2009 Calgary Stampede is in Full Swing
![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,<svg height="200px" width="185px" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" version="1.1"/>)
The first Calgary Stampede was held in 1912 and was designed to be greater than the famous Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Extravaganza. The show was a success, and in 1923, it merged with the Calgary Exhibition and added chuckwagon races for the first time along with rodeo events and agricultural exhibitions. This also marked the first year that the Stampede would be an annual event.
A somewhat modernized version of the chuckwagon race still exists in today’s Stampede, along with many other equestrian events. A parade through downtown Calgary, featuring a wide array of equestrian entries, kicks off the 10-day event. Rodeo events occur twice daily with one afternoon and one evening performance.
Competitions for draft horses, mini horses and working cow horses run throughout the Stampede. Daily light horse presentations give Stampede attendees the chance to see a variety of breeds and learn more about horse ownership.
For more information, visit CalgaryStampede.com.
Recent Posts
ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Nyssa
Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the…
How a Horse Girl Stayed Horsey Despite Not Riding for Years
After growing up horsey, Nancy still held on to her identity as a “horse girl” even when she hadn’t ridden…
Barn Banter – Episode 29
Welcome to Barn Banter, the official podcast of Horse Illustrated. In Barn Banter episode 29, hosts Susan Friedland and Horse Illustrated…
How the Nurse Mare Industry is Changing for the Better
The nurse mare industry has been a source of controversy over the years, but practices are changing—meaning a better outlook…
Practical Horse Care: Four Must-Have Products for Every Equine Owner
Horse ownership comes with incredible rewards: the thrill of a pleasure ride, the camaraderie of competition, and the deep bond…
Brain Games: Equestrian Neuroscience
By tapping the power of neuroscience and the miracle of brain plasticity, spending just a few minutes a day practicing…
View Comments
Wish I could go.
I wish I was there!
sounds like fun.
I think this is the most exciting annual equine event. As usual, I wish it were televised.
I wish I was there!
I live in Minnesota but am lucky enough to be spending a month with my grandparents here in Calgary, Alberta. I got back from the stampede about an hour ago and boy... It is so incredible! They have a really nice stable and rare breeds. Today I was able to get my picture taken with a 19 hand Percheron! Everyone here is friendly and it's 10 of cowboy fun. It's a time for everyone to pull out the dusty cowboy boots and get together for some horsey fun! I am so thankful that I am able to be here for this stunning event!