100 Years of Champions (1912 - 2012)
These horseshoes represent the strength of the iron that protects their animals from harm.
This art installation honours the champions of the Calgary Stampede rodeo and chuckwagon races – the very heart of the annual celebration – people bringing forward their best and achieving excellence. These are the men and women who finished first in their respective events.
Known as The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, the Calgary Stampede features two crowd favourites, the afternoon rodeo, offering on of the richest payouts in the world, and the thrilling and breath-taking evening chuckwagon races.
The rodeo consists of six major disciplines – bareback riding, barrel racing, bull riding, saddle-bronc riding, steer wrestling and tie-down roping.
The chuckwagon races, now known as the GMC Rangeland Derby, were invented by American promoter, and Stampede founder, Guy Weadick in 1923.
Did You Know?
- The first rodeo took place in 1912. Following a hiatus, the Stampede returned in 1919 to honour soldiers returning from World War I. The festival became an annual event in 1923 when it merged with the Calgary Industrial Exhibition to create the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede, now known simply as the Calgary Stampede.
- The Calgary Stampede’s rodeo is now known as “Rodeo’s Richest Afternoon” with over $1 million away on Showdown Sunday. Each event winners takes home the championship and $100,000.
- The GMC Rangeland Derby features heart-stopping action as 36 drivers, 216 horses and their teams of outriders vie for over $1.15 million in prize money.
- At one time, the winner of the chuckwagon races was the first team to complete the course and then make a fire in their stove and have first smoke.
