Drivers steer chuckwagons in this file photo. (Canadian Press/Jeff McIntosh)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

lessons to learn

Safety a top priority for Westerner Days chuckwagons

Jul 15, 2019 | 11:21 AM

Following the deaths of six chuckwagon horses at this year’s Calgary Stampede, the Alberta Professional Chuckwagon and Chariot Association (APCCA) says it will do everything it can to prevent similar tragedies from happening during Westerner Days this week in Red Deer, and beyond.

Association President Dwayne Dubuc says they are saddened by what happened in Calgary and are aware of the heightened scrutiny the sport of chuckwagon racing is under.

However, he says there are two very distinct differences between the chuckwagon competitions at Westerner Days and what goes on at the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby, which is a World Professional Chuckwagon Association event.

“We don’t have outriders. We just have the wagons on the tracks, so the only other guys on horseback would be our judges,” he explains.

“We also restrict the size of our horses, and that allows us to use a smaller wagon which takes up less space on the track. It’s also a little bit easier to maneuver and maybe not as hard of a pull either for the horses.”

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Dubuc says his association believes they have a good track record.

“We do everything we can, and Westerner Park does what they can to make sure that the track is safe, so that’s first priority. If it’s not safe, we don’t run.

“But even on a safe track, the horse is just an athlete, and like any athlete, can make a mistake, take a bad step and fall down. I’m not going to deny that.”

Dubuc added, “We’re very restrictive in our memberships, as well. Memberships can be denied or revoked if we feel that someone’s out there just looking out for their own win and not taking the horses’ safety seriously.”

Dubuc dismissed calls from humane societies to bring an end to Chuckwagon racing altogether.

“Protesters that say the horse doesn’t have a say whether or not it runs, and that it doesn’t choose to do so, just tells me that those people really must not have any experience working with a horse or having a bond with a horse.

“It’s plain and simple. We cannot make the horse run. If the horse does not want to be on that wagon, it’ll plant its feet and it’ll balk. It won’t move. Literally speaking, of course the horse cannot speak, but the horse can definitely communicate.”

Calgary Stampede officials have committed to undertaking a review of how it operates its chuckwagon events, something Dubuc adds they’d be silly not to pick up on should changes be made.

Westerner Park CEO Bradley Williams says staff will be inspecting the track daily to ensure it is in top shape for racing.

“If we get severe weather, we will note that and postpone the race until the track can be brought back up to its proper standard,” he shared, adding also that park staff inspect the track to ensure it is free from deep ruts or debris.

Whether it’s Westerner Days, Canadian Finals Rodeo, or other smaller events which involve cattle, goats or otherwise, Williams says safety is their top priority.