The Calgary Stampede: A True Icon of the West — Events, Culture, and Horse-Care Game Plan | Draw It Out®
The Calgary Stampede: A True Icon of the West
By Jon Conklin • Updated • 6–8 min read
Ten days where horsepower meets heart—elite rodeo, thundering chuckwagons, and a city that leans into western life. Here’s the lay of the land and a practical care plan for horses working long, noisy days on the grounds.
What Makes the Calgary Stampede Iconic
A celebration of western sport and culture with serious horsepower in the arena and serious hospitality in the stands. It’s tradition, pageantry, and high stakes packed into a tight schedule.
“Noise, lights, crowds—calm is currency.”
Key Events (Rodeo, Wagons, Ranch)
Rodeo: The world’s top hands in timed and rough stock events—precision and recovery matter.
Chuckwagon racing: Speed, teamwork, and timing—horses need predictable routines.
Ranch & western classes: Real work meets show polish—soundness and willingness win the day.
Atmosphere & Logistics for Horse Folks
Expect dense crowds, amplified sound, variable weather, and late nights. Horses feel the energy—keep the routine steady, keep feed/water timing consistent, and build in quiet time away from foot traffic.
A Calm, Repeatable Horse-Care Plan
Before work
Short, specific warm-up. Protect soft tissue with a progressive build—leave gas for the run.
After work
Hand-walk, scrape/rinse sweat, then sensation-free support on high-motion zones. Quiet stall time.
Keep recovery boring: predictable steps, products that stay where you put them, and no hot/cold drama that spikes reactivity.
I will never stop talking about how great and convenient this spray is and is our saving grace. I prefer to use this spray before a workout and when we are hauled out in the trailer, the best to spray after a run.
Jenna, this is exactly why we made the spray. Quick, easy, and there when you need it—before the ride to keep them loose, after the run to keep them fresh, and even on the road when the trailer miles stack up. We’re so glad it’s become your “saving grace.” Thanks for letting us ride along with you and your horses.
