The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth kicks off in Calgary

by albertacowpoke | July 4, 2009 at 04:09 am

231 views | 65 Recommendations | 14 comments

The Greatest Outdoor show kicked off in Calgary yesterday with the annual Calgary Stampede Parade. 30,000 Wannabe Cowboys and Cowgirls lined the streets of downtown Calgary to celebrate the Start of the ten day event.

The Calgary Stampede expects to attract 1.2 Million visitors from around the world.

"We know from advance sales that we'll have visitors from every province in Canada, every state in the United States and more than 25 countries around the globe," says Dr. David Chalack, Calgary Stampede president and chairman of the board.

Top Cowboys and Cowgirls, who have won a place to compete in this prestigious rodeo by winning points in rodeos throughout North America will be competing to become the best in their event.

Events include, Bareback and Saddle bronc riding, Bull riding, Calf Roping, Steer Wrestling and the very popular, but dangerous, Chuckwagon Races. This is where who is who in the Rodeo World shows up.

Rodeo originated over a century ago, when working cowboys competed and demonstrated their skills at ranch competitions.

One thing of note is that cowboys do not get paid unless they win.

If you like excitement and something different, come on down to Calgary, Alberta and enjoy the show.

CALGARY, July 3 /CNW/ - Cheered on by 300,000 people lining the streets of downtown Calgary and with the roar of military jets overhead, Calgary Stampede Parade Marshal Mike Holmes, Canada's most trusted contractor, cut the official ribbon this morning to kick off the 2009 edition of The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. The Calgary Stampede, one of the world's most recognized tourism icons, expects to once again attract 1.2 million visitors from around the world for the 10-day festival. "We know from advance sales that we'll have visitors from every province in Canada, every state in the United States and more than 25 countries around the globe," says Dr. David Chalack, Calgary Stampede president and chairman of the board. "For a century people have loved to come for The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth - in 2009 we are ready to host the world."

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Paschen

at 04:55 on July 4th, 2009

We can break Horses in a better way though and the show does scare the hell out of some steers and Horses. I do understand the tradition though and where it comes from. Why it is one of those hard to make up once mind issues.

albertacowpoke

at 05:08 on July 4th, 2009

Actually these animals are top stock. They are well treated. I know sometimes it looks cruel. Horses are no longer broken. When I work with my horses the whole training is based on leading the horse, gaining trust.

None of the top horse trainers advocate breaking. In fact with foals we do what is called "Imprint Training". It essentially introduces the human to the foal shortly after it's born. I have never had to force a foal to take a halter. By the time I'm ready to put a halter on it I have established trust.

You teach the foal to lead on a lead line by applying pressure on the rope and do it slightly of centre. The foal has to take a step to stay balanced. As soon as that first step happens you release pressure. The foal learns that way how get relief and not to long afterwards walks along side of you without any pressure on the lead line.

I have also found if the ground training is well done in building blocks a horse does not buck when you get on it for the first time.

Again you get it to take it's first steps by moving it's head off centre. It has already been introduced to respond to the bridle on the ground.

Most trainers will use this method and work the horse in a round pen.

Paschen

at 05:23 on July 4th, 2009

The tradition comes from breaking wild horses and was once a diverting fun for cowboys and some new green horn.

The problem here is that some practices are used by some, even though illegal or not readily advocated to the public. 'Such as using Cattle prone and belt restricter to make the horse or steer perform as the public likes to see.

Again, the Horses used in those Rodeos are not used for kids to ride on nor to compete in equestrian tournament either, those horses are well trained and handled with great care.

albertacowpoke

at 05:27 on July 4th, 2009

I agree. More horses get injured in racing. I have seen some badly crippled horses in trotters and thoroughbred racing. That is caused by having a horse give its all before the bones are fully developed.

Barbara McPherson

at 05:27 on July 4th, 2009

I love the rodeo!

albertacowpoke

at 05:31 on July 4th, 2009

Yes the cowboy culture is well and alive in B.C and Alberta and to some extent in Saskatchwan and Manitoba. In fact the cowboys from the Calgary Stampede move on to Morton Manitoba a week later I think. You get the same show there for less than have the entrance fee:)

albertacowpoke

at 05:43 on July 4th, 2009

The coyote is a survivor

I reckon he's got to be

He lives in the snow at 40 below

and in Malibou by the Sea

Now I.m just an old cowpuncher

that likes to listen to his tune

I get high on a bottle of Rye

the little coyote gets high on the moon

now the bottle of Rye costs 40 bucks

and big prairie moon is free

so who is a dumber s.. of .. b....

the little coyote or me

Ian Tyson - from the Album Cowboyography

158

at 07:05 on July 4th, 2009

Go cowboys.

I love rodeos.

Amy Judd

at 07:28 on July 4th, 2009

My friend is there at the moment, I'll see if she can add anything to your post (providing she is able to if you know what I mean) ;)

albertacowpoke

at 10:38 on July 4th, 2009

she could perhaps e-mail it to you:)

Babel-Fish

at 07:47 on July 4th, 2009

Yep, its a great show, one needs to book a hotel room at least 4 months prior, though when I went to this event 25 years or so ago I was lucky and found a canceled booking and obtained a room. The cowboy hat's a must and there is much more to see than the rodeo.