Calgary Stampede Cowboy Up Challenge

The Calgary Stampede Cowboy Up Challenge is a multi-faceted equestrian sporting event that showcases both horse and rider as they maneuver through a series of obstacles demonstrating both their amazing horsemanship skills and incredible speed. That was printed on the paper we were given as an introduction to the participants in this, the first challenge of it’s kind in Canada.

From a 59 year old woman to a stunt rider, from Pennsylvania and California to just outside Calgary, from Andulsian to Mustang it was a mixed group of people and horses all with the goal of showing the most skill and being the fastest through an array of obstacles.

Day 1

Day one we watched the line-up of 15 starters go through their paces including carrying a water pail on a tricky bridge, riding past a couple of donkeys then over a pool of water to get onto the bridge (this one got every one of them I think). At intervals the horses are required to race around the arena which any horseman knows really adds to the difficulty of keeping the horse calm and thinking about the obstacles to be negotiated. In the end Glenn Stewart of The Horse Ranch at Baldonnel, BC riding his stallion Genuine Jet Smooth came out the Reserve Champion while  Tammy Botsford of Rockyview, AB won the first day’s go around on Dez Add To The Assets.

Results for Day 1 of Calgary Stampede Cowboy Up Challenge.

We didn’t get to come to Day Two of the Cowboy Up Challenge. Actually we had just intended to go down and watch Day 1 of the event.  Driving to and in Calgary is something Dave tries to avoid and previous trips during Stampede are already part of the problem. But Dave was keen to go back a second time this year. It really was that much fun to watch this new event (and I think we are mastering parking at the zoo and taking the C-train).

Results for Day 2 of Calgary Stampede Cowboy Up Challenge.

The Finals

You could feel the excitement building as they were finishing the preparations to the obstacles they had chosen for the finals. The participants don’t know what the obstacles will be until approximately 3 hours before the event begins with no opportunity to practice them once they do know. So if you hadn’t practiced pulling a big furry toy bear in a wagon or went through a narrow tent with animal skins hanging from the walls or rode your horse at a full gallop bareback you probably weren’t feeling really comfortable about your new instructions.

Only 12 contestants were invited back to the finals. It was a pretty impressive group of horsepeople, some of whom attempted to get extra points by doing things like crawling under her horse on the way into the tunnel or dismounting over the head. There was much excitement and cheering and some laughs.

When the dust cleared and everyone had given it their best try Glenn Stewart came out as the Champion of The Calgary Stampede Cowboy Up Challenge – the first of these competitions in Canada. He and his stallion, Genuine Jet Smooth, were very consistent and calm – except for that infamous water obstacle at the bridge on Day 1. That is one quick and agile horse and it looked like he was well on his way out from under Glenn there for a moment. Luckily they managed to stay together and get on the bridge and continue to win the whole event. Congratulations Glenn. It was a tough competition and you certainly earned your win. Did I mention that he did all his rides in a halter?  If you would like to see a video of Glenn’s winning ride just go to The Horse Ranch website.

Results of the Finals of the Calgary Stampede Cowboy Up Challenge.

Points from the two judges (local horseman Pete Fraser and Doug Adams from Boerne, TX) and time points were figured into the winning scores.

Kudos to the Calgary Stampede, the judges, Craig Cameron – creator of Extreme Cowboy Racing, the participants and the many people necessary to make an event like this happen. Great job. It was really fun and impressive.

I think when the lights went out we all knew this is an event we are all going to want to see more of and that it could be adapted to all levels of riders and horses. It is fun and exciting and encourages a high level of horsemanship.

The Calgary Stampede was a great venue to introduce this new competition and I would think by the turnout that it was considered a great success by the organizers and the Stampede Board. I know all the people sitting around us were certainly enthusiastic during the entire show. Even folks who have very little experience with horses recognized the beauty, training and courage exhibited by these individuals.

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