General Information for Horse Entries

Successful horse entries include the following components:

• Grooming – All horses must be well groomed. This means shiny coats, combed manes and tails, clean, polished hooves and well cared for tack that is clean and in good repair. If the entry is of a historical nature, ensure any equipment is authentic or as close to authentic as possible and that it reflects the time of the period you’re representing.

• Riders – All riders must be dressed appropriately. If each rider in a group is to wear the same outfit then ensure all outfits match, from the shirts and jeans right down to the hatbands, scarves and gloves. Keep in mind the importance of colour – use colours that match and work well with one another.

• Breed – Breeds must be displayed correctly. If your group is demonstrating the versatility of a breed, ensure all disciplines are presented correctly and completely.

• Dimensions of wagons – 22’ long maximum, 12’ high maximum, 8.5’ wide maximum, 6” minimum ground clearance. All horses must exhibit proper disposition and be in control without assistance while in the parade atmosphere. Horses must be healthy, look presentable and be free of any cuts, wounds, sores and old scars that could hamper their condition. Horses pulling wagons, floats or carriages must be strong enough to handle the item safely and correctly. Calgary’s weather conditions should not hamper a horse’s ability to perform in the Parade.

• Horse Safety

The Horse Safety Committee plays an integral role in keeping the Calgary Stampede Parade safe for participants and visitors.

We have a zero-tolerance policy for mood-altering drugs. Suspicion of mood-altering drugs in any horse or rider will result in further inspection from the Horse Safety Committee. Positive identification of drugs will result in immediate removal from the Parade and may compromise future participation.

Riders must have confidence with their horses. The Horse Safety Committee will ask riders to demonstrate control of their horses prior to the parade. If control becomes a problem while on route, the committee will pull the horse and rider at the first appropriate location.

Wagon drivers must be familiar with and have previous experience with the teams they’re driving. They must be able to show control of their teams prior to the parade. If control becomes a problem while on route, the committee will pull the driver and team at the first appropriate location. Drivers need to have a 180-degree view of the route at all times and have at least one assistant alongside. Walkers are required for any hitch with more than two horses. Four- and six-horse hitches require a minimum of two walkers; eight-horse hitches require a minimum of four walkers each.

Hitches must have neck yokes that are fastened to poles. Air pressure must be adequate in all tires to accommodate the anticipated load. Clear exits must be available for the driver and assistant.

Tack must be fitted properly and be in good working condition, including all buckles, latches, clips and pins. Draw pins must be secured by a nut, clip or pin so it cannot come out.

• Additional items that will be checked:

  • Cinches must be secure, in good working order and of proper length (as per individual horse).
  • Latigoes must be in good repair, no rips or tears.
  • Breast collars will be checked for their fit and overall condition.
  • Headstalls must have chinstraps and throat latches where appropriate and be in good working order.
  • Accessories must be properly secured. Accessories include serapes, saddlebags, gun scabbards, etc.
  • Entries must not be overloaded. All horses must complete the parade route.
  • Pole shaves, double and single trees, neck yokes and straps must be in good condition and of adequate strength.
  • Draw pins must be properly secured.
  • Tack must be in good working condition.
  • Drivers must be familiar with the teams they’re driving.
  • The team requires proof of experience and must have either written references or be known by the Horse Safety Committee. The team must be “parade-wise” and be able to complete the route, regardless of weather conditions.

• Safety inspections will be at the following areas:

  • Fort Calgary form-up area at both the corrals and the trailer parking areas.
  • Entrance to the judging ring. Final inspections will be held on 6th Avenue at 3rd and 4th Streets S.E.

S A F E T Y C H E C K

Safety is extremely important for the success of our parade!

  • Participate in smaller parades before entering the Calgary Stampede Parade. This will prepare you and your horse for the sights and sounds along the route.
  • Be prepared for any and every type of emergency. Carry the necessary tools and replacement parts for tack.

Parade Officials reserve the right to remove any entry, at any time - whether as a result of concerns for safety, interference with the parade’s progress or any other reason that the official deems appropriate. Failure to comply with an official will result in removal from the parade and may jeopardize future participation.