New safety measures for Rangeland Derby
Posted Jul 7, 2016 12:25 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The chuckwagons are rolling into Calgary to get ready for Stampede’s Rangeland Derby.
And, while sponsor tarps and fresh coats of paint are being applied, so too are some new safety measures for the races. Every wagon is being weighed and the pulling poles are undergoing inspections for flaws and cracks.
These changes have been brought thanks to a committee, which includes wagon legend Buddy Bensmiller, who said the animals are special part of each rider’s family.
“They say, ‘oh yeah, everyone says that because they are in the sport,”, he explained. “We look after them. It’s not just an animal and a number.”
Bensmiller feels the most significant change is at the start of the race. There is new barrel placement, which gives teams more space to hit the track.
The veterinarians on hand are also pleased with the new measures.
“The level of commitment it takes to manage a group of 16 to 20 horses traveling on the road and competing is impressive,” Dr. Greg Evans said. “If you wander around the barns, you’ll see very fit, very healthy horses. That for me, as a vet, is what I want to see.”
The Stampede has also moved to an invitational format, where drivers qualify on their safety record and not just on race results.
