Outriders are essential to every chuckwagon race at the Calgary Stampede, serving as both safety personnel and performance enhancers for the drivers. Unlike many team sports, outriders are not permanently attached to a single outfit; they often ride for multiple drivers throughout the season, including at the prestigious Rangeland Derby.
Historical Evolution of the Outrider Role
Historically, outriders rode alongside chuckwagons during cattle drives, managing saddle horses and helping set up camp. This role evolved into modern chuckwagon racing, where speed, horsemanship, and precision are critical. Today, outriders must stay within 200 feet of the wagon to avoid penalties while assisting the driver safely around the track.
Outrider Nolan Cameron explained the shift: “Now that horses have gotten faster and the stakes are higher, we’ve turned into more of a safety feature. There’s less to do with loading the wagon. We still have a rubber stove at the back that one guy loads, but the outrider steadies the horses before the race and, once the horn blows, the lead outrider lets go of the horses. Then we do our figure-eight pattern.”
Training and Certification Requirements
Before competing professionally, outriders must complete the World Professional Chuckwagon Association’s rookie orientation and safety program. This program evaluates their knowledge of race rules, safety procedures, and ability to safely execute the start of a race. Cameron emphasized the qualities of a great outrider: “I think a great outrider is someone who has a lot of horsemanship and a lot of heart to get the job done. Even if the circumstances look like they’re against you, you should do everything in your power to help your horses and the horses around you do their job correctly and, of course, help the driver get across the finish line with the fastest time. That’s the name of the game.”
Behind-the-Scenes Preparation
Getting to the biggest stage at the Stampede’s Rangeland Derby requires countless hours of unseen work in barns and gyms. “There’s a lot of training that goes into it. A lot of these guys start training the wagon horses in March. They’re all going by then,” Cameron said. “We try to stay in shape all winter long. I have a physically demanding job that keeps my core, back and arms strong. Then I try to get at least 10,000 to 15,000 steps during the week just to stay in shape.”
Flexibility and Experience
Outriders often ride for multiple drivers, adapting to different teams and horses. Rory Gervais, an outrider since 2009, rode in eight of nine heats on Tuesday night. “Pretty much everything’s about the same for outriders,” Gervais said. “Some lead teams are a little bit different, but once you ride them and do a practice turn before the race, you get a feel for them.”
