Behind the Barn Doors: How Stampede Animals Prepare for Their Stay

Agriculture has always been at the heart of the Calgary Stampede, and that tradition continues today. Every day, agricultural demonstrations fill the barns with educational opportunities as volunteers and their animals welcome thousands of visitors.
 
These animals serve as ambassadors for the Stampede, showcasing the hard work, dedication, and care that go into everyday life on local farms and ranches. But while a visitor’s journey to the Calgary Stampede starts with an Uber, public transit or a car ride, the animals of Stampede’s journey to The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth looks a little different.
 
Preparing for a stay at Stampede Park begins long before the 10-day event begins. Back home, volunteers spend months caring for their herds while selecting the animals that will represent them at Stampede. Once July arrives, trailers are loaded and the trip to the city begins.
 
For members of the livestock committees, bringing their animals to the Stampede starts on the farm. Volunteer and Coordinator for the Canadian Cattle Association Emma Cross says choosing the right animals is one of the most important parts of the process.
 
"We take time to look through our herd and choose the animals that are social and confident and would thrive in the busy traffic of the Calgary Stampede," Cross said.
 
For many volunteers, this process has become second nature. Committee member Debbie Lee has been bringing animals to the Agricultural Barns for more than 40 years. Alongside her team, she cares for cattle, miniature donkeys, and alpacas, giving visitors the opportunity to interact with the animals while learning more about agriculture. After decades of experience, Debbie and her team have perfected the routine of preparing the barns.
 
"We lay down rubber mats in the stalls before we add the bedding to keep the animals comfortable," Lee said.
 
Each stall is equipped with automatic waterers, plenty of fresh hay, and soft bedding to ensure every animal has a comfortable stay throughout the 10-day event.
 
The Sheep Committee follows a similar routine. Designated Shepherds care for the flock each day, performing daily health assessments and temperament checks to ensure the animals remain healthy, relaxed, and comfortable throughout their time on Stampede Park.
 
Once the Park closes each evening, many of the animals emerge from their stalls for some exercise before settling in for the night.
 
For some animals, however, rather than staying, they return home each night, allowing them to participate in the excitement of the Stampede while maintaining the familiarity and comfort of an off-site environment.
 
Team Cattle Penning Competitor Rebecca Dahl, from Prince Geroge, British Columbia, keeps her horses in Okotoks throughout the Stampede. Team Cattle Penning brings both equine and bovine athletes into the arena, making it essential that the horses arrive calm, focused, and ready to perform alongside their human partners. Competing alongside her husband, Dahl makes the drive to and from Stampede Park each day, arriving about an hour before competition and heading home shortly after.
 
Every animal at the Calgary Stampede receives thoughtful care from the volunteers and competitors who know them best. Behind every demonstration, competition, and visitor interaction is a dedicated team working to ensure the animals remain healthy, comfortable, and ready to share agriculture's story with thousands of guests.
 
Article courtesy of Breanna Correia, Agriculture & Western Events Media Committee Volunteer.