Watch above: A major-circuit chuckwagon racing event is set to go this weekend in Saskatoon. Global’s Meaghan Craig had a first-hand look at what the participants go through and shares her experience.
SASKATOON – Some of the world’s best are boasting a big show in Saskatoon consisting of four days, nine heats and 36 chuckwagon drivers. Starting Thursday evening, crowds will be able to watch teams of chuckwagons fly by, the roar of the horses hooves beneath them as dirt lightly dusts your face.
As a reporter, I was given the opportunity of a life time to go for a wild ride on Dustin Gorst’s chuckwagon, hanging on for dear life the entire time. It’s part of an annual competition in which four other media personalities took part, a chuckwagon challenge and a “hands-on” sneak peak to the show.
Within minutes, I threw on a vest, a helmet and watched in awe from behind the Gorst as four horses went full throttle. My footing during the ride an orchestrated dance as we cornered, my teeth coated in dirt as I smiled the entire ride.
“We were probably going at top-speed 65 kilometres an hour down the back stretch,” said Gorst, smiling from ear to ear.
Gorst is touring with the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA), a circuit that will run until the third week in August when a world champion will be declared.
“As an outrider I’ve got lots of buckles and lots of trophies but I want that first one as a driver but it will come with time.”
According to Gorst, the key to success for most drivers is longevity.
“It seems like it takes 15 years to become a champion.”
Not that drivers mind. Chuckwagon racing is more than a passion, it appears to be a lifestyle. Gorst and his wife have set up a tarp barn along a trailer, a camper for the two of them, temporary fencing with 16 horses in tow and appear to love every moment of it, but they admit it’s an expensive sport.
“Anything that eats when you sleep is going to cost you,” said Billy Melville, which is why races don’t come without a possible momentary reward at the end.
“The audiences are basically going to see the most spectacular horse race on the face of the planet and that is the chuckwagon race and we’ve got the 36 best drivers in the entire world racing right here at Prairieland Park here in Saskatoon.”
It’s a legacy that goes way back and is part of our western heritage according to Melville who said the first chuckwagon races took centre stage at the Calgary Stampede in 1923.
“The cowboys, the drivers and the outriders, they’re top horsemen so you get to see these equine athletes at their very, very best.”
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For Gorst, it’s his first time touring as a driver and his excitement is hard to contain.
“On Christmas day this is what our family talks about, what we’re going to do in Saskatoon on night one and what barrel we’re going to get and which horse we’re going to hook.”
A quarter of the drivers who have rolled into town are from Saskatchewan. Among them, Dustin’s brother and father who are drivers as well, racing runs through their blood.
“As driver it’s pretty cool to see a 60-year-old out there giving it all his got, with the excitement he’s got to drive, racing against a 20-year-old doing the exact same thing.”
There’s also no question, this cowboy loves his horses.
“People think that we are doing wrong to the horses I guess, I guarantee you we love everyone of them, they get fed, they get taken care of before me and my wife, they come first at all times.”
Which is why WPCA organizers say if you want great entertainment for your dollar, make it a family affair and come to the track.
“Give us one race that’s all I’m asking, give us one race and you’ll be hooked for life.”
The event kicks off Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 7 p.m. and on Sunday at 2.00 at p.m. For more information you can log onto the WPCA website.
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