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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How many horses does each driver have?
A: The number of horses owned by each driver is dependant upon a number of factors including their financial situation and how long they have been involved in the sport. The longer a driver has been involved the better chance he has of increasing his barn depth. A number of drivers who have experienced success have upwards of 30 horses or more.
Q: Does a driver take all of his horses to a show?
A: On average drivers will haul 14-16 horses to a show depending on how many they own and who they feel is in the best condition to race.
Q: What is the significance of the barrel in the back of the wagon?
A: The barrel, known as a ‘stove’ is a simulated camp stove that was used in the pioneer days for cooking. Hence signifies with the authenticity of chuckwagon - “chuck” food and “wagon” transportation.
Q: Didn't you used to have "poles" that also went in the back of the wagon with the barrel?
A: Tent poles and fly (material attached to the pole) were once used at the Calgary Stampede to represent the authenticity of the sport was well. The pole and the fly signify the shelter for the chuckwagon.
Q: What do your horses do in the off season?
A: Horses rest in the off season as they are turned out in a pasture free from being handled until spring training begins.
Q: What do you feed your horses - anything special for racing horses?
A: Most chuckwagon horses throughout the race season are fed high protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. Unlike in the off season the horses fill up on protein and energy (hay and oats).
Q: How long does it take to get ready to race?
A: Getting ready to race is a full time job. If you are not feeding, brushing, checking shoes, wrapping legs, massaging, etc. you are preparing the wagon, harnessing and hooking up. There is also the mental preparation for the driver - preplaying the race and the strategy he is going to use.
Q: Do the Drivers have to wear special equipment?
A: The driver is required to wear the respective barrel jackets (a certain color for each barrel position). Most drivers today have started wearing a flack jacket and some have gone from the traditional western hat to a helmet for better protection.
Q: What is the most important horse on the chuckwagon?
A: There really is not one horse more important than the other as they all have to work together synchronizing their turns and strides to save valuable time. One horse added to an outfit may make the difference though whether it is a hard starting wheeler or a right leader that suits your driving style that makes an outfit come together and make the difference.
Q: What does a driver look for when buying horses?
A: Every driver likes or looks for something a bit different but generally I think they all would like something with early speed and a horse that runs on or near the front end for 6 1/2 furlongs. Some drivers have certain bloodlines that they feel make the perfect chuckwagon horse. M ost drivers like the nice thick geldings. Some prefer certain colors and most say the chestnut/sorrels don't make good chuckwagon horses. Most of all I think it is heart that makes a good chuckwagon horse.
If you have a question for the CPCA please send us an email at cpca@cpcaracing.com and we will answer it ASAP.
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