A horse had to be put down after getting hurt in a chuckwagon race at this year's Calgary Stampede. This was the first reported animal death at the 2025 event. The photo shows chuckwagon racing at last year’s Stampede in Calgary. The Canadian Press
A horse suffered a serious injury during a chuckwagon race at the Calgary Stampede on Saturday. The horse belonged to racer Chad Fike and got hurt during the eighth heat of the event. Emergency veterinary teams quickly responded to the situation.
Euthanasia decision made on-site
After assessing the injury, the owner and vets decided that putting the horse down was the kindest option. The horse, named Rider, had broken a bone in its left front leg, which made recovery unlikely.
Stampede officials called the injury a tragic event. They said the decision to euthanize the horse was made to prevent further suffering. Rider is the first animal to die during this year’s Stampede, which ends today.
History of animal deaths at the event
Last year, three horses and one steer died during the Stampede. These deaths have kept the spotlight on the safety of animals in rodeo events. The Vancouver Humane Society, a group that has long opposed animal rodeos, spoke out after the news of Rider’s death.
Their campaigns director, Emily Pickett, said it's heartbreaking to see animals keep dying at the event. She added that animal rights groups have been asking for changes for years, but not much has improved.
Rider’s legacy and reaction from Stampede
Stampede CEO Joel Cowley addressed the media on Sunday. He confirmed that Rider had fractured the left front cannon bone during the race. Cowley described the loss as deeply unfortunate.
The Stampede has tried to improve animal care. Measures include better medical support and monitoring systems. Bulls now have shaded pens, and some horses wear heart monitors. Still, critics say more must be done.
Racer’s background and community reaction
Chad Fike, the horse's owner and racer, comes from a family with a long history in chuckwagon racing. He’s a fourth-generation competitor based in Cremona, Alberta. The chuckwagon racing community has expressed sadness over the loss of Rider, who was seen as part of the team, not just an animal.
Ongoing debate on rodeo safety
Animal deaths like Rider’s continue to spark debates. Advocates argue that no sport should cost an animal its life. Meanwhile, supporters of the Stampede say the event is a long-standing tradition with strong safety measures.
As the Stampede ends today, the question of whether chuckwagon races should continue will likely return. Animal welfare groups are expected to renew their call for change, especially with another loss on record.
