The SHARK organization has written a very strongly worded article about chuckwagon racing. In the article, the event of Chuckwagon racing is being proposed to be re-introduced to the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo. Chuckwagon races are claimed to be extremely dangerous for horses and riders alike. Horses suffering heart attacks, deaths, and other injuries are said to be just an accepted part of the competition. Some of the more competitive teams resort to drastic measures to increase their horses speed. They give the horses a mixture of baking soda and sugar known as a “milkshake” to increase the horse’s heart rate, allowing them to run faster. This mixture is so dangerous because the heart rate is increased to the point at which heart attacks are extremely likely.
Numerous horses have died due to injuries brought about by biological factors and the ensuing pile-ups of wagons following crashes. Statistics of the number of deaths of horses in this event alone are shocking! Some chuckwagon drivers claim heart attacks among the horses used in this event are not that uncommon. The article concludes by referring to a previous article printed in the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle stating the “true” character of rodeo people – callous deceitful, and corrupt!
I have grown up in a family of these so-called “rodeo people.” I, nor the rest of my family, am not an insensitive, misleading, or dishonest and evil person. We are hardworking Christians that enjoy the thrill of the rodeo events. My dad is a former bull rider, an event that most people think is cruel for the animals. Chuckwagon racing is seen as the same way by the people of SHARK (SHowing Animals Respect and Kindness). I’m sure they have an opinion on the bull riding event, but let’s save that for another time. I know that not every chuckwagon team uses the “milkshake” cocktail. Some, better yet most, teams train hard and honestly to be able to compete at the championships, which are held annually right here close to home in Clinton, AR.
As Wikipedia defines chuckwagon racing, it “is an equestrian sport in which drivers of a chuckwagon led by a team of Thoroughbred horses race around a track.” But the race is more complex than just running around an oval track. The teams are comprised of a driver and four outriders who must first “break camp” by tossing two tent poles and a barrel representing a camp stove into the wagon and then mount their own horses and follow the wagon doing a figure-eight around two barrels before completing a round on the race track. All of the riders must finish at relatively the same time in order to win the race.
The SHARK article has completely missed the positive aspects of this event. They did not take into consideration the hundreds of teams that do not use the “milkshake” cocktail and train hard for the event. They simply mentioned the couple dozen that did.
It may seem pointless, but this event is pivotal in preserving the heritage that we are rapidly seeing fall into the shadows. The men and women who construct these wagons and raise the horses and travel from all over the nation to race are the top preserving factors of this type of cultural pastime. Sure the settlers didn’t exactly race their chuckwagons, but they did have to build them themselves and make sure it was with the exceptional quality for them to make it across the rough terrain they would encounter on their journey. The wagons that are built for the races are of the same general structure, but they use modern day materials instead of the primitive, mostly wooden structures used in the 1800’s.
This is an exciting and fun event that the whole family can enjoy. At the races, they offer a variety of things for the spectators to do besides just watching the races. They have concerts, dances, some craft stands (i.e. old timey clothes, furniture, cookware, etc.), vendors from western stores and tack suppliers, and other family-oriented attractions.
In addition to the chuckwagon racing, at the national championships held in Clinton, AR, a number of other events are also held for riders to compete in. An event called “Bronc Fanning,” known by the common name of bronc riding, is held. Another event called the “Snowy River Race” is put on by the Bar of Ranch. It is a one-of-a-kind event only held at the Bar of Ranch on Labor Day weekend each year at the National Championship Chuckwagon Races. They also host barrel races, ranch rodeos, at least 4 trail rides each year, mules only competitions, and kids ranch rodeos. It becomes a whole family event!
As with any sport, there are going to be people who want to cheat and win by any means necessary. But those are the ones who cause the most problems for everyone else. Those few dozen teams who use the “milkshake” cocktail have given the whole sport a bad name. Chuckwagon racing is not as dangerous as it sounds. It is perfectly safe when done correctly and with a good-spirited attitude. If all contestants are out there just to have fun, then injuries related to the event itself would be near zero. So bring the whole family out to the next chuckwagon race for a weekend of fun, laughter, and togetherness that all will enjoy!
--Monica Hughart
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