A horse was injured during the Calgary Stampede’s Rangeland Derby chuckwagon races on Saturday night. The incident occurred in Heat 8 of the races, prompting immediate concern from the crowd. Although no immediate report was available regarding the horse's condition, it was loaded onto a trailer for transport. Announcer Les McIntyre reassured attendees that the horse would receive the best care possible and expressed hope for its return to racing.

The injured horse was part of the rig belonging to Chad Fike, a fourth-generation driver who has participated in the Stampede for over a decade. A time-delayed television broadcast of the race showed Fike's rig starting alongside two other competitors. However, the broadcast did not clarify why only the two other competitors crossed the finish line. Later, it was announced that Fike had received “no time” in the race and had “pulled up” at the back of the track.

Earlier in the week, Fike spoke about the importance of his horses, stating, "It’s about a 16-hour day in the summer — getting up early, making sure they always have food in front of them, they’re staying cool and hydrated. They are professional athletes, and they have to be treated like that."

The Calgary Stampede is recognized for its commitment to rodeo and chuckwagon safety. Earlier this month, officials held a news conference to discuss new research and safety protocols. Among the measures implemented are misters in barns to keep animals cool during hot weather and a saltwater spa designed to reduce swelling in horses' joints and muscles.

The Stampede also has a fitness-to-compete program in place. This ensures that all chuckwagon horses are in good condition before they race. At the start of each day, veterinarians conduct thorough checks on every horse, assessing their temperature, heart rate, and overall wellness. A second check occurs around 5 p.m. daily, providing final clearance for the horses to race.

Kristina Barnes, the Stampede’s director of agriculture and western events, emphasized the organization’s commitment to safety, stating, "Our goal is to create the very safest conditions possible." The Stampede employs a team of veterinarians on-site 24 hours a day, along with an animal behavior specialist and a third-party auditor to identify areas for improvement. Barnes added, "If any animal at the rodeo is showing any signs of distress, it does not compete."

Preparations for the track and infield begin in April each year, with maintenance teams dedicating significant hours to ensure safety. Barnes noted that approximately 1,800 hours have already been invested in track conditions leading up to the event. The Stampede continues to collaborate with the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine to advance research on animal welfare and safety.