History (1968 - 2008)

The following is a recounting of events and changes over the years which has made our sport very entertaining for the fans and more importantly, ensured the safety of the participants and the horses. Even today, this is an ongoing endeavor as the horses get bigger and faster, and we work to make sure every race is a safe and exciting one.

The sport of chuckwagon and chariot racing has grown into one of the most anticipated summer sports on the prairies. lt has exceeded the dreams of the original participants and is still growing. Chariot and Chuckwagon racing has also developed into a family sport, where everyone from small children to grown men and women are involved in one way or another. Every spring is like a family reunion when everyone gets to socialize with all the friends they have not seen since last fall.

Chariot racing began in the early sixties but it was a few years before it became an organized group. They ranged from two horses hooked to a pole, connected to a set of rubber tires with the driver sitting on a padded seat, to some made with big bicycle type tires - these tipped easily.

Memories of some of the first races included racing up the back alley behind the hotel, down to an old sawdust pile and back again. Other groups raced on the ball diamonds after the ballgames finished and sometimes played ball on the ponies after the races were finished. The length of the track was dependant on where it was in town. These varied from only 1/4 mile or 1/3 mile to 4/10 mile, which was considered a long track. As with anything involving thrills and spills, people kept trying out different things until they found what worked and wasn't too dangerous. Today the tracks are 1/2 mile to 5/8 mile.

Pony chariot racing started in 1962 in places like Rocky Mountain House, Lacombe, Eckville, Caroline, and Hale Lake. Ponies could only be 42 inch - 48 inch tall at the shoulder. These races were all just for fun, not for cash prizes.

In 1964, a few brave souls started to race wagons. These were made with rubber tires, which were much lighter than the present. Some of the first wagon races were in Ohaton, Eckville, Rocky Mountain House, Okotoks, Daysland and Cochrane. There were also small clubs beginning to organize in areas such as Peace River country, Whitecourt and Pincher Creek areas. ln 1966 these clubs, along with those in the south, all joined to form the Alberta Pony Chuckwagon and Chariot Association.

On June 19, 1968 the Alberta Pony Chuckwagon and Chariot Association was registered with the Societies Act as a nonprofit organization. In 1997 the name changed to the Alberta Professional Chuckwagon and Chariot Association, which has remained to the present. The original Executive included:

• President Dan Gerlitz
• Secretary David McKenzie
• And Directors Bud Lightbrown, Glen Helmig, Angus MacTavish, Walter Byers, Hugh Sheets, Pat Milligan along with about 20 members.

This executive drew up the original constitution, a lot of it taken from the Saskatchewan club who had started up about two years earlier. The Association executive still consists of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Directors from each of the affiliated clubs. ln the beginning, annual membership fees were $10 each and associate members $2

• 1976 - lt was raised to $12
• 1977 - Memberships were $15,associate's $10
• 1983 - They cost $25

The Association had one General Meeting in the fall and one in the spring for the first few years at a different location each time. in 1974 they decided to have a banquet and fall meeting on the last Saturday in October every year. In the early 80s, the spring meeting was done away with. In 1996, the annual general meeting was changed to the second last Saturday of October because quite often Halloween fell on the last weekend and a lot of members had small children at the time. Meetings are now held where it is deemed most central for everyone.

When Chariot and Chuckwagon racing was first developed, the starting method was varied. At the races in Saskatoon, the chariots lined up behind a pick up truck with a gate on it, which extended the width of three chariots. it was going 30 mph when it crossed the finish line, then pulled off to let the teams go by. Some other places started out with the teams at a standing start, held by holders until a horn was blown; and others had a running start, each outfit trying to stay even until they reached the starting line and the horn blew. In 1972, where possible, steel barrels were used for the outfits to make the figure eight pattern to start the races. 1987, it was made mandatory to use open ended plastic barrels, so they would flatten out when run over.

Some interesting facts

• In 1974, payouts were divided so that 2/3 of the purse went to wagons and 1/3 to the chariots, which has remained the same to date.
• To begin with, entry fees for wagons was $5 and chariots were $3. In 1975, it changed to $10 for wagons and $5 for chariots. This has changed in 2012 and now is $15 wagons and $10 carts.
• In 1976, the rules stated that members could run 2 chariots and 2 wagons at any show until 2004, and then it changed to say that members could run as many outfits as safely possible.

The method of measuring the ponies for each season has involved the most changes over the years. At first it was a 48 inch measure, using a bar over the withers. Then 1972 it was a 50 inch bar and in 1982, a 54 inch bar. At present the measure is 58 1/2 inch, walking. This measure is good for the season, no matter what. If a pony measures too tall, they are out for the season. Different variations of the bar were used until 2005, when we went to the laser line measure. With this, the horse is led across a board with a loose lead and is considered measured in if it does not break the laser.

A hoof brand, to indicate in or out, was implemented as proof Ponies measured in are branded on the right hoof those measured out are branded on the left hoof. Horses that are 5 years or older, and measure in, are tattooed for life. They used to get tattooed on the lip, but now a freeze brand is placed on the right shoulder. All measuring is to be done before the first Alberta show. In the beginning, measuring locations were in several places throughout the province over several weekends. These consisted of arenas, auction markets, machine sheds and member's barns. In some instances members were allowed to have horses measured at a show by three directors. This practice was carried on until about 1989. As expenses rose over the years, we chose central locations to meet at, on two set weekends. Now we all come to one central location on one day. As methods have improved, the job can he done much more quickly. The Association also honors horses measured in other province because in 1983 the Interprovincial Measuring Club was formed, providing uniform measures throughout the four western provinces.

Some other important aspects of Chariot and Chuckwagon Racing

Judges and Timers

Chariot Facts

Wagon Facts

Sponsors