I was born in a small town in southern Manitoba – the most eastern of Canada’s three prairie provinces. The town held only one big event each year, namely its Stampede. The town is Morris and it has long hosted the Manitoba Stampede & Exhibition (often called the “the Big M”), which is typically held in mid-July. It’s Manitoba’s only professional rodeo. Stampedes are usually held in an outdoor area, with grandstand seats and a dirt area where all the events are held. An admission fee is charged for a seat in the grandstand, but it was a relatively small amount the years I attended (just a few bucks back then, certainly a lot more now).
These photos are “from the shoebox” – a collection of among the first I photos ever took as a teenager many years ago They’re a little grainy and faded looking, but represent part of the story that’s been my life, and they tell the story of a stampede.
For those who don’t know, a “stampede” usually means a cowboy festival built around professional rodeo. The most famous is the Calgary Stampede in Alberta, Canada (“The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”), but you’ll see a similar mix at events at most stampedes in Canada and the USA..
In the afternoon there is the rodeo competition, which features the events that we usually associate with cowboys. Professionals compete in activities that can be quite dangerous, with the top point-getters in each event entering the finals on the last day of the competition. Prize money is awarded to the champions. These events include:
Bareback riding — Cowboy holds a leather rigging with one hand on a bucking horse. Judged on control, spurring, and how hard the horse bucks. Eight-second ride required.
Saddle bronc riding — Similar, but the rider uses a saddle and a bronc rein. Classic “old West” event; style and timing matter as much as staying on.
Bull riding — A crowd favorite! Rider holds a braided rope and tries to stay on the back of a 1,500–2,000 lb bucking bull for eight seconds. High risk and high scores for aggressive bulls and good form.
Steer wrestling (bulldogging) — Cowboy jumps from a running horse onto a steer, grabs the horns, and twists it to the ground. Fastest time wins.
Tie-down roping — Cowboy ropes a calf from horseback, dismounts on the run, and ties three legs together. Horse work and speed are everything.
Ladies barrel racing — Horse and rider run a tight cloverleaf around three barrels. Timed to hundredths of a second; knocking a barrel over adds a five-second penalty.
Special events: For this show, it was a cowboy and his trained bull — a large puppy dog really
Evening show
Chuckwagon racing — Four-horse teams pull covered wagons around barrels in the infield, then thunder around the track. Very fast, and lots of fun to watch.
Ben Hur Chariot races: As the name implies, an open chariot pulled by fast horses. Gets the adrenaline pumping.
The Stampede also features a midway, with carnival rides and games, and an assortment of food. There are agricultural exhibits that feature 4H livestock shows, petting areas, and other displays.
I haven’t been to a stampede in years, but remember it being a fun time.
