My favourite Calgary Stampede rodeo moments

The opening ceremonies each day were electric. The Stampede Princess comes bolting out of the gate with riders behind her, and they all ride in unison carrying flags, kicking up some serious dust and even riding around a ring of flames. (Photo credit: Andrea Traynor)

First Nations Peoples are an important part of the Calgary Stampede — and have been since 1912. It was awesome to see their integration throughout the week. (Photo credit: Andrea Traynor)

We got to go into the chuckwagon team residences, and met one young superstar. This is Jamie and just one of his 30 horses, Mugs. I fell in love with Mugs, and loved learning how becoming a chuckwagon horse adds about two decades to a horse’s life after they finish on the race track circuit. (Photo credit: Andrea Traynor)

Seeing some of the looks on the rider’s faces was priceless. (Photo credit: Andrea Traynor)

The power with which the horses (and bulls) shoot out of the chutes is jaw-dropping. (Photo credit: Andrea Traynor)

It’s not “Yeehaw” at the Stampede. It’s YA-HOO! (Photo credit: Andrea Traynor)

A nanosecond later, this guy totally fell off. (Photo credit: Andrea Traynor)

I think this is where Wrangler got its name. These guys literally wrangle the bucking broncs and lead them back to the gates. Then they’re sent off to pasture to relax, or get some massage therapy, acupuncture or other lovely things.

Say it with me: Awwwwww! (Photo credit: Andrea Traynor)

Two words: Cowboy ass. (Photo credit: Andrea Traynor)