CALGARY—Despite being marketed as a celebration of Western Canadian heritage, an Animal Justice analysis has found the Calgary Stampede’s Rodeo events are now overwhelmingly dominated by American competitors.
In 2025, American rodeo participants outnumber Canadians by nearly five to one. Just 34 Canadians are competing this year, compared to 168 Americans. Last year, all major rodeo event winners were American, carrying tens of thousands of dollars in prize money away across the border.
But many of the horses, bulls, and steers used in these events are Canadian, sourced from Alberta and beyond for use in high-risk, high-harm spectacles that routinely leave animals dead or injured so visiting American competitors can notch another win on the professional rodeo circuit and cash out.
With so little Canadian participation and public opposition to rodeo events growing, the rodeo’s outsized role in Stampede festivities seems increasingly hard to justify. Research shows that a growing number of Calgarians are ready to embrace a modern version of the Stampede, one that sheds problematic rodeo events and instead celebrates culture and community without relying on animal suffering.
“We can enjoy all the fun, music, rides, and great outfits of the Stampede without supporting outdated rodeo events that rely on animal abuse,” said Alexandra Pester, Calgary-based staff lawyer with Animal Justice. “The rodeo isn’t about Canadian culture. American participants dominate the competitions while Canadian animals pay the price. It’s time to move forward and celebrate a Stampede that reflects our values today.”
There are also six Australian competitors and one hailing from Mexico in this year’s rodeo events. Since 1986, at least 109 animals have died at the Stampede.
Contact:
Josh Lynn
Public Relations Manager
[email protected]
Alexandra Pester
Staff Lawyer (Calgary)
[email protected]