The Calgary Stampede is excited to once again be hosting an Aggie Days Extreme Cowboy Race. The Extreme Cowboy Race, founded by famed horseman Craig Cameron, is a multi-faceted equestrian sporting event that showcases both horse and rider as they maneuver through a series of obstacles demonstrating both their amazing horsemanship skills and incredible speed.

This race is an ideal opportunity for our guests to experience the Extreme Cowboy style of racing by being a part of a large and loudly appreciative Aggie Days crowd in the Nutrien Western Event Center. The obstacle course that our competitors will face will include some of the iconic "Cowboy Up " obstacles that are used in our world-famous Cowboy Up Challenge Stampede-time event in July. On top of all that, for those cowboys and cowgirls who aspire to compete with the world's best, this spring race provides an opportunity to show off their very best horse and rider moves in the hopes of being considered in future years as an invitee for the famous Calgary Stampede's Cowboy Up Challenge.

Everyone is invited to attend this free event and discover this exciting western equine sport being showcased in the Nutrien Western Event Center in conjunction with Aggie Days.

Sunday, April 19, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.

Admission to Aggie Days is FREE!

Website updated: February 2, 2026

Event Runs: April 19 - April 19, 2026

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Event Details

Results

Entries Information

Entries Open Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 9 a.m.

Entries Close Friday, March 27, 2026, at 4 p.m.

* All entries must be completed online.

Entries will be capped at 25. If you are unable to enter due to full entries please email agriculture@calgarystampede.com and you will be added to a waitlist.

ENTRY FEES:

Entry per horse and rider: $140.00
* A horse may not be entered twice with different riders.

*All entry fees include the use of a day stall, one parking pass for entry into Stampede Park and EXCA sanctioning fees.

Rules

The Calgary Stampede Aggie Days Spring Extreme Cowboy Race is a double-point race approved by the governing body, The Extreme Cowboy Association.

The EXCA rules are posted on the Extreme Cowboy Association's website here: EXCA Rulebook.

Rules:

Special attention is called to the following:

1. Proper western dress is required, jeans, long sleeve western shirt, cowboy boots and cowboy hat (helmets are permissible).

2. Order of go for the races will be decided by draw on , or before Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

3. Awards will be presented at the end of the competition on Sunday, April 19, 2026.

4. This event is open to horses, ponies, and mules of any breed registry and non-registered/grade horses.

5. The crowd and music at the event are considered to be part of the course, and each competitor acknowledges that the crowd and music may be a distraction to his/her horse.

6. There will be zero tolerance for an inhumane treatment of horses while in the show arena or on the grounds. Any such action will be caused for disqualification and the forfeiture of all entry fees and any prize money. Inhumane treatment includes, but is not limited to, excessive jerking, pulling, kicking, slapping or whipping.

7. If entry is cancelled, all fees will be forfeited. Substitutions will be allowed for the following reasons only:

In the case of a disabling injury to the horse, the contestant must furnish a certificate from a qualified Veterinarian declaring the horse disabled and unable to compete. Such certificate must be in the hands of the Show management prior to the start of the contest.
In the case of a disabling injury to the rider, or serious sickness or death in his/her family, Show Management must be advised in writing prior to the start of the contest.

If you require clarification or have any concerns regarding the above information, please call (403) 261-0220.

Premise ID Number#: AA02VQXC3

Race Format

One competitive class with one go per horse will be offered. There will not be separate Open and Non-Pro classes held.
Riders will have the option at the time of entry to choose what EXCA division they want their earned points to be counted towards (Pro, Non-Pro, Youth).
Ride Smart division will not be offered.
The competition is only open to current EXCA members. Link: EXCA membership information.
To help riders qualify for the World Show, this event is an EXCA double point show.
EXCA competitors may designate which division they wish their points to be allocated to. Points can only be allocated to any division once.
- E.g. Rider A enters class. Rider A regularly competes in "Youth" division. Rider A declares on entry form that points earned in the class are to be allocated to the "Youth" division. Riders will not collect points in more than one declared division.
A rider may enter two horses.
A horse may only run once – cannot be rode by two riders in the same class.
This Race is sanctioned by the Extreme Cowboy Association (EXCA); World Finals points will be earned for EXCA members in good standing.
Youth riders must be 12 years of age or older and experienced EXCA competitors.

Judges