A Brief History of the Alberta Professional Chuckwagon and Chariot Association
1960's
Chariot racing began as a typical unorganized group of people who wanted to have some fun on the none tradition track. Two horses were hooked to either side of a pole and with harnesses, attached to the traditional cart we know of today. The cart was comprised of two rubber tires (bicycle like) and a padded seat that was not steady, which lent itself well to tipping easily.
Drivers would meet with their cart teams and 'race' up and down back alleys, around hotels, until finally completing the circuit around a sawdust pile to eventually end up back at the start line. From days of shenanigans, chariot racing was born.
1970's
The 'unorganized' group then started to charge membership fees which was set at $10 each. Associate or executive members were charged $2 but in 1976 the fee was raised to $12. In 1977, again the membership fee was raised—$15—and associates were charged $10. As the club developed, a constitution was born, but borrowed mostly from the neighboring Saskatchewan club—which began two years prior to the Alberta club.
In 1972 the basket type cart was introduced and as luck would have it, the carts were much more sturdy and less likely to tip. This type of cart with rubber wheels enclosed within the cart is still used today. Fees of course have been raised to meet today's economic status but the love of horses, speed, and comradery has not changed.
APCCA Beginnings
In 1964, few brave drivers upgraded their carts to wagons, moving from the typical two horse hook to four. Some of the first chuckwagon races were held in Ohaton, Eckville, Okotoks, and Daysland. By 1966, a number of clubs formed throughout the province of Alberta in areas such as Peace River, Whitecourt, and Pincher Creek. On June 19, 1968, the Alberta Pony Chuckwagon and Chariot Association was registered with the societies act as a non profit organization.
Today
The club now runs under the name 'Alberta Professional Chuckwagon and Chariot Association.' The APCCA is proud to run 14 shows across the province of Alberta and greatly appreciates the plethora of agricultutal societies who take the time to hold amazing shows for our spectators.
Chariot drivers still run a basket style cart along with two horse where as wagon drivers run a metal box with 4 horses, 2 on the pole and 2 front leaders. It takes many people to share the sport of chuckwagon and chariot racing and we give thanks to those who cheer as our drivers race home towards the finish line.
Dale Young
Tyler Walton
Outriders
As racers complete the figure eight around the infield barrels, eventually making their way to the track, judges on horseback (outriders) assess the drivers patterns, make penalty calls, and assist drivers in times of need. Outriding is a dangerous job as it takes precision, confidence, and a horse that is capable of anything. The concept of a outrider in a traditional sense is not followed within the APCCA rules as these brave men are in charge of ensuring that all drivers and equine athletes are safe as they persue the track.
Infield Judges
Infield judges assess penalties when drivers complete the circle eight around the barrels and leave the infield towards the track. Judges keep the sport of racing alive with eagle eyes to ensure that all drivers are adhereing to the rules all the while keeping other drivers and equine athletes safe. Judging is often a thankless job that is volunteer based. We thank those who stand in the rain and heat to judge every race.
Timers⏱️
Every race is timed with an Eagle Eye system that records each driver to one one-hundreth of a second. The timing crew is made up of drivers wives, daughters, family friends, and those who have some time to give. Along with each race, stop watches are also used to keep intouch with our traditional roots. After each night of racing, the timing crew prints, calculates, and fills envelopes with the drivers winnings.
Included in this photo is a sound technician, radio announcer, and race announcer.
