The World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) will not provide a four outrider show at the Ponoka Stampede, citing a lack of eligible and qualified outriders.
Historically the Ponoka Stampede has hosted four outrider chuckwagon races and planned on doing so again in 2011 to celebrate their 75th anniversary.
President Rick Wierzba said the Ponoka Stampede Association is disappointed with this decision but understands that the WPCA feels there is no safe alternative.
“In order to continue and grow our sport we need to race safely with qualified outriders,” explained WPCA President, Pat Powell. “We hate to disappoint our race fans in Ponoka, they are a knowledgeable, passionate group. We know that this decision will be immediately disappointing, but we are offering the best our sport has to offer with two outriders, we could not say the same if we were providing four.”