While the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA) finals brought speed and drama to the track, behind the scenes, another world works for hours to make it happen.
Behind the noise of the grandstand, the chuckwagon camp is its own world. It is discipline, teamwork and family rolled into one.
Drivers, barn hands and families form the camp that stretches across the grounds. They live in trailers and motorhomes, from simple tow-along units to luxury rigs.
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PMW Steel driver Robby Ethier missed the final six races by half a point this year. Still, he opened his camp and shared what it takes to prepare.
For Ethier, mornings start with the horses.
“First thing, they get kicked out about seven to run around,” he said. “By noon, they’re back in for hay, oats and water.”
The chores pile up from there. Stalls are cleaned, harnesses scrubbed and wagons, which are lined up everywhere, are sprayed down and repaired.
“This morning we washed harness and wagon, it took two hours,” said Ethier.
Some tasks push harder than others.
“The hardest job? Shoeing horses,” he said. “I shoe my own now, because farriers are harder to find. I’m close to 50, so it’s not easy.”
The camp runs like clockwork. Each person has a task. Some groom horses, others haul gear or fix wagons, children race bikes between trailers, ATVs buzz past and dogs nap in the shade.
From Mid-day forward
Meals also mark the rhythm. Families cook together, fuelling long hours of work. The smell of hay mixes with diesel from the dozens of pick-up trucks.
Keeping the horses calm takes patience.
“It’s us being calm as drivers, and the people handling them too,” said Ethier. “The calmer we are, the calmer the horses.”
By late afternoon, the camp stirs again. Wagons shine. Horses are harnessed. Crews shout instructions. Hooves clatter. Excitement builds as teams head to the track.
When the races end, work continues. Horses are cooled, brushed and watered before anyone rests.
“It’s always about the horses,” said Ethier. “I talk with my wife about which ones are ready. If she says no, I listen.”
The lights stay on late as crews check wagons again. Tomorrow brings another race. The cycle repeats.
For Ethier, the best moments are often off the track.
“It’s seeing people I haven’t seen since last finals,” he said. “Everyone comes together, and that’s special.”
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