Calgary Humane Society ‘not pursuing’ further investigation into handling of Stampede horse

The Calgary Humane Society says it will not further investigate the treatment of a horse during a saddle bronc event at the 2026 Calgary Stampede.

The humane society was looking into the treatment of a horse during the July 7 event after broadcast footage prompted concern from Animal Justice, a national non-profit organization.

The video shows the horse, named Ice Cube, drop to the ground. Handlers are then seen attempting to get the horse back on its feet, at which time one appears to pull the horse’s mane and strike it on the head.

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Animal Justice filed a complaint with the Calgary Humane Society, alleging the horse was subjected to unnecessary distress.

“While the horse was unharmed, some of the behaviour that appeared to be exhibited does not align with the expectations of the Stampede,” the Calgary Stampede said in a statement. “It was addressed directly with the individuals involved.”

Other concerns raised

Animal Justice raised concerns about two other incidents with the Calgary Humane Society.

The animal group alleges two horses, Glory Days and Dandy Delight, were “roughly handled” in the chute during bronc riding events on July 11 and 12.

“Glory Days is seen being pushed with a closed fist and it appears he may also have been hit in the face. Dandy Delight is seen being pushed in the neck with a rodeo worker’s boot,” Animal Justice said.

On Tuesday, Brad Nichols, director of enforcement at the Calgary Humane Society, said preliminary assessments were done on all the submitted chute videos.

“We will not be pursuing any further investigation,” he said. “There are insufficient grounds to believe that these horses were caused distress.”

Nichols also confirmed no investigation is taking place into the injury of a horse during the Rangeland Derby on July 11.

The horse was injured during a collision between two chuckwagons during the third heat.

The following day, Stampede CEO Joel Cowley said the horse “received immediate medical care” and was transferred to an ambulance which took the animal to a local veterinarian clinic.

“An initial exam revealed no fractures, but the injury is considered serious.”

Nichols says the chuckwagon collision and the bronc riding incidents flagged occurred in the “regular course of their respective events.”

As such, he said they “will not be investigated due to the generally accepted practice provision in the Animal Protection Act.”

“Neither event are inherently illegal and medical care, where required, is immediate.”

CTV News has reached out to the Calgary Stampede for an update on the horse injured during the Rangeland Derby.