New chutes installed in attempt to make Stampede rodeo riders and animals safer

CALGARY – New chutes have been installed on the rodeo grounds at the Calgary Stampede in an attempt to make two of the most dangerous events a little bit safer for man and beast.

The chutes have higher bars, rubber safety pads and less spacing between bars — which minimizes the risk of bucking broncos and bulls getting legs and hooves stuck in the gates.

Jennifer Woods, a livestock handling specialist, says the old gates were 30 years old and needed to be replaced.

She says injuries to animals were rare, even with the old chutes, but the goal is to bring the risk for both riders and animals to zero.

Woods says the flooring has also been replaced with grooved cement to cut down on the chance of bulls and horses slipping and falling.

The cost was about $500,000.