A total of four horses have died at the Calgary Stampede.  On Sunday, during the Team Penning event, a horse ridden by Amy Carter collapsed from a fatal heart attack, throwing the rider who landed on her head.  The horse then flipped over on her, having convulsions and pinning her to the ground.  Carter is in the hospital with a serious head injury and a broken shoulder.  Her family is cautiously optimistic that she will make a full recovery.

Three more horses died on Monday.  One of the Chuckwagon Race team horses collapsed and died also from a suspected heart attack during a training session, while a horse ridden by an outrider apparently broke a shoulder bone and had to be euthanized during the final race of the evening.  

Earlier in the day, one of the bucking horses which had thrown his rider continued around the infield and then suddenly collapsed.  The horse was euthanized after the veterinarian  diagnosed a broken back.

Spokespersons from various humane organizations continue to criticize rodeo in general, and the Calgary Stampede in particular, as an unacceptable form of entertainment.  They point out that every year horses die at the Stampede, and that other stock is routinely injured or killed.  Calf roping is frequently singled out since the calves are often snapped suddenly by the rope to a full stop from an all-out run, resulting in neck injuries.  

For more information on the Stampede, check their website, cs.calgarystampede.com/.

Major media are following these stories including www.calgarysun.com and www.thestar.com .  The Vancouver Humane Society provides information critical of rodeo events and practices.