Since the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and Heavy Horse Show teamed up, it has become one of the most popular agriculture shows at Stampede, often packing the Nutrien Western Events Centre.
Brian Coleman has been the chairman of the heavy horse show since the orchestra first got involved. "We’d seen other little pieces of it at other shows but to do it on this scale is exclusive in North America," said Coleman.
The music is just as much for the crowds as it is for the critters. Conductor Rolf Bertsch says the animals really respond to the music. "These are huge animals so the fact they look like they’re dancing is amazing."
He chooses set-lists filled with music that seem to put spring in the horses’ steps.
"Polkas and wonderful Austrian music called Gallopf which is kind of funny given that we’re playing for horses," said Bertsch.
The show has become a Stampede staple for many.
"I find it’s a very slick production in how it all comes together and it looks very orchestrated even though we don’t really have a dress rehearsal at all," said Coleman.
The heavy horse show runs seven days of Stampede but the highlight is the World Champion Six-Horse Hitch class on from 6:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 9.
The final heavy horse show takes place Wednesday, July 10 at 2:15 p.m. It does not include the full orchestra but does have accompaniment from CPO.
