Standout Calgary Stampede Horse John Wayne Passes Away

A long-time legend of the rodeo arena, Calgary Stampede bucking horse John Wayne has passed away at the remarkable age of 32. His longevity is testament to the care he received throughout his life, as well as his own incredible strength and spirit.

John Wayne joined the Stampede herd in 1995, thanks to a smart purchase at a local bucking horse sale. The big buckskin gelding went on to become a rock-steady performer for just shy of two decades.

“He was a money horse. Rain, shine, indoors, outdoors – wherever he was, he was a winner. It doesn’t get more Calgary Stampede than John Wayne,” said Tyler Kraft, Manager of the Calgary Stampede Ranch and Stock Contracting operations.

With 19 Calgary Stampede appearances, 11 invitations to the National Finals Rodeo and 17 Canadian Finals Rodeo appearances, more than $300,000 was won on the powerful horse throughout his career.

“I had the pleasure of drawing the Duke close to 20 times. He was great every time, never took a day off,” 20-time NFR qualifier Rod Hay said. “He would be in my top five favorite horses of all time. He was a beauty.”

John Wayne had the final out of his career in the spotlight of the National Finals Rodeo in 2013. He spent the last few years of his long and remarkable life showing the yearlings and two-year-olds of the Stampede’s Born to Buck™ program the ways of the world, surrounded by the blue skies and wide-open grasslands of the 23,000-acre Stampede Ranch.

Courtesy of PRCA