Willard family to be recognized at Battle of the Foothills Chuckwagon Races in High River

Chuckwagon racing, a sport born from cowboy tradition, has been thrilling fans since 1923 when it debuted at the Calgary Stampede. What began as a lively race between mobile camp kitchens evolved into one of Western Canada’s most exciting and iconic rodeo events.

And for 80 years, the Willard family has been an enduring part of that story.

For the Willards, chuckwagon racing isn’t just a sport — it’s a legacy. Across three generations, they’ve been drivers, outriders, horse trainers, supporters and ambassadors.

Like fire and smoke, the passion they share for the sport runs deep, leaving an indelible mark on tracks, barns and communities.

It began in the 1940s with Marshall “Ole” Willard and his brother Hank racing under the “Nelson-Willard” banner. They quickly rose to prominence, winning the 1949 championship and again in 1951 at the Calgary Stampede.

Hank Willard set a still-unmatched record of five consecutive Rangeland Derby wins from 1951 to 1955 and was known for racing with relentless determination.

That flame was carried forward by Ole’s son, Ward Willard, a world champion chuckwagon driver who competed from 1971 to 1999. Ward was not only a fierce competitor, but also a respected horseman, breeder and trainer.

In 1987, one of his horses captured the Alberta Derby — making Ward the only chuckwagon driver to win using his own homebred Thoroughbreds.

The next generation includes Jess Willard, a former record-holder at the Strathmore Stampede and now a horse care professional, and Kalib Willard, whose early years at Whispering Winds Stables shaped his career in equine kinesiology.

The family legacy also includes Marsha Willard, known for her grit and grace as a horse trainer, and John Lumsden, a long-time friend and adopted family member who drove competitively after nearly two decades working with Ward.

Another key figure is Blake Willard, son of Elsie Willard and nephew of Hank, whose lifelong connection to chuckwagon racing includes leading the Calgary Firefighters Firewagon Chuckwagon Association. From 1996 to 2009, the Firewagon competed at the Calgary Stampede and raised over $200,000 for community causes. Blake also co-chaired the Battle of the Foothills races in High River and continues to champion the sport’s spirit and community involvement.

This year, from July 24–27, the Willard family will celebrate 80 years of involvement in chuckwagon racing during the Battle of the Foothills in High River.

The tribute includes nightly toasts to their history, and support for the Wild Rose Food Bank through a community draw.

Visitors who bring food donations will be entered to win a prize basket that includes a limited-edition Montana Silversmith “Firewagon” belt buckle.

For the Willards, chuckwagon racing is more than competition — it’s a way of life rooted in teamwork, tradition and tenacity. Their story spans dusty tracks, roaring grandstands and decades of dedication.

And like hoofbeats echoing through time, their legacy rides on.

Written by Shelley Willard, with contributions from Arnie Jackson, Billy Melville and Doug Nelson.