Dean Dreger

​Born in 1966, Dean grew up in the Woking, Alberta area. Shortly after he and his wife Tara met, he was introduced to the world of thoroughbred Chuckwagon Racing in 1989, by World Champion Kelly Sutherland, his soon to be father-in-law.

Working hard in the oil patch building locations and access roads consumed much of his time, but he found a great passion for the sport after taking on a part time barn hand job at the Sutherland Ranch. During the next 10 years Dean took in everything Kelly could teach him about thoroughbreds, training, nutrition and caregiving. Dean's horse care is second to none, and he takes great pride in that. The bonus of having a lot of driving advice from Kelly, was definitely appreciated, and as time moved on, his interest in equine care, and the craft of the sport itself, grew immensely.

With the help of a few extra horses around Kelly's, Dean was able to give it a go and hit the road in 1999, running on the WPCA's Second Circuit. That first season, Dean proudly brought home the Rookie Buckle, and there was no looking back.
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After buying some horses, a few new, and a few older, he continued to drive with enthusiasm, and he strived to learn all he could. The Second Circuit dissolved in 2001 due to lack of interest and high cost. But Dean wasn't ready to quit, so along with another wagon driver, Leonard Delaronde, they started their own club, designed to preserve thoroughbred Chuckwagon Racing in the Peace Country. Thus the Western Chuckwagon Association was born.
Dean is very aware of the opportunities for potential sponsors to become involved with the sport, and is driven to represent his sponsors, to the best of his abilities. Much pride is taken in any and all equipment, the barn work, fans, new and existing, and mostly horse care.
Dean now has approximately 20 head to care for year round. This is not done without the help of paid barn hands, family and friends. Like any athlete, nutrition for the horses begins in the fall of every year, along with routine health inspections and care. By late March, full time training to develop cardiovascular systems and driving discipline begins. From the beginning, until the end of each season, days start at 6 am, and finish around midnight daily. Dean, Tara and their family, Mitch, Cheyenne, Dakota and Tuff, are all involved in the many different facets of the sport.
 
2009 – 4th place
2010 – 8th place
2011 – 4th place
2012 – 6th place
2013 – 6th place
2014 – 6th place
2015 – 5th place
2016 – 1st place
2017 – injured
2018 – 4th place
 
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