What is Rodeo?

Rodeo is a sport that has its roots in the day-to-day work of cowboys and ranchers, who needed to be skilled in riding horses and handling cattle. It has evolved into a competitive sport that tests the skills of both the rider and the animal.

While some people have criticized rodeo for being cruel to animal athletes, it is important to note that the welfare of these coveted animals is taken very seriously in modern-day rodeo. Rodeo organizations have implemented strict rules and guidelines to ensure that the animal athletes are treated with care and respect. For example, veterinarians are on hand at all professional rodeos to ensure the health and safety of the animals, and all animals are inspected before and after each event to ensure they are in top physical condition.

In addition, rodeo events (contests) have been modified over the years to make them less stressful for the animals. For example, flank straps, used to enhance the performance of bucking bulls and horses, have been redesigned to be more comfortable for the animals. Rodeo stock contractors also carefully condition animals that have a future in rodeo, selecting only the top animal athletes for competition.

In short, while there are certainly challenges associated with ensuring the welfare of animals in rodeo, the modern-day rodeo industry has taken significant steps to ensure that the animals are treated with care and respect.