Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Tripping horses is sheer torture

COWBOYS always have had a special place in their hearts for horses -- the general purpose vehicle of the West. Spending the greater part of the day on their mounts also has fostered a special relationship between the two.

That's why it's hard to understand why Nevada ranchers resisted a bill last year to outlaw the outrageous practice of horse-tripping. The so-called sport came from Mexico where it was a popular part of rodeos. Fortunately, American rodeos, more sensitive to humane treatment, have shunned the event.

Horse-tripping involves roping the front legs of galloping horses and throwing them on the ground -- sometimes flipping them over on their heads. Legs are commonly broken or horses are otherwise crippled. Unlike bona fide American rodeo events, horse-tripping crosses the line from sport to sheer torture. Cowboys should be the first to see the difference.

Unfortunately, there are signs that horse-tripping may be catching on in Nevada. Four other states have outlawed the practice, including New Mexico and Texas, forcing horse-tripping advocates to look elsewhere. There are indications that horse-tripping has occurred in Northern Nevada and, most recently, in Clark County.

Outlawing this abhorrent practice would be consistent with other animal abuse laws. It also would be supported by most Nevadans. Unfortunately, some legislators did not see it that way.

State Sen. Dina Titus, D-Las Vegas, last year tried to introduce legislation to ban horse-tripping but was stopped cold by Sen. Dean Rhoads, R-Tuscarora, chairman of the Natural Resources Committee. Rhoads, a rancher, buried the bill.

Titus, obviously frustrated with the Northern interests in the Legislature, has taken her case to the Clark County Commission which will review an ordinance to ban horse-tripping on April 16. If the commission agrees to ban it, Titus will no doubt be back at the Legislature trying to impose a statewide prohibition.

Perhaps the commission will be more reasonable. We hope so. Horse-tripping is an affront to all reasonable people who work with animals or just keep them as pets.

We suspect the few people who advocate such an outrage are accustomed to turning a blind eye to humane values in the name of money.

It's tragic that a law like this is needed. We all should know better.

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