Letter: Nationals Final Rodeo made sure animals had proper care

Saturday, Jan. 17, 1998 | 6:47 a.m.

The calf roping was the most exciting event at the 1997 National Finals Rodeo, and the athletes featured in this event warranted front-page coverage. Four records were broken in the event and, with 150 runs of calf roping in 10 days, no calves were injured.

In addition to the calf roping, Ms. Dean commented on what she called the "flanker strap" in the bucking horse events. In the bareback and saddle-bronc riding, a fleece-lined flank strap is used to enhance the bucking action of an animal with a natural inclination to buck. These straps will not make a horse buck that does not want to buck and, if they are pulled too tight, will cause the horse not to move. Many Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association stock contractors have specialized breeding programs to develop horses that are born to buck and add to their bucking string other horses who did not take well to being trained to be saddle horses.

The PRCA has 60 rules to ensure the proper care and treatment of rodeo livestock. One of these rules is that a veterinarian is required at every PRCA rodeo performance and section of slack. Studies conducted at 28 PRCA-sanctioned rodeos by on-site independent veterinarians have shown the rate of injury to be less than 0.05 percent. These are the facts. If your readers have further questions, I can be contacted at 101 Pro Rodeo Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80919.

Cindy Schonholtz, animal welfare coordinator, PRCA