Rodeo Is Not Animal Abuse

Rodeo is a tough and rugged sport. Regardless of how tough the sport may be on all, it certainly is not animal abuse. Today I will explore the cultural significance of rodeo, the strict regulations that are applied in rodeo, and how rodeo outright does not harm the animals.

The origins of rodeo began in Mexico during the 1800s; vaqueros (ranch hands) were perfecting their roping, and riding skills (La Tray). Between cattle drives, this focus to achieve perfection led them to gather and compete with one another. Eventually, these small gatherings of vaqueros grew into larger and larger groups wanting to show off their skills and prove that they were better than others. This growth perpetrated with becoming widespread, large-scale events. In 1975, the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) was formed (La Tray). This organization has a wide reach that continues outside the United States. The PRCA is the key governing body that applies and creates the regulations (plus rules) that are followed within its sanctioned rodeos. 

With having a large association governing rodeos, there can be some speculation that the guidelines are not thorough enough or create loopholes for certain regulations with keeping the animal competitors and human competitors, plus the pickup crew, safe—this is not the case. According to Terri Greer, a member of the PRCA from 1995, “PRCA rules so successfully protect animals that the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recognizes PRCA guidelines in its position statement on the welfare of animals in spectator events” (Greer). As much as it can be said verbally that these animals are safe, having the American Veterinary Medical Association at the head of keeping the animals safe goes to show the strength of these guidelines in rodeo. On top of this, the healthier the animals are, the better performance they produce—and the more the human competitors are able to showcase their skills and have a better chance of winning the event. These stock ranchers – plus the people who personally own their roping horses (even including barrel horses) – take great care in their animals. Animal husbandry has always been at the forefront of ranching, and this value has been continued into current times instead of staying in the past when dealing with the sport of rodeo.

Regardless of the fact rodeo is based with animal husbandry in mind, many people will say rodeo activities harm the animals—between the spurs, the flank straps for rough stock, and the ropes for the roping calves, steers in steer wrestling, or the steers for breakaway roping. None of this equipment is meant to harm the animals in any form. 

“Sharp spurs that hurt horses exist, but they are illegal in rodeo. Rodeo rules only allow blunt spurs under penalty of expulsion” (Deelen & Paulina). The point of these blunt spurs, is to gently give the horse (or bull) a gentle nudge to make sure they realize the competitor is on their back. With the spurs being blunt – if they were to apply a fair amount of pressure, it does not hurt the animal compared to typical spurs. The flank straps also act similar to the blunt spurs used, except when utilized this way it is a teaching method for preparing the horse/bull to perform rather than standing around. “Trainers maintain that the strap consists of nothing but a strip of sheep skin and is pain-free, and through conditioning prepares the animal to perform” (Deelen & Paulina).

The strap placement is also key: it is in a spot where on the bull or horse, it is not on top of any genitals that may be present in the area (since both mares and geldings/stallions are used as rough stock for bronc riding events). On top of that, in roping events, the ropes are designed to be effective for roping, but soft enough to not dig and tear skin/fur as they tighten. Roping events also make sure that the calves/steers are not suddenly brought to a stop by the tightening of the rope, knocking them off their feet, or stopping too soon with a taut line – potentially flipping the cow. By limiting these three actions, the cattle within the roping divisions are left to continue to be roped under safe roping methods.

In conclusion, rodeo does not abuse its animals – it ensures they are healthy and ready to compete. Between the strict rules, its history and equipment bylaws, abuse is the last thing to occur.

Works Cited

AVMA. “Welfare of Animals Integral Part of Professional Rodeos.” American Veterinary Medical Association, 1 Jan. 2001, www.avma.org/javma-news/2001-01-15/welfare-animals-integral-part-professional-rodeos.

Greer, Terri. “Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association1.” The Bovine Practitioner, vol. 29, 1 Sept. 1995, pp. 27–28.

Leonarda Deelen, Evelien Paulina. "From Outlaw to Athlete – Emic Perceptions on the Human – Horse Relationship in American Rodeo." Washington State University, May 2021.  

La Tray, Chris. “A Brief History of the Rodeo.” Smithsonian Magazine, July 2022, www.smithsonianmag.com/history/brief-history-rodeo-180980341/.

About Carlee Ready

Carlee is a second year Junior from Goldendale, Washington, who is currently pursuing a Pre Veterinary major. Ready is a part of the MMU Archery team, and apart from archery she has previously competed in equine western disciplines. When not hard at work practicing or studying, you can find her spending time outside with her animals, drawing, and listening to music.