Posted on 11/17/2004 5:45:47 PM PST by BullRidingLawyer
Dear Freepers:
I am writing to you today about an issue that some of you may be indifferent to; and I hope to convince you that the protection of rodeo and rodeo sports is important enough to deserve your attention. Please read this message and give it careful consideration.
The Cowboy and Rodeo are a part of our American culture. Events such as Bull Riding are becoming more popular as cable television broadcasts events from the PBR and PRCA. However, a small number of animal rights extremists are trying to ban this fun family-oriented sport. Not only does this affect the fans who enjoy watching this sport, but also the cowboys such as myself who enjoy participating in the sport.
I am a law student at Stetson University College of Law and today I was interviewed by a reporter with the St. Petersburg Times about my efforts to repeal an ordinance in St. Petersburg, as well as other ordinances in other Pinellas County cities, that ban rodeo sports. My argument is threefold:
1. Rodeo, especially roughstock events such as Bull Riding, do not hurt animals. Flank straps are not tied around a bulls sex organs and are not tightly cinched around a sensitive area of the bull. They are cotton ropes that cause a minor discomfort - like a tickling sensation - encouraging the bull to extend his back legs and kick. They cause no damage or torment to the animal and are immediatly removed after a ride has been completed. Similarly, spurs do not break the ribs of bulls, cause internal injuries, or even cuts. Bulls have extremely thick hide and rodeo cowboys use extremely dull spurs for the purpose of anchoring their feet. Finally, cattle prods have widely been accepted as a humane way of moving animals like bulls and there is no evidence that bulls or horses are tormented with such devices. In fact, rodeo animals command a premium price and are often involved in profitable breeding programs. It is in the best interest of cowboys and owners to treat their animals well. Rodeos are not the "last stop before the slaughterhouse".
2. If local governments can prevent people like me from riding bulls, what can't they do? Law banning rodeo are not grounded in common sense; most are backed by animal rights crowds that believe animals are entitled to similar rights as human beings. Why in our society should we prohibit an activity like rodeo that causes no social harm and that many find enjoyable.
3. Rodeo is a family-oriented activity that is good for the community. Although a dangerous sport, it is a wholesome activity for teenagers to become involved in. Rodeo schools are available around the country and modern protective gear such as helmets helps deal with the risk involved in riding bulls. Shouldn't we be encouraging such activities; considering the alternatives, riding a bull is not the worst thing a person can do. It builds confidence, discipline, and keeps you in shape (you can't be out of shape and ride bulls). Furthermore, rodeo shows are spectator-friendly and are family oriented entertainment. Finally, rodeos can be used as charity fund raising events to help the community.
If you live in a city where rodeo is banned or where a rodeo ban is being considered, I urge you to write your mayor and city councilman urging them to vote against the ban if its coming up for a vote, or to repeal the ban if it already exists. For those of you living in Pinellas, Pasco, or Hillsborough County, Florida - especially the City of St. Petersburg - please write your council members and tell them you oppose bans on the sport of rodeo.
Jason Van Dyke
The Reno Rodeo was really fun for us this year as the wife and I are 30-year best pals of close relatives of Chance Kretschmer, who was helping during the calf roping event. Lots of laughs as the clown was giving Chance a bad time.
Chance is a great kid, and may be the only football player in the history of Tonopah High School to be drafted into the NFL.
At least you didn't say they just 'tickle' again. But you miss the point.
I agree that it is a free choice thing. I'm not saying outlaw it. But it is does not represent a "true" cowboy talent, which, IMO, is what the rodeo did.
I know that the flank strap is put on while the bull/horse is in the bucking shoot, but I thought it wasn't pulled tight until the door was opened. I don't believe it causes pain, but is an irritant that the animal is trying to rid itself of.
Becky
I have to say your "description" of the flank strap and spurs is not an honest evaluation. Sounds like spin to me:) If not to keep an animal bucking what is their purpose? And you don't stay on by anchoring your spurs to the animal. You are suppose to run them up and down on thier shoulders, is what I thought. If they were used as an "anchor" then they would be a pain causer.
Once again, I don't believe they actually cause pain, but they do help to keep the animal bucking.
Becky
Exactly, just like he'd like to be rid of the rider and his spurs. The bull is fighting to be rid of all of it, and it seems silly to argue otherwise. These tools aren't just a fashion statement.
I'm not saying it should be banned either. If I had to make a value judgment, if guys want to bust themselves on broncs, I'd rather they piss off bulls than ruin horses.
I just hate to see this guy talking like people are dumb and will believe spurs aren't there to exact an effect on the bull. Let them wear fleece slippers then ;~D
He's spinning:)
Becky
Well, in all honesty, bucking out horses was the old cowboy way of breaking a horse, so has some credibility. And too...some horses are just going to be buckers anyway, they might as well be put to some use...I guess. I've always believed that bucking one out doesn't make the best horse for riding later, but I don't necessarily see it as cruelty either. Close, but not entirely. It's screws them up more mentally then really causeing them pain. I've heard of several bucking horses that did become riding ones after they were bucked out. Rodeo Cowboys are suppose to bail at the 8 second timer even if they can stay on, so as not to buck the horse out. But after a while I would think some would figure out that not bucking is better, that is when they get retired from the bucking string.
Becky
Another thing, if the flank strap didn't make the animal buck, why does the animal continue to buck after the rider is off. They usually don't stop bucking till the pick up men get the flank strap off. They don't buck as hard, but they do continue to buck until the strap is off.
Becky
(I know you know all this) It would only resemble real life skill if they did try to buck them out till they stopped, but it doesn't make good enough sport, so they try to make them worse. That's why it's a perversion of the cowboy life. What they do doesn't resemble the way you would break a horse. On the ranch there'd be no bucking strap, there'd be no attempt to make the horse buck more and harder, they'd encourage the horse to run and move forward till he got tuckered rather than buck.
The horses retire to slaughter when they stop fighting. I can't imagine them making good riding horses after that start either.
Oh I realize that it is not exactly like the cowboys use to do it. There'd be no way to keep enough stock bucking if they did it the "real" way:). But cowboys did buck out horses, they did not buck out bulls.
Becky
No worse then horses trained at 2 for racing:( IMO. I don't believe race horses are as dependable of horses as they could be with less intense training to run at such a young age.
I've learned recently that in other countries they don't race horses that young. Only in America:)
If the animal rights people are going to go after the rodeo's they need to go after the racehorse industray as well, IMO.
Becky
I agree racers are started too young, and many are ruined by that. If I had to make a change, it would be to stop running two year olds.
Ex racers are a little nutty when they're still fresh, really they just don't know anything but run. The further they get from that, the better they do, if people realize they aren't really trained, just run ;~D
I don't know for sure, I think some rodeo people will have to weigh in here but I think when the horses stop bucking well they go to pasture to raise more bucking horses for the contractor.
Some of them maybe.... the good ones and the mares ;~D
You are correct on the spurs as to bareback and saddle-bronc riding; but not for bull riding. Bareback and Saddle-bronc riders are required to spur; for bull riders its an option but not required for a score (just as bronc riders must "mark out" - bull riders don't have to worry about this). Also - bronc flank straps are pulled as the animal leaves the chute - bull riding is much different.
It is true that the flank strap makes the animal want to kick; but there is lots more to bull riding than just a bull that kicks because that wouldn't be that hard to ride. Bulls do more than that. They lunge, they spin, sometimes they will change directions in their spin, and things like that. I am willing to agree that the flank straps are an annoyance to bull; but not that they cause pain or torment. If the bulls were in pain, they would be less inclined to perform.
Also, you must remember with the spurs about the thickness of a bulls hid compared to that of a human being; a bulls hide skin is even thicker than a horses. I have never heard of an animals bones or internal organs being damaged as a result of spurring - I have never even see a bull bleed from spurring.
Well gosh, I would hope not, jeepers.
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