Paso Robles News|Wednesday, April 15, 2026
You are here: Home » Opinion » Letter: Fair should stop barbaric wild horse chase at rodeo

Letter: Fair should stop barbaric wild horse chase at rodeo 

Letter to the editorI am writing to protest the first event at the Paso Rodeo in which wild horses are chased, accosted, man-handled and scared out of their wits by cowboys attacking them. The event is barbaric, wrong-headed and brutal. In this particular event, a poor, sweet, young pony was chased and violently pressed to escape only to have his rear leg snap and break during is wild escape. I only hope that he was quickly euthanized. Many of us in the stands wept as helpless spectators.

I’ve seen this at the Folsom Rodeo held on 4th of July and causes all of us to hold our breath. We fear for the participants and the frightened, never to be the same, young wild ponies. This is an abomination of what rodeo promotes, …horsemanship and the cowboy way of life.

Respectfully, I urge you to discontinue this event at this rodeo or any other that you may influence.

Your thoughtful consideration is essential.

Sincerely,

Linda Acuff

Editor’s note: This letter was also sent by Linda Acuff to the Mid-State Fair. We have offered the fair an opportunity to respond.

Share To Social Media
Follow this discussion
Notify of
12 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Anne Marie

Thank you to the Paso Robles Daily News for reporting this. Other news outlets have been told but they posted nothing on the subject. Thank you for not sweeping it under the rug.

Lynn Chadwick

The mid state fair doesn't care! Don't expect them to respond because you don't matter

Golde Wallingford

post it to facebook…let the world know….boycott the State Fair…

Golde Wallingford

with social media…..it doesn't matter if they respond….just spread the word….Wild Horse Preservation is in Lompoc……put the word out…I posted it to facebook…

Margaux Sky

Disgusting. I won't give Paso Robles State Fair one single cent as long as they continue indulging animal abuse. Shared on FB.

Golde Wallingford

spread this far and wide…..!!!!!

Dean Musick

I agree with Linda!

Dean Musick

I guarantee that they will care if their revenue is cut for lack of ticket sales!

Robert Headley

If you don't like what you saw at the Folsom Rodeo, why do you continue to attend the rodeos? Instead of attending and complaining about something you know very little about-why not just stop attending. This type of thing is uncommon but is an occupational hazard. Everyone loses when this happens, not just the horse. You really should get more involved in ways of the old west ranch/cowboy life before you pass judgement. This type of activity is most certainly a part of the way of life of a true cowboy. How do you think wild horses are caught and bred to be used by cowboys? The rodeo shows city people what life is really like out in the west and what occurs in their lifestyle. It's not always pretty, but maybe you should attend the fashion show if it bothers you?

Kristene Thompson

I totally agree with Linda. I have not been at the fair for a few years because of the animal abuse.

Golde Wallingford

..I had a wild horse…and this sure is not the way mine was trained…mine was "gentled"….with authourity and love…a horse knows compassion…a "true cowboy" would too…if you would like some lessons on how to gentle a wild mustang….i would be happy to show you…..

Monica Galli

Please discontinue this practice immediately. It is not honorable.

Follow this discussion
Notify of
12 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Anne Marie

Thank you to the Paso Robles Daily News for reporting this. Other news outlets have been told but they posted nothing on the subject. Thank you for not sweeping it under the rug.

Lynn Chadwick

The mid state fair doesn't care! Don't expect them to respond because you don't matter

Golde Wallingford

post it to facebook…let the world know….boycott the State Fair…

Golde Wallingford

with social media…..it doesn't matter if they respond….just spread the word….Wild Horse Preservation is in Lompoc……put the word out…I posted it to facebook…

Margaux Sky

Disgusting. I won't give Paso Robles State Fair one single cent as long as they continue indulging animal abuse. Shared on FB.

Golde Wallingford

spread this far and wide…..!!!!!

Dean Musick

I agree with Linda!

Dean Musick

I guarantee that they will care if their revenue is cut for lack of ticket sales!

Robert Headley

If you don't like what you saw at the Folsom Rodeo, why do you continue to attend the rodeos? Instead of attending and complaining about something you know very little about-why not just stop attending. This type of thing is uncommon but is an occupational hazard. Everyone loses when this happens, not just the horse. You really should get more involved in ways of the old west ranch/cowboy life before you pass judgement. This type of activity is most certainly a part of the way of life of a true cowboy. How do you think wild horses are caught and bred to be used by cowboys? The rodeo shows city people what life is really like out in the west and what occurs in their lifestyle. It's not always pretty, but maybe you should attend the fashion show if it bothers you?

Kristene Thompson

I totally agree with Linda. I have not been at the fair for a few years because of the animal abuse.

Golde Wallingford

..I had a wild horse…and this sure is not the way mine was trained…mine was "gentled"….with authourity and love…a horse knows compassion…a "true cowboy" would too…if you would like some lessons on how to gentle a wild mustang….i would be happy to show you…..

Monica Galli

Please discontinue this practice immediately. It is not honorable.

Subscribe button for Paso Robles Daily News
12
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x