Fair responds to tragic accident at Xtreme Bronc Riding event
– A letter decrying the California Mid-State Fair’s Xtreme Bronc Riding competition garnered a response on Tuesday from the fair’s executive director, Vivian Robertson. The bronc riding event was part of the Country Rodeo Finals held on Saturday.
Linda Acuff wrote in protest of the event after witnessing a horse getting injured.
“I 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,” she wrote. “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.”
Robertson responded that the horse was injured upon leaving the chute, something the contestants were not aware of.
“The contestants, unaware of the injury to the animal, proceeded in the competition as though there was no injury,” Robertson wrote. “One of the three Rodeo Safety Men in the arena that are charged with protecting both the animals and the cowboys, informed the contestants of the horse’s injury, stopped the competition relative to the team with the injured horse, and quickly ushered the horse out of the area.”
She continued that a veterinarian immediately responded and attended to the horse, who was later transported off-site.
“Regrettably the horse was found to have injuries to the leg such that the chances of recovery for the animal was low,” Robertson wrote. “After full consultation with the veterinarian, Flying U Rodeo Company made the difficult decision to have the horse humanely euthanized.”
Acuff said that as an audience member she feared for the participants and the young, wild ponies. “This is an abomination of what rodeo promotes, …horsemanship and the cowboy way of life,” she wrote. “Respectively, I urge you to discontinue this event or any other that you may influence.”
Robertson did not address Acuff’s request in her response, though she said there are always risks to participants and the animals in rodeo events.
“Flying U Rodeo Company apologizes for any discomfort experiences by spectators as a result of the injury and would like to thank everyone you contact us about the injured horse,” Robertson wrote.
The 2015 California Mid-State Fair wrapped up its 12-day annual event on Sunday, Aug. 2.
Swept under the rug.
Swept under the rug.
Swept under the rug.
How terrible that they care so little about the horses, all in the name of money and entertainment….so sad, shame on you Paso Robles
How barbaric. It just astounds me that people care more about the money and playing cowboy than caring for a living, breathing animal. There is no real value in this activity except to terriorize the horses and stroke some egos so they feel like they are dominant beings. These animals aren't put on this earth for sport & to be abused, they are to assist humans. Its shameful.
If wild horses were never "broke" to tame them, there would be no sweet pet horses. How do you think we get them, from the pet store? If you think it's barbaric, don't go watch it. You people obviously have no real idea of a cowboys life, or a rancher or farmer. Go back to the city and watch your video games and play on your ipods. You judge people, yet you know not of the facts or the history. Blind judgement. Go stay in your concrete jungles and postage stamp homes with no yards but huge tv's.
Our fair and these companies have the upmost respect, care and concern for these animals! It is very sad what happen but Accidents happen, if you don't like it don't go again. We don't have accidents like this all the time, this isn't a case where it keeps happening!
it ok for you to be upset or concerned but Its not ok for you to think your opinion is the only right one or to attack our fair or events! I'm sure our fair can make adjustments to the situation without being attacked by some protester!
yup it is a very big rug in this town to sweep things under… might even find
a can of worms there…
I've always thought rodeos were cruel and un-necessary entertainment. Thank God I didn't have to witness the injury.
What a stupid response,Guillermo! Worrying about animal welfare is a totally different subject. Empathy is needed, period.I am a Paso Robles, once conservative, native.
The horses don't volunter to be hurt. You can go ahead and play all the games you like with your own body as the target/sport.
I have a big piece of land next to a horse breeding ranch, and golly, gee, I know all about country living!.
So sad you have to stoop to that level. Obviously you do not have a decent response
I have horses, am learning to train. I love the cowboy way of life "old school" some of their old ways of doing things have improved an made easier for both the horse and rider however sometimes no matter how hard you try they do ave injuries. Did this injury "need" to happen probably not. The one thing I will say is I do not think this is not a rodeo event!!! If you are going to advertise for a "rodeo" than have a "REAL" rodeo we have many talented men and women in our area let them shine and show people what cowboys and cowgirls really do!!!!!
Sounds like the non-sanctioned "wild horse race." I was at the 1995 California Rodeo in Salinas, when one of the horses crashed into the arena fence, breaking her neck. According to the Monterey County SPCA (which monitors this annual rodeo), at least a dozen other horses had died in the pandemonium in the previous 20 years.
In the wake of the major public outcry, the Salinas Rodeo Committee dropped the "wild horse race" from the program. 1995 was also the first year that the PRCA began requiring on-site veterinary care at all its sanctioned events. Most rodeos don't even provide this basic decency, to their ever-lasting shame. Ditto the 800 estimated charreadas (Mexican-style rodeos) held throughout California every year.
The "wild horse race" should be banned nationwide. Again, it is not a sanctioned event, and puts horses and wranglers alike at risk of injury and death. This needs to be addressed by either the Rodeo Committee or the County Board of Supervisors. Calf roping is even worse, of course–and mere babies at that, often unweaned or weaned far too early.
RODEO: AMERICA'S SHAME.
Sincerely,
Eric Mills, coordinator
ACTION FOR ANIMALS
Oakland
Avoidable tragedy, do away with event only solution!
Swept under the rug.
Swept under the rug.
Swept under the rug.
How terrible that they care so little about the horses, all in the name of money and entertainment….so sad, shame on you Paso Robles
How barbaric. It just astounds me that people care more about the money and playing cowboy than caring for a living, breathing animal. There is no real value in this activity except to terriorize the horses and stroke some egos so they feel like they are dominant beings. These animals aren't put on this earth for sport & to be abused, they are to assist humans. Its shameful.
If wild horses were never "broke" to tame them, there would be no sweet pet horses. How do you think we get them, from the pet store? If you think it's barbaric, don't go watch it. You people obviously have no real idea of a cowboys life, or a rancher or farmer. Go back to the city and watch your video games and play on your ipods. You judge people, yet you know not of the facts or the history. Blind judgement. Go stay in your concrete jungles and postage stamp homes with no yards but huge tv's.
Our fair and these companies have the upmost respect, care and concern for these animals! It is very sad what happen but Accidents happen, if you don't like it don't go again. We don't have accidents like this all the time, this isn't a case where it keeps happening!
it ok for you to be upset or concerned but Its not ok for you to think your opinion is the only right one or to attack our fair or events! I'm sure our fair can make adjustments to the situation without being attacked by some protester!
yup it is a very big rug in this town to sweep things under… might even find
a can of worms there…
I've always thought rodeos were cruel and un-necessary entertainment. Thank God I didn't have to witness the injury.
What a stupid response,Guillermo! Worrying about animal welfare is a totally different subject. Empathy is needed, period.I am a Paso Robles, once conservative, native.
The horses don't volunter to be hurt. You can go ahead and play all the games you like with your own body as the target/sport.
I have a big piece of land next to a horse breeding ranch, and golly, gee, I know all about country living!.
So sad you have to stoop to that level. Obviously you do not have a decent response
I have horses, am learning to train. I love the cowboy way of life "old school" some of their old ways of doing things have improved an made easier for both the horse and rider however sometimes no matter how hard you try they do ave injuries. Did this injury "need" to happen probably not. The one thing I will say is I do not think this is not a rodeo event!!! If you are going to advertise for a "rodeo" than have a "REAL" rodeo we have many talented men and women in our area let them shine and show people what cowboys and cowgirls really do!!!!!
Sounds like the non-sanctioned "wild horse race." I was at the 1995 California Rodeo in Salinas, when one of the horses crashed into the arena fence, breaking her neck. According to the Monterey County SPCA (which monitors this annual rodeo), at least a dozen other horses had died in the pandemonium in the previous 20 years.
In the wake of the major public outcry, the Salinas Rodeo Committee dropped the "wild horse race" from the program. 1995 was also the first year that the PRCA began requiring on-site veterinary care at all its sanctioned events. Most rodeos don't even provide this basic decency, to their ever-lasting shame. Ditto the 800 estimated charreadas (Mexican-style rodeos) held throughout California every year.
The "wild horse race" should be banned nationwide. Again, it is not a sanctioned event, and puts horses and wranglers alike at risk of injury and death. This needs to be addressed by either the Rodeo Committee or the County Board of Supervisors. Calf roping is even worse, of course–and mere babies at that, often unweaned or weaned far too early.
RODEO: AMERICA'S SHAME.
Sincerely,
Eric Mills, coordinator
ACTION FOR ANIMALS
Oakland
Avoidable tragedy, do away with event only solution!