In the sport of professional rodeo, cowboys share the limelight with the rodeo livestock. For a cowboy to compete at the highest level, the livestock also must be in peak condition. Both are athletes in their own right. The very nature of rodeo requires a working relationship, and in some events a partnership, between the cowboys and animal athletes.
All professional cowboys and cowgirls value their animals, as do the stock contractors that provide the livestock for the rodeos. Like most people, we believe animals should be provided proper care and treatment. The IPRA, APRA and their members value their animals and staunchly protect them with specifically created rules.
Consistent proper treatment of animals by IPRA and APRA members – in and out of the arena – has been well documented by veterinarians who have witnessed the health and condition of the animals first hand.
Like a well-conditioned athlete, an animal can perform well only if it is healthy. Any cowboy will tell you he takes home a paycheck only when the animal is in top form. Stock contractors, the ranchers who raise and provide livestock to rodeos, also have an obvious financial interest in keeping the animals healthy. Simple logic dictates that no sensible businessperson would abuse an animal that is expected to perform in the future.
Many – if not most – of the IPRA and APRA’s members have more than an economic tie to animals. Nearly all have lived and worked around animals for most of their lives, and they possess a high degree of respect and fondness for the livestock.
Hundreds of veterinarians compete in professional rodeo and anyone who attends an IPRA and APRA rodeo can be assured that the greatest care has been taken to prevent injury to animals or contestants.
All members are bound by the not-for-profit corporation’s bylaws and rules, which include a section that deals exclusively with the humane treatment of animals. The association’s rules and regulations include many rules dealing with the care and treatment of animals. Anyone who violates these rules may be disqualified and reported to the respective rodeo association, which will levy fines.
Professional rodeo judges, who are responsible for the enforcement of all rules, believe in these humane regulations and do not hesitate to report violations. Becoming a, IPRA and APRA judge involves extensive training in the skills needed to evaluate livestock and testing of that knowledge and of the rodeo. Rodeo judges undergo constant training and evaluation to ensure their skills are sharp and that they are enforcing the rules, especially those regarding the care and handling of rodeo livestock.