Ok I do not want to debate, just get some info. I'm doing an argumentative research paper for my college class and my topic is rodeo abuse. The purpose of my paper is to educate the non rodeo public that what all they see in rodeo is not abuse, like bucking straps ect. I found that the Friends of Rodeo web site was very helpful and I decided to look at the other side of the issue so I knew where everyone was coming from. I was disgusted by the Shark web site that totally slammed rodeo as a completely barbaric sport but was disconcerted by their picture of the horse that was let to buck even though it was hurt. Was this just a one time thing that the anti-rodeo people got a hold of and blew up? I'd like to know if any of you breed bucking horses or ride them and what your take on it is and how you feel/take care of your bucking stock. (expendable or valuable?) Again please don't start a debate just would like some info.

I'm only commenting as a observer Bayappaloosa...but from what I've seen, my answer would be both.
Reputable rodeo's and rodeo'ers take excellent care of thier animals...they not only have to, but want to.
There are also "backyard" rodeo's, if you will, that only do it for the prize money and for kicks, and could care less about the animals.
I've seen both types.

Friends of rodeo was a good place to begin. Also go to prorodeo.com and there will be a link to click onto for the info you need.
I rode bucking horses for 15 yrs and bulls for 28 yrs. Most all injuries are to the contestant, not the livestock. However accidents do happen as they do in all walks of life. Back in 1968 there was a newspaper article with two pictures of me and the bull that whacked me in the mouth knocking me out for two hrs. also split my lip and chiped a few teeth. I also had swallowed my tounge. The article read" The human society was on hand at the rodeo to report on cruelty to the animals. But the only injuries were to the cowboys." This was in the Charleston, WV paper september 1968.

All rodeo associations have humane rules to protect the livestock. Any contestant who mistreats an animal would be fined and suspended. This doesn't happen though. We rodeo because of our love of livestock and enjoy being around them and working with them.

The stock contractor who owns the rough stock has a lot of money invested in these animals and wouldn't allow anyone to mistreat any of them.

In all the years I competed, I never caused an injury to any of the 1,000's of horses and bulls I competed on. But they caused many injuries to me. That's the breaks of the game, that's rodeo.

Back in 2004 while bucking my own bulls at my ranch a 19 yr old young man was severaly injured when attempting to ride one of my bulls, he died before the ambulance arrived.

These same groups such as Peta and others are radicals, and nitwits. They don't have a clue as to what they are saying. A few years ago they tried to get bird hunting and fishing outlawed, claiming it was cruel.

Good luck with your report and I hope you get it right.

Barry Brown

Thanks, I'll try the prorodeo.com. The paper is due in Oct. I'll let you know how I do. In the mean time any other web sites or info anybody can come up with would be appreciated.