Animal Welfare (continued from front page)
Humane treatment of PRCA animals-both in and out of
the arena-is a fact well-documented by veterinarians and research
studies. PRCA rules so successfully protect animals that the American
Veterinary Medical Association recognizes PRCA guidelines in it's
position statement on the welfare of animals in spectator events. The
PRCA goes to great lengths to ensure the proper care, handling, and
treatment of all animals involved in PRCA-sanctioned rodeos. And, in
fact, professional rodeo animals appear to enjoy their work, according
to many large animal experts. Like a well-conditioned athlete, an animal
can perform 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 rodeo stock for a living, also have an obvious
financial interest in keeping the animals healthy. Simple business logic
dictates that only a fool would abuse an animal that is expected to
perform in the future. "The livestock is the rodeo; the rodeo is our
living," said the PRCA stock contractor, John Barnes. "We're going to
take care of it (the livestock). We always have and we always will."
PRCA judge Duane Howard said, "Professional rodeo animals represent a
major investment for stock contractors. They are given the best of
care." But many-if not most-of the PRCA's nearly 10,000 members have
more than an economic tie to animals. Nearly all have been around
animals most of their lives, and they possess a high degree of respect
and fondness for the livestock. "I think they participate because they
have a deep interest in animals," Pendleton, Oregon, veterinarian Doug
Corey said of the hundreds of veterinarians who compete in professional
rodeo. "If there was any mistreatment going on, they wouldn't
participate." Anyone who attends a PRCA professional rodeo can be
assured that the greatest care has been taken to prevent injury to
animals or contestants. All PRCA members are bound by bylaws and rules,
including a section that deals exclusively with the humane treatment of
animals. Professional rodeo judges, who are charged with the enforcement
of all PRCA rules, believe in these humane regulations and do not
hesitate to report violations. PRCA sanctioning is an absolute guarantee
that a rodeo will be produced by people who truly care about the
animals.
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This event is open to Special Needs Children ages 3-12 (80lb.
weight limit) No experience is required and only the first 35 applicants will be
accepted.
Special needs
children in San Dimas and
surrounding communities can
participate in real rodeo events
at the 2009 San Dimas Challenged
Buckaroos Rodeo. Events include
bull riding, bareback riding,
calf roping, and barrel racing.
Children are paired with a
professional cowboys or cowgirl
to assist them with the
different events. Instead of
riding real bucking bulls and
horses, the children ride stick
horses, rope “dummy” steers and
ride a specially designed,
hand-rocked bareback horse and
bull. All the children who
participate in the San Dimas
Challenged Buckaroos Rodeo
receive a T-shirt, bandana,
lariat rope and a photo taken
with their cowboy/cowgirl
partner.
"The
Challenged Buckaroo Rodeo is an
opportunity for some very
special kids to Cowboy-Up and
Rodeo! Experience the excitement
of meeting real cowboys and
cowgirls and cheered on by their
fans in the arena and in the
grandstands. It is a wonderful
way for rodeo fans and the Rodeo
Committee to give a great day to
some great kids", says Bob
Hardcastle this years Buckaroo
Rodeo Chairperson.
Click
HERE for some photos from
last years' event.
To sign-up or
to request additional
information call our Rodeo
Office at 909-394-RODEO(7633)or
you can Click
Here for a Challenged
Buckaroo Rodeo Application.
Complete all
requested information on the
application and mail to:
Challenged Buckaroos Rodeo
2009 PO Box
3180
San Dimas,
California 91773
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