mimi31

Who here has been to a rodeo? I've seen them on television but have never had the chance to go to one in person.
I think those bull riders are completely crazy but it is fun to watch the barrel racing and team roping.

ellie

I never have went but I do know a lady that used to be a rodeo clown and said it was a fun job to do. I don't think I could handle running from stuff that much though. Not for me.

hossingaround

I like watching some of the events on television but it's so much better live and in person. It's even better when you know some of the contestants. The smells and sounds, even the roar of the crowd...it all just adds to the memorability of the day. If you haven't gone, make it a point to do so. It's so worth it.

flatback_frannie

I haven't gone, and I won't go. I won't support anything that may be animal cruelty, I just won't do it. Some of the events are probably okay, but I have lots of concerns.

mistyriver

Rodeos don't promote cruelty. The SPCA is right there watching every move the rodeo makes. They scrutinize all areas, from pasture size, to feed, to how tight the cinch is on the broncs. The animals are treated with utmost concern and care.

I've been to a few, including the Calgary Stampede in Alberta. They are great fun to watch, at all ages. My favorite is the team roping. You really have to know your horse. It's like a ballet. Only dustirer.

horseshoes

I've been to 1 rodeo and it was so exciting! My favorite event was definitely the bull riding. Those guys really take their lives in their hands when they choose to participate in bull riding. I also enjoyed the women's barrel racing.

hossingaround

Frannie, the rodeo people that I know are more attached to their horses than anyone I know. These animals are often their best friends and are treated like gold. You will have cruel owners in the rodeo, just like in everyday life, but they are few and far between. Most often, the other rodeo people will report them to the authorities as they are animal lovers, too.

flatback_frannie

I'm going to have to politely disagree with you all. I'm sure the people who ride their horses in rodeo are very attached to them. I'm sure they're golden citizens.

The fact of the matter, for me, is what rodeo stands for: human domination over wild beasts, paraded in front of a cheering crowd. I am more concerned about the treatment of calfs and steer than the horses, which is generally more cruel. As far as I know, steer are still shocked with electroprobes while in the wings to rile them up for the show. Cattle are more susceptible to electrocution because of the rumen (one of their stomachs). That, and strapping around a band tightly cinched to make an animal, horse or steer, buck wildly to show how long a human can hold on, is cruel. Even when overseen and care is taken, it's the very fact of the animals being used for spectacle that makes it cruel. I don't go to horse shows either, if you are wondering.

purplefdu

I have to wonder if you wear leather or boycott all animal products.

Yes many rodeos allow some arguable practices (although not grossly abusive such as you are saying-at least not the ones I attend) the good ones do not use a tight cinch or cattle prods to get animals ready, they are trained to know when its a competition and thats enough. Kind of like how a child gets excited for Easter. So while perhaps the rodeos you have visited stood for such awful things but not all of them do, and definitely not the high level ones you see on TV.

Rider

I guess people just loves fights between man and animal. This entertainment of men would go back to the Roman Empire where they could let humans and animals fight in the coliseum.

I haven't been to rodeos but what I have seen from TV was really exciting. Although I'm concerned for the safety of both the cowboy and the animal.

horseshoes

Frannie, my dear, I'm not sure I understand. Do you have a horse that is tame and rideable? Is that not your domination over a once wild beast?

flatback_frannie

My horses were not "broken" in front of a crowd for entertainment purposes. That is my problem with it. I can understand the need to have such skills in the Wild West. Those times have changed, for the better, if you ask me.

I have never been to a rodeo, as I said, I'm sure there may be some that are above the level, but I still have issues with it. I do wear leather, I am sad to say, though there was a period of 10 years of my life when I did not, and it is something I still struggle with. I love animals, I do not eat them. Even if they are yummy.

SpottedEyes

Rodeos are very entertaining, much more when it is seen on the site. Today's rodeo is very much different from the old rodeos in the past. Most shows today are very much checked by the animal agency to make sure that all the animals are safe.