Overland Stage Stampede Rodeo Committee Issues Statement on Death of Two Horses

[mahatmakanejeeves]

The photo shows a saddle bronc rider, but the article did not make it clear whether the horses died in saddle bronc or bareback events. I don't find the argument "accidents will happen" particularly convincing.

NEWS
Overland Stage Stampede Rodeo Committee Issues Statement on Death of Two Horses


Two horses died in the bronc riding event at the Overland Stage Stampede Rodeo this past weekend. SweetwaterNOW photo

Olivia Kennah June 12, 2024

GREEN RIVER — The 36th annual Overland Stage Stampede Rodeo took a tragic turn over the weekend when two horses died due to injuries sustained during the bronc riding events.

The Overland Stage Stampede Rodeo Committee confirmed in a statement to SweetwaterNOW that two horses died, but did not directly answer questions about the causes of death, as of press time. SweetwaterNOW can factually report that on night one of the rodeo, one of the broncs was injured in the arena and died instantly. Additionally on Saturday night, a horse sustained an injury in the arena and was ultimately euthanized.

The rodeo committee also did not directly respond to questions about what could have contributed to these incidents, but said in the statement that rodeo is a sport where accidents can happen.

“Despite all preventative measures taken, this sport isn’t in a controlled environment and accidents can and do happen,” they said. ... In their statement, the committee said these accidents are rare, and that it was unfortunate it happened.

{snip}

[leftieNanner]

1. Rodeo and horse racing

Are both cruel and disgusting.

Flame on, if you like, but I have worked in equine rescue and I know what goes on.

[Jirel]

2. Accidents DO happen.

If you’ve ever been to even an amateur rodeo, you know 2 things: 1) it’s dangerous, especially for the humans, and 2) they are extraordinarily safety conscious for animals and humans. Rodeos are not reckless.

In the past couple of weeks, at a rodeo near my town, a rider was killed. It was literally just one of those split second things. He went off the bull in a bad location, he was stepped on, he got up and “shook it off,” and then he collapsed and died on site. Nothing could have been done to avoid that possibility.

I’m tired of hearing arguments that this is “cruel.” The knowledge that we are all animals who will eventually die is cruel. Animals (including us) preying on each other is cruel. Animals dying of disease or disability or age is cruel. It’s also nature. We all evolved in this “cruel” system of predator and prey, and cycles of life and death in its many forms. We need to stop thinking “OMG” at every risk, every animal use or performance, at being omnivores, and more. When did we become so stupid and fragile as to believe that practically everything is “cruel” to one being or another, despite having the best scientific knowledge humanity has ever possessed?

Absolutely, some things can be excessive and truly cruel. Reckless or intentional use or abuse of animals, including ourselves, qualifies. Keeping pets (within our ability to care for them), our omnivorous diet (without excess), shows (as long as there is adequate protection and health care), and agriculture (again without negligent or reckless treatment) are not among those.

[consider_this]

3. you have some valid points but...

explain how mounting an animal to frighten the f**k out of it so it has to buck unconsolably (rodeo buck riding) is not cruel, just to see how tough some rider is?
Just curious as to your thoughts, not planning to counter or debate, only to listen to any thoughts on that point, thanks.