Rodeos Rodeo events include such stunts as calf roping, steer wrestling, bareback horse and bull riding, saddle bronco riding, steer roping, and wild cow milking. People cram into arenas drawn by the desire to watch a micro-Wild West scene in which the cowboys tame the wild animals. In their natural environment, these animals are far gentler than the animals seen in the arena. The wild demeanors that we have come to expect from rodeos are induced by electric prods, sharp sticks, caustic ointments, and bucking straps cinched tightly around horses' and bulls' abdomens. Over time, the bodies of these animals begin to deteriorate.
Calves run nearly thirty miles per hour.
Being lassoed at that speed leaves them with neck and back injuries, bruises, broken bones, hemorrhages, and snapped necks that have left many paralyzed and some dead. Horses also develop back problems, as well as leg injuries and pulled tendons from the unnatural vertical jumping induced by the bucking straps. Veterinarians have reported that the skin on these animals is only barely attached in a few places on their bodies. Rodeo promoters deny allegations that animals are treated harshly because they say it is not economically efficient. However, Dr. T.K. Hardy, a Texas veterinarian who practices steer roping occasionally, told Newsweek that he keeps thirty head of cattle around purely for practice.