Sunday, June 21, 1998

Rodeo's critics should go behind the scenes

By TRACY DEADMAN / Guest Columnist

I am writing in reference to the June 20 letter about glorifying rodeos. Well, in a few short words, yes, we should.

Rodeo is an American heritage, and it should be treated like one, not frowned upon. I personally have participated in them, and I see nothing wrong. Someone obviously hasn't done her homework on the subject.

I admit, there are good guys, and there are bad guys, but the bad guys don't stay in business very long. The Flying U Rodeo Co., Growny Bros., Honeycutt Rodeo Co., just to name a few, are true professionals. The stock contractors could care less about the cowboy, but when it comes to one of their animals, you better watch out. I once saw a cowboy kick a bull right between the eyes with a spur, just to be mean. Ten minutes later I saw him behind the chutes with a bloody nose and a black eye because the stock contractor saw what he had done to his animal.

As for rodeos, lady, you need to do some research. Calf roping has been around for centuries and is still used today on many ranches. It's used to catch the animal for the purpose of branding, castration, tagging and, in many cases, to administer medicine. Why would someone do something that could possibly hurt an animal, if they are trying to help it?

As for bucking horses, I have no idea what you're talking about. I own a horse that was once used as a bucking horse, and he has never had any physical problems. Next time you see a picture of a bucking horse or see one on TV, look at his ears. I'll bet that they're all perked up. That's their way of telling you that they enjoy what they do.

Then there are the bulls. Trust me on this one lady, they don't have to be provoked into being "wild." It's in their blood. If you don't believe me, next time you see one, just go up and pet it.

As for the "bucking" strap you talked about, it's really not that bad. The rope just happens to be placed in a very sensitive area of the animal and pulled snug. That area is called the flank. Hence the name, "flank strap." Do your research.

I will leave you with this. American heritage is the foundation of this country, and it should be kept alive. Before someone gets up on their soap-box and slanders something as great as rodeo, they need to go behind the chutes and check it out for themselves. All these veggie-burger eatin' tree huggers need to either educate themselves or keep their mouths shut.

Tracy Deadman lives in Sweetwater