Do Steers Get Hurt in Steer Wrestling?By Coder| August 30, 2023 Wrestling Steer wrestling, also known as bulldogging, is a popular rodeo event that involves a cowboy or cowgirl on horseback chasing down a running steer, jumping off the horse, and wrestling the steer to the ground. This action-packed event raises concerns about animal welfare, particularly the well-being of the steers involved. In this article, we will explore the question – do steers get hurt in steer wrestling? The Nature of Steer Wrestling To understand the potential for injury in steer wrestling, it’s important to first grasp the mechanics of the sport. Steers used in steer wrestling are specially trained for these events and are bred for their strength and agility. During a typical run, a rider on horseback follows alongside a charging steer until they are close enough to make their move. When the rider is ready, they dismount from their horse and grab hold of the steer’s horns. With precision and skill, they twist and turn the animal’s head and neck until they can bring it to the ground. Once on the ground, a “flagger” waves a flag to signal that time has been recorded. The Risk of Injury While steer wrestling may appear aggressive and potentially harmful to the animal involved, strict rules and guidelines are in place to mitigate any unnecessary harm. Rodeo organizations prioritize animal welfare and take measures to ensure that steers are not subjected to excessive stress or injury during these events. Training: Steers used in rodeo events like bulldogging undergo extensive training from an early age. They are conditioned to be familiar with human interaction and gradually introduced to riding alongside horses. This training helps them develop calmness under pressure and reduces stress during competitions. Veterinary Care: Rodeo animals, including steers, receive regular veterinary care to ensure their well-being. Before participating in any event, they undergo thorough health screenings to confirm their fitness for competition. Any animal showing signs of distress or injury is withdrawn from the competition and provided appropriate care. Protective Gear: To minimize the risk of injury, steers used in steer wrestling often wear protective gear such as horn wraps. These wraps provide cushioning and help prevent horn-related injuries during the event. Animal Welfare Measures Rodeo organizations are committed to upholding high standards of animal welfare. They have implemented a range of measures to ensure the safety and well-being of steers and other rodeo animals. Veterinary Oversight: Qualified veterinarians are present at all rodeo events to monitor the health and well-being of animals. They inspect all animals before and after each performance, ensuring they are fit to compete and providing any necessary medical attention. Regulations: Rodeo events are governed by strict regulations that outline acceptable practices for handling animals. These regulations prohibit any form of mistreatment or excessive force, ensuring that steers are not subjected to undue harm during steer wrestling competitions. A Balanced Perspective While concerns about animal welfare in steer wrestling are valid, it’s important to consider a balanced perspective. Rodeo athletes deeply care for their animals and rely on them for their livelihoods. As such, they have a vested interest in ensuring the well-being of their livestock. The rodeo community continues to evolve and adapt its practices to prioritize animal welfare without compromising the integrity of the sport. Ongoing dialogue between rodeo organizations, veterinarians, and animal welfare advocates helps foster an environment where improvements can be made while still preserving the rich tradition and excitement of rodeo events like steer wrestling. In conclusion, Steer wrestling, like any sport involving animals, raises concerns about their welfare. However, with proper training, veterinary care, and oversight, the risk of injury to steers in steer wrestling is minimized. Rodeo organizations are committed to upholding animal welfare standards and continuously work towards improving the safety and well-being of rodeo animals.
