What a wonderful long-running event! I promise you I'm very big into animal rights and would never attend if they were mistreated. This Rodeo really does take amazing care of the animals! They are very well trained and actually live a very comfortable, happy, long life like professional athletes. They're beyond careful not to hurt the animals. I can understand how some people don't understand the nature or anatomy of live stock, but they are spooked, trained, or annoyed to react, not injured to perform, I assure you. They use flank straps to encourage bucking and strictly limit run time to avoid animal injury in bucking events. There are strict rules with disqualifications of cowboys if animals are wrangled in an unnatural or painful way. You get to see the animals perfectly relaxed and happy with their trainers and handlers before and after the event. You can even pet some of them. My only complaints keeping it from a 5 star event is that it's a dry event with zero alcohol and the boards you walk on in the stands are getting older and bounce a bit while you walk. It's safe and all, but needs updating. Other than those 2 things, it's phenomenal I highly recommend checking out this tradition! read more