One horse has been confirmed dead after suffering fatal injuries at the Bonnyville Pro Rodeo.
Corey Styba, president of the Bonnyville Ag Society, confirmed rodeo horse, Painted Rocket, ran into a arena barricade during the rodeo on Friday, June 15.
The horse died as a result of its injuries.
"It was looked after by the vet very quickly, but that's one of the few unfortunate parts when it comes to rodeo or any professional sports," Styba detailed. "The animals are treated just the same as you would treat a professional football or baseball player."
Shane Franklin, rough stock supplier for the rodeo and owner of Franklin Rodeo Co., described Painted Rocket as "one of our up-and-coming superstars."
After a saddle bronc re-run for one of the contestants, Painted Rocket ran into the fence in the arena and broke his neck due to the angle of his head at impact.
"If there's anything good about it, which there's not, it was quick. Before he hit the ground, it was over," noted Franklin.
According to Styba, there's only been three "incidences where horses or bulls have suffered fatal injuries" in the ag society's history of hosting the rodeo.
"It's fairly rare and it's not something anybody likes to see, or have, happen."
Franklin agreed.
"It's just one of those things that we have to deal with. It's not a common occurrence, it's very rare, and you can't blame anybody on that. It's just one of those things that we're aware of and it could happen."
According to a 2010 rodeo livestock survey conducted by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), the largest American rodeo organization in the world, the injury rate for animals participating in events was less than one per cent.
"There's a lot of misconception with the rodeo and the welfare of livestock," Franklin exclaimed, adding the needs of his animals often come before his own.
He said they're seen as members of his family and they're well-being allows his business to continue.
"We look after our livestock better than we look after ourselves. When we go home tonight, I'm hungry right now, but we have to go home and unload two loads of stock, pen them, make sure they've got feed and water before we get in. We don't go home, leave them on the truck, have something to eat, lie down and have a sleep, then come out and unload."
