2019 PRCA Media Guide - Intro

PRCA and Livestock Welfare

PRCA ProRodeo photo by Phil Doyle

Veterinarians “I’m convinced that the PRCA stands at the forefront of humane livestock treatment.”

– Dr. Jerry Billquist, DVM

“Stock contractors and rodeo committees are constantly discussing animal welfare, trying to make sure that livestock get the comfort and care they deserve, so that they will perform at their best as athletes.” – Dr. JohnWenzel, DVM

“Bucking horses have a little draft horse in them, so they have huge bones, stout musculature, big feet, strong ligaments … they hardly ever have any problems.” – Dr. JakeWells, DVM

Stock Contractors “Like a football coach, a stock contractor can tell when one of their players (animals) is getting tired and isn’t playing up to standards.” – Heath Stewart, ranch manager of Frontier Rodeo (2015-18 PRCA Stock Contractor of the Year)

“If I left a loading chute and a truck in the pasture, the trailer would be full of horses all the time, waiting and wanting to go.” – Jim Korkow, PRCA stock contractor

“Our horses are bred to buck – we don’t train that. But we do take our baby colts to the rodeo, so they learn from their moms how to get on and off the truck and how to get sorted in the pens. We also make sure they get used to ‘rolling ahead’through the chutes. The older horses teach the younger horses everything else they need to know.”’ – Sparky Dreesen, PRCA stock contractor and former PRCA saddle bronc rider

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INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL INFORMATION