Horse dies at Methven Rodeo
A horse has died following an accident at the Methven Rodeo yesterday.
NZ Rodeo Cowboys Association president Lyal Cocks said following a ‘‘regrettable’’ accident in the main arena at Methven, a horse was injured during a second division saddle bronc event when its saddle slipped and the horse became entangled in the girth. The horse was sedated by the event’s veterinarian but later died.
The competitor, who was uninjured, was bucked off just prior to the saddle coming loose.
Cocks said the welfare of the stock is a priority at every rodeo. ‘‘We endeavour to minimise every potential risk to stock and competitors and it’s disappointing when a rare accident like this occurs.
‘‘I’ve been involved in rodeo, off and on, for more than 40 years and I’ve never seen this happen before,’’ he said.
‘‘We will investigate the accident and, if there’s anything to be learned from it, the investigation will reveal that.’’
He will receive reports from the event’s animal welfare officers and the vet.
The death of the horse comes after the New Zealand Rodeo Cowboys Association announced last month four key changes to improve animal safety.
SAFE head of campaigns Marianne Macdonald said she was saddened that another animal had died at a rodeo in New Zealand.
Animals at rodeo events were put under a great deal of stress, Macdonald said.
‘‘Even when animals aren’t injured or killed, they are caused distress. Horses are forced into wildly bucking by tight, irritating flank straps and spurs dug into their sides. These are docile animals the rodeo cowboys rile up into performing.’’
The death of the horse on the first weekend of the rodeo season and soon after the rodeo cowboys association’s new ‘‘suggested practices’’ showed how ineffective those practices were, she said.
It was time the Government took action and banned rodeos, Macdonald said.