For the first time, a study has evaluated the welfare of bucking horses at rodeos.
Researchers observed how horses behaved at the Calgary Stampede Rodeo over three years. Horses with more exposure to rodeos were less averse compared to those less experienced.
But are the more experienced horses less averse because they have gotten used to the environment or have simply resigned to it? We don't know.
The study recommends ways to make horses more comfortable - for example, avoiding and modifying tight spaces with lots of people, to make them feel more secure. Researchers also noticed that horses felt uneasy when seeing spectators above their loading area. Acting on study recommendations, Stampede organizers added a tented structure to cover the area.
The work helps improve conditions of rodeos across Canada, and is building the next generation of veterinarians and animal handlers.
Original article:
UCalgary researchers publish first study on welfare of bucking horses at Calgary Stampede
Original study: