There is nothing worse than an uninformed person writing a letter on a subject they know nothing about. The sport of rodeo had its beginnings on the ranches of long ago and the events with the exception of bull riding were and still are a part of ranching. Anyone who states that rough stock bucks only because of a strap has never been close enough to witness a ride. Those animals are raised from what is called Born to Buck and do what is natural for them. Only training can teach them not to buck. The animal works eight seconds in an arena and then is pastured with good feed the remainder. If he works 50 rodeos a year he has worked a total of six minutes. The flank strap is covered with fleece and only enhances his natural tendency to buck. It in no way harms the animal. If you don't like rodeo or any other sport for that matter for pity's sake stay home but don't try to put your uninformed ideas off onto other people. Like Bill Engvall says "Here's your sign."

Linda Davidson

Penn Valley