Horse dies at Methven Rodeo, weeks after new animal safety measures put in place

Sunday, 21 October 2018

A horse, which later died, is treated by a vet after an accident in the second division saddle bronc competition at the 2018 Methven Rodeo on Sunday.

A horse has died following an accident at the Methven Rodeo on Sunday afternoon.

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 horse was removed from the main arena after the accident.

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.

Rodeo workers surround the horse moments after the accident.

The annual rodeo is held over Labour Weekend in Methven, mid-Canterbury. (file photo)

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New Zealand Rodeo Cowboys Association president Lyal Cocks says the death of the horse was regrettable and rare at New Zealand rodeos.

'Ive 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 veterinarian.

The death of the horse comes after the New Zealand Rodeo Cowboys Association announced last month four key changes to improve animal safety.

Cocks said the association constantly reviewed its events to 'look at how we can improve safety for competitors and animals alike'.

'We are seeking to ensure that any animal injuries at rodeo events, as rare as they might be, are neither due to poor practice nor inadequate training.'

The changes included improving the training and competence of contestants in the rope and tie and steer wrestle events, only one legal catch attempt allowed in the rope and tie event, only one permitted run to catch the animal in the rope and tie, and steer wrestling events, and the children's calf ride event is now optional.

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, something that went against New Zealand law, which is supposed emphasise minimising stress on animals.

'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.