Humboldt County Fair rodeo horse deaths spark outrage

This Saturday, the Humboldt County Fair hosted its first-ever Outlaw Rodeo College Invitational — a rodeo event held in conjunction with College of the Redwoods, the fair and Flying U Rodeo Company, a well-respected rodeo company based in Marysville, California.

That event, unfortunately, turned tragic when two horses sustained leg injuries that required euthanasia during a single “bucking bronco” event. Self-reported eyewitnesses and commentators online complained that the horses involved appeared too young and inexperienced to be fielded as mounts for the rodeo’s event — with many saying that the horses appeared agitated and out of sorts. There were also reports of wet ground and poor footing for horses.

The Times-Standard received several credible complaints about the rodeo event via email; however, staff was unable to confirm the veracity of these claims prior to Tuesday’s paper’s print deadline.

Flying U Rodeo Company issued a statement on Monday, reading: “On Saturday, August 15th, at the rodeo held in Ferndale, a saddle-bronc horse was injured after competition had ended and the rider had dismounted. The horse was immediately taken out of the arena for treatment by the on-site veterinarian. There was a second horse that also sustained injury during the same event.

“Professional rodeo personnel followed all protocols and secured the second horse for examination and treatment by the on-site veterinarian. We are saddened to share that after being evaluated by veterinarians, it was determined that both rodeo horse athletes sustained injuries, as such, that they had to be humanely euthanized. The rodeo producers and Flying U Rodeo Company take the treatment and care of all livestock athletes very seriously. Livestock welfare is of the highest priority to the Humboldt County Fair Association, the rodeo producers, and Flying U Rodeo Company. There are numerous safeguards and provisions that are in place to ensure the safety of the human and animal athletes competing in the sport of professional rodeo.”

College of the Redwoods, who also worked on the inaugural event — particularly through their Rodeo team coached by Kelly and Gianna O’Day — also provided the Times-Standard with a statement Monday morning.

“College of the Redwoods is deeply saddened by the loss of two horses following injuries sustained during Saturday’s Outlaw Rodeo,” that statement reads. “We recognize how difficult this was for everyone who witnessed the incidents and for those who care for and work with these animals.

“CR is not in a position to speculate about what caused the injuries. The horses were owned and supplied by Flying U Rodeo Company, a nationally recognized and well-respected professional rodeo stock contractor. Questions regarding the horses or the circumstances surrounding their injuries are best directed to Flying U.

“We remain fully committed to our rodeo team and program. We have confidence in our coaches and their commitment to taking appropriate precautions to protect the health and safety of their student-athletes and the animals involved in the sport.

“Student-athletes from colleges throughout California participated Saturday, including members of the CR Rodeo team, and the feedback we have received from competitors about the event and competition was very positive. The tragic loss of these two horses weighs heavily on everyone involved, and we remain committed to supporting our student-athletes and continuing to build a strong and responsible rodeo program at CR.”

The Humboldt County Fair Association likewise released a statement Monday afternoon.

“The Humboldt County Fair Association is deeply saddened by the loss of two equine athletes following injuries sustained during Saturday evening’s rodeo at the Humboldt County Fair,” that statement reads. “We recognize how difficult an incident like this is for everyone involved, including the animals’ owners and handlers, the rodeo professionals who work alongside these animals, Fair staff and volunteers, and members of our community who witnessed the events. The health, safety and humane treatment of all animals participating in events at the Humboldt County Fairgrounds are extremely important to the Humboldt County Fair Association.

“We expect all event partners and contractors to maintain appropriate animal welfare practices and to have qualified veterinary care available when livestock are participating in events. Those protocols were in place and followed during Saturday evening’s rodeo, including the immediate response of the on-site veterinarian. Since Saturday evening, fair administration has remained in communication with the rodeo producers and Flying U Rodeo Company regarding the incidents and the response that followed.

“Flying U Rodeo Company has issued a statement regarding the injuries, veterinary response and loss of the two horses. … The Humboldt County Fair Association will continue working with our rodeo partners to reinforce our shared commitment to the welfare and safety of all animals participating in events at the Humboldt County Fairgrounds. We extend our sincere sympathy to those who cared for and worked with these horses and to everyone affected by their loss.”

The Times-Standard also reached out to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, which operates the county’s animal control program. HCSO spokesperson Erin Inskip said that the sheriff’s office had not been involved in the incident or euthanasia process and no investigation was pending or ongoing.

Robert Schaulis can be reached at 707-441-0585.