There have been some fights about animal rights and a sport called rodeo.
There are some folks tellin’ good cowpokes to stop their wild west show.
That rope they pull might hurt that bull and cause him a lot of pain.
We’d all feel bad if they made him mad and what would anyone gain?
Then there’s the broncs they ride that they kick in the side
and rake hard with their spurs.
Bronc riders are coarse when it comes to the horse and all the pain he incurs.
The rider gains fame but its a cryin’ shame about the bronc he rode.
If you care in the least, think about the beast and not the rider he’s about to unload.
See the rider there flyin’ through the air, the one with the hoof in his mouth.
You can tell of course that he’s bitin’ that horse on his journey South.
Such cruelty you will seldom see, anyplace but a rodeo.
That rodeo clown who caught a horn goin’ down, it’s all a part of the show.
In the saddlebronc event, little time is spent on considerin’ the horse’s welfare.
When you’re flyin’ high up there in the sky, there’s plenty of time to care.
That thumpin’ sound when the rider hits the ground is the sound of teeth bitin’ dirt.
Before you pick a side in this wild ride, consider who was really hurt.
Then it’s back to that clown who’s runnin’ around teasin’ that poor old bull.
They say he makes good money, but it ain’t that funny when he gives its ear a pull.
It caused some hearts to fail when he grabbed its tail and went along for the ride.
An eight second ride on a big bull’s hide can be a real thrill,
But its an even bet you’d best not forget, he’s wearin’ horns that’ll kill.
If the mental state of a bull ain’t on the list you pull, will you feel guilt?
Are you way behind on a horse’s state of mind, is that the way you’re built?
Those who say they care about a bull’s welfare should take an honest look.
That old bull will soon be full and drinkin’ cool water from a babblin’ brook.
That noble steed will be eatin’ oat seed and standin’ in tall grass.
Rodeo stock are a stockman’s flock and he treats ‘em like high class.
Verlin Pitt hails from Lander, Wyoming and has been writing poetry in one form or another since he was about fifteen. His book of Cowboy Poetry, Way Out West, is available for $13.50 postpaid from Verlin Pitt, 788 Vance Dr., Lander, Wyoming 82520.
High Country Communications