Part II
The Rodeo will soon be in Cave Creek again. The Cave Creek Rodeo was originally started in 1977 to bring the town and community together to share in the pride and preserve our unique culture. For over 45 years the sport of Rodeo has been alive and kicking in the Sonoran Desert. Cave Creek Rodeo Days, Inc. is a non-profit, service-oriented, philanthropic organization that organizes, sponsors, and hosts the Cave Creek Rodeo Days in support of our western traditions.
The proceeds of the rodeo will support charitable organizations throughout the Sonoran Desert and assist the Town of Cave Creek with continued maintenance and enhancement of the Cave Creek Memorial Arena. The Rodeo relies heavily on the hard work of volunteers, the generous support of sponsors, the talents of participants and the patronage of rodeo fans from throughout the country.
A rodeo, however, is not all about cowboys and cowgirls. A rodeo would not be complete without the animal athletes. These valuable animals are owned and cared for by a certified stock contractor.
The PRCA has 60 rules that specifically regulate the proper care and treatment of rodeo animals; these guidelines must be followed by all rodeo participants in sanctioned rodeos.
Working behind the scenes long before the Rodeo begins until the last animal is loaded up stock contractors may be the most overlooked people in Rodeo production. While cowboys get most of the recognition the livestock at PRCA Rodeos play a vital role in the success of the contestants. In roughstock events the cowboy’s riding ability provides half of the score and the animals ability to buck powerfully and skillfully earns the other half.
The stock contractor’s goal is to ensure that the animal athletes are healthy, properly cared for and fit to perform. The stock contractor agrees to follow rules that ensure the humane treatment of Rodeo animals. The PRCA has 60 rules that specifically regulate the proper care and treatment of rodeo animals; these guidelines must be followed by all rodeo participants in sanctioned rodeos. The PRCA requires a veterinarian be at all sanctioned rodeos.
The Rodeo is March 23 – 26, 2023! Do you have your tickets?
— Reg Monachino
