Part 5 - Stock Selection and Use
Stock Source
Ideally, a stock contractor should supply all rodeo stock. It is acknowledged, however, that in some areas and for some events local stock may be used. Where there is no stock contractor the rodeo organiser must designate a livestock supervisor to assume the responsibilities of the stock contractor.
Horses
Horses used in rodeo rough-stock events must be mature, sound and fit for the intended use. Age should not be used as the sole criterion of maturity; other factors such as size and physical conformation must be taken into account.
The criterion for determining the suitability of a rodeo bucking horse should be complete epiphysial closure. This can best be determined by the presence of the central adult incisors in wear, or, where there is doubt, by radiography.
Horses under three years old may not be mature enough for bucking events and must not be used.
Horses used for bucking events may not be used on more than three occasions in a day.
If a time-event horse shows signs of injury or fatigue, it must not be used.
Cattle
All cattle must be fit, healthy and suitable for the intended use. The number of times that cattle may be used in competition varies according to the rigours of the event and the conditioning of the cattle to rodeo competition.
The following limitations must be observed:
- the same cattle must not be used for steer wrestling and roping events on the same day
- cattle may not be used for steer wrestling and roping more than three times on any one day for contract stock, and twice a day for local stock, including practice for events and the event itself
- cattle may not be used as bucking stock more than three times on any day, including practice for events, and the event itself, and
- each competitor is allowed only one loop (throw) in roping and tying events and, in team roping, only two loops are allowed in each team.
Selection of Animals for Rope and Tie
Cattle used in roping and tying must be fit, healthy and without defects. The optimum weight for roping and tying is 115kg, with a minimum of 100kg and a maximum of 130kg. Note: some states have varying restrictions on minimum weight of animals in some states.
Selection of Animals for Steer Wrestling
Animals used in steer wrestling must be fit, healthy and without defects. The optimum weight for animals is 250kg, with a minimum of 200kg and a maximum of 300kg. All animals must have suitable horns, which must be a minimum of 23cm long.
Selection of Animals for Team Roping
Animals used in team roping must be fit, healthy and without defects. The optimum weight for animals in team roping is 250kg, with a minimum of 200kg and a maximum of 300kg. All animals must have suitable horns, which must be a minimum of 17cm long.