Our Commitment to Animal Care
At the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR), we are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of animal welfare in every aspect of our event through our Animal Welfare Program. While we proudly celebrate the traditions of rodeo, we are equally committed to continuous improvement and innovation in animal care and handling practices.
As a sanctioned event under the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA), we recognize the deep responsibility that comes with working alongside animals. Their health, safety, and well-being are at the core of every decision we make, from event planning and arena setup to livestock transportation and veterinary care.
How can you do your part?
At Canadian Finals Rodeo, the health and well-being of our animals is a top priority. As a proud Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) sanctioned event, we are committed to the highest standards of animal care and safety, both in and out of the arena.
We ask all guests to help us protect these incredible animal athletes by following a few important guidelines:
Please do not approach, touch, or feed any animals at the event, no matter how friendly they may seem.
Stay behind all designated barriers and fencing at all times.
Supervise children closely near livestock areas and encourage respectful behavior around animals.
Follow all signage and instructions from event staff and volunteers.
Thank you for doing your part to keep the rodeo safe and enjoyable for everyone, especially our four-legged partners!
TRUSTED RESOURCES
FAQ
Where do the Rodeo animals come from?
Rodeo animals are high-performance athletes, carefully bred and raised by professional stock contractors specifically for the sport of rodeo. These animals are selected for their strength, agility, and temperament, and they are treated with the highest standards of care.
After competing, the animals return to their home pastures where they rest and recover until their next rodeo, just like their human counterparts!
What kind of veterinary care is available for the animals during the Rodeo?
A minimum of two veterinarians will be present during every performance will on-site and on-call team during non-performance times.
How we work to prevent injuries of the animals and contestants?
At the Canadian Finals Rodeo, the safety of both our human and animal athletes is our top priority. Our entire team works together to uphold the highest standards of care and emergency readiness throughout the event.
We are proud to partner with the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA), Canadian Pro Rodeo Sports Medicine Team, on-site arena paramedics, and veterinary professionals, always including the presence of animal ambulances. This ensures immediate and expert response for any situation that may arise.
In the arena, our skilled pick-up men play a critical role during rough stock events like saddle bronc and bareback riding. They work to ensure the safety of both the rider and the animal during dismounts and assist in guiding livestock safely out of the arena.
Together, these professionals create a comprehensive safety team, allowing rodeo to be both thrilling and responsibly managed.
Why do rodeo animals buck? Does it hurt the animal?
Bucking is a natural behavior in horses and bulls, and in rodeo, it is encouraged by using a flank strap. For horses, this strap is made of soft, synthetic sheepskin, while bulls use a specially designed rope flank strap.
These straps are safely and humanely applied and are designed to encourage natural bucking movements without causing pain. Rodeo animals are trained to recognize that when the flank strap is in place, it signals time to perform. The strap is loosely secured and typically begins to release as the animal leaves the chute, allowing full freedom of movement during the ride.
How many times does each animal go during the Rodeo?
Each animal only runs once during the five performance times at Canadian Finals Rodeo