Big Hat Rodeo Event Schedule

Humane Animal Treatment and Contestant Entry Policy

Big Hat Rodeo is committed to the humane, responsible, and respectful treatment of all animals participating in or present at its rodeo events. The welfare of livestock, horses, contestants, personnel, and spectators is a priority.

Humane treatment requirements

All contestants, owners, handlers, contractors, and other participants must:

  • Treat animals humanely and avoid unnecessary pain, suffering, fear, or distress.

  • Provide appropriate food, water, shelter, rest, handling, transportation, and veterinary attention.

  • Use equipment that is properly fitted, maintained, and appropriate for its intended purpose.

  • Follow all applicable animal-welfare laws, event rules, veterinary instructions, and directions issued by Big Hat Rodeo officials.

  • Promptly report an animal that appears injured, ill, distressed, or otherwise unfit to participate.

  • Immediately comply when an event official or veterinarian orders an animal’s examination, treatment, removal, or withdrawal from competition.

Abuse, neglect, excessive force, intentional injury, improper use of equipment, use of an animal that is visibly injured or unfit, or any other conduct that Big Hat Rodeo determines may endanger an animal is prohibited. These requirements apply on the event grounds and during any activity associated with the event, including arrival, unloading, preparation, competition, loading, and departure.

Inspection and removal

Big Hat Rodeo officials may inspect animals, equipment, trailers, pens, and participation areas when reasonably necessary to protect animal welfare and event safety. Big Hat Rodeo may require veterinary evaluation or remove an animal from competition whenever there is a concern about the animal’s health, condition, treatment, or fitness to participate.

Refusal to cooperate with an event official or veterinarian may result in immediate disqualification or removal from the grounds.

Right to deny or revoke entry

Participation in a Big Hat Rodeo event is a privilege, not a guaranteed right. To the extent permitted by applicable law, Big Hat Rodeo reserves the right to deny, reject, suspend, or revoke the entry of any contestant at any time when Big Hat Rodeo determines that doing so is appropriate to protect:

  • Animal welfare;

  • The health or safety of contestants, personnel, or spectators;

  • The integrity, reputation, or orderly operation of the event;

  • Compliance with event rules, facility requirements, or applicable laws; or

  • The best interests of Big Hat Rodeo.

Big Hat Rodeo may also remove or disqualify a contestant for abusive, unsafe, disruptive, dishonest, threatening, or unsportsmanlike conduct; failure to follow instructions; mistreatment of an animal; or violation of event policies.

Depending on the circumstances, enforcement may include a warning, removal of an animal, disqualification, removal from the premises, forfeiture of fees or winnings where allowed by the published event rules, denial of future entries, or referral to the appropriate authorities.

Big Hat Rodeo’s decision regarding entry, participation, disqualification, or removal is final.

By submitting an entry or participating in a Big Hat Rodeo event, each contestant acknowledges and agrees to comply with this policy.