 STOCK CONTRACTORS
Horses and cattle are the No. 1 priority for rodeo's ranchers.
When someone spends $25,000 on a new car, you'll rarely see the owner intentionally damage it. An investment like that usually has the owner nervous about even the smallest scratches, dents and dings.
In terms of expense, a top-performing rodeo animal is like that car. A good bucking horse can cost more than $15,000, while some rodeo bulls sell for more than $40,000.
Obviously, the owners of such animals aren't going to do anything to jeopardize their investments.
But even if an animal isn't valued in the tens of thousands of dollars, no stock contractor wants harm to come to any livestock. A stock contractor's livelihood depends on the welfare of each and every one of those animals.
"It's how I make my living," said Ike Sankey of Sankey Rodeo Company in Joliet, Mont. "That's why the animals' well-being is No. 1."
Many stock contractors have hundreds of animals and thousands of dollars worth of equipment.
 "Today, rodeo is an investment," said veteran contractor Harry Vold of Harry Vold Rodeo Company in Avondale, Colo. "It's most important to take care of these animals. In fact, we probably take better care of them than people not involved with rodeo."
The money, however, isn't the only reason these contractors take good care of their animals.
"My reason for being in the business is not necessarily to make stock contractors money. There are a lot of other things I could be doing," Sankey said., "but I enjoy being around these horses and bulls. That's why I'm in this business."
Many of the bucking animals live into their 20s, which is old for a horse or bull. A strong relationship grows between many of the animals and the stock contractors and their families.
"Each of the animals has its own personality, and we get to know them well," said Sankey. "When they retire, they live out their lives on one of my ranches. When they pass on, we bury them on my property."
It's a misconception, however, to think rodeo animals can be treated like house pets. These are not cuddly, affectionate dogs and cats that come running at the sound of their names. They are tough ranch animals.
Veterinarians will tell you that animals belonging to professional rodeo stock contractors receive better care than many house pets or non-rodeo ranch stock.
"The rodeo animals I have been involved with are in as good condition as any horses I have worked on," said Dr. Doug Corey, a large animal veterinarian from Pendleton, Ore.
 "I have seen animal caretakers go hungry due to time spent feeding, watering, bedding and tending to the stock following performances," said Dr. Jennifer Schleining of Scottsdale, Ariz. "Contractors invest hard-earned money, resources and time building a reputable business in providing quality rodeo stock. Healthy, well-cared for animals are the center of the successful rodeo production. Quality animals draw good cowboys to the rodeo, which in turn draws the audience."
PRCA stock contractor Bennie Beutler of Beutler and Son Rodeo in Elk City, Okla., said his reasons for taking good care of his livestock are both economic and sentimental.
"If you don't take care of them and overdo it, they won't perform," said Beutler. "And you like those animals; you have your favorites."
A solid indicator of the care these animals receive is in their age. Several PRCA stock contractors boast bucking horses in the 20-plus age bracket, equivalent to about 75 years for a human.
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