Animal Care
Our animals are athletes just as much as our contestants.
Rodeo Animal Care Is a Crucial Element of Rodeo
Animal care is central to professional rodeo. These horses, bulls, calves, and steers are elite athletes, and their health, safety, and long-term well-being matter every step of the way. From on-site veterinarians and stock contractors to strict PRCA regulations, the sport is built around humane treatment, preventative care, and respect for the animals that make rodeo possible.
At the Steamboat Pro Rodeo, animal welfare is not just a requirement. It is part of our culture, our responsibility, and our commitment to the integrity of the sport.
About the Vet
Dr. Louise Batt & High Country Veterinary Services
The Steamboat Pro Rodeo is proud to have veterinary support on site for every performance through High Country Veterinary Services. Dr. Louise Batt and the HCVS team help provide the kind of skilled, hands-on care rodeo animals require, both for routine oversight and for any medical needs that arise during an event.
High Country Veterinary Services is a full-service equine and large animal veterinary practice based in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Their team helps care for our equine and livestock athletes with preventative and medical support right on the rodeo grounds.
About the Care
Proper animal care is what allows rodeo animals to perform at a high level. That includes conditioning, transport standards, nutrition, veterinary oversight, and careful attention before, during, and after each performance.
At Steamboat, we take that responsibility seriously. Our horses, bulls, calves, and steers are handled by experienced professionals who understand both the demands of the sport and the care these animals require to stay healthy and perform safely.
This is one of the biggest reasons rodeo continues to earn the trust of contestants, stock contractors, veterinarians, and fans who know the sport firsthand.
PRCA Rules & Regulations on Care
The PRCA has strict rules in place to protect the health, safety, and humane treatment of rodeo animals before, during, and after every performance. In fact, the PRCA enforces more than 60 animal welfare rules, helping ensure rodeo animals receive some of the highest standards of care in professional sports.
These horses, bulls, calves, and steers are true athletes. Just like any professional athlete, they are carefully conditioned, transported, monitored, and supported by experienced stock contractors, veterinarians, contestants, and handlers. Their health and safety always come first.
One of the things first-time visitors are often surprised to learn is how much these animals love what they do. Many of them are bred and trained for this environment, know their routine, and naturally thrive in the arena atmosphere. They are deeply respected, well cared for, and genuinely loved by the people who work with them every day.
At the Steamboat Pro Rodeo, animal care is a responsibility we take seriously and an important part of preserving the integrity of the sport for future generations.
Learn more about PRCA animal welfare standards: https://www.prorodeo.com/prorodeo/rodeo/animal-welfare
Credit: Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association
Watch & Learn
Meet the Vet
Learn more about the veterinary support behind the Steamboat Pro Rodeo.
Learn More: the Life of a bucking horse
Proper care is ensured for all animals to perform at their best.
Contestant Veterinary Services
If you are competing at the Steamboat Pro Rodeo and need veterinary care while you are in town, High Country Veterinary Services is available to help with haul-in appointments, performance-related care, preventative services, and any unexpected issues that may come up during your stay.
We recommend booking in advance during rodeo weekends to help ensure availability.