The sport of rodeo is as much about livestock as it is cowboys and cowgirls - bulls and horses trying to buck riders off and steers testing their speed against cowboys. As a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association/ProRodeo sanctioned rodeo, RODEOHOUSTON™ upholds the standards of professionalism employed by ProRodeo and provides for the best possible safety and well-being of rodeo livestock as well as contestants.

In addition to passing rules that regulate the treatment of livestock, ProRodeo also has adopted strict requirements regarding the equipment cowboys use in the arena. All ProRodeo guidelines for the humane treatment of livestock have been approved and supported by the American Veterinary Medicine Association.

Most questions regarding rodeo livestock concern the use of flank straps and spurs. The flank strap, which enhances the livestock's bucking action, is a sheepskin-lined strip of leather placed behind the horse's rib cage. ProRodeo rules strictly regulate the use of the strap, which must have a quick-release buckle. Sharp or cutting objects are never placed in the strap.

Dull spurs are utilized by cowboys in three events - bareback riding, saddle bronc and bull riding. ProRodeo requirements mandate that spurs have blunt rowels (the star-shaped wheel located on the spur) that are approximately one-eighth of an inch thick and therefore cannot cut the livestock. Riders using non-regulation spurs are disqualified.

A licensed veterinarian remains at the RODEOHOUSTON arena at all times, in the event that an livestock becomes ill or injured during any of the 20 rodeo performances.

As with any sport, these livestock are athletes, and there is always a chance of injury. However, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo - along with the PRCA - ensures that all livestock at RODEOHOUSTON are treated with appropriate care.