Conference noted::equitation

1890.0. "write a letter/make a law" by AKOCOA::LPIERCE (That's my Story) Thu May 19 1994 09:48

Did you see 20/20 segment a few weeks ago?  It was about the Charro Rodeo and
Equus Horse Rescue.  The program showed film clips of the Charro Rodeo, I have
copies of what this is about, and how we can help stop this cruel act, by
writing to the state of California, even if you do not live there, your
letters are important and they will help!  Please send me mail w/ your
Internal address and I will get this off to you right away.

You can help by supporting legislation pending in California in 1994 to outlaw
the tripping of horses for entertainment.  Write your congressmen, State
Legislators, County Supervisors and Department of Animal Regulation.  DEMAND
THAT THIS CRUELTY STOP.  Send a copy of you letter to:

	Assemblyman John Burton and another copy to Governor Pete
	Wilson, State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 95814.   You can also
	phone them at (916) 445-2841 - simply state you name, address,
	and ask that they vote YES on assembly bill AB49X   

			The bill # is AB49X.

Below is a little what the Charro rodeo is about, along w/ some horrible
acts that happen to the horses.
	
	The Charro rodeos consist of events involving the tripping of horses.
	Horses are FORCED WITH CATTLE PRODS AND ROPES to run as fast as
	they can around an area.  They are chased by 5 men all on horseback
	or three on horseback and two on foot.  The object is to rope the 
	horse by the front or back legs THROWING THE HORSE VIOLENTLY TO
	THE GROWND.  Points are scored for the least number of tries required
	to rope and throw the horse.

	For a young grey Arabian gelding (there horse of choice for there
	speed) this weekends cheers from the crowd only made his pain worse
	as he lay there w/the rope around his back leg, cutting away his skin
	and into this tendons, as he fell, he twisted his neck.  In agony,
	he lay there as the crowd cheered for the charro's victory.

	Flies have gathered around the young grey Arabian geldings gaping
	wound.  He is too week and in too much pain to move his leg to try
	to get them off.  An infection has begun and his leg begins to swell.

	A white pregnant mare walks up to drink.  Her injuries are considered
	minor.  Therefore she will be used again every weekend for as long
	as she can run!  Her baby kicks inside of her.  she can not feel the 
	kick, she is numb from all the pain and fear she has endured every
	weekend for the last 3 months.

	The young grey Arabian geldings body is now totally swollen.  The
	infection from  he wound caused by the ropes has now spread throughout
	his body.  Cautiously, someone approach's him, he is unable to move.

	The person frantically search's for a bucket of water.  They find one
	in the back of a truck.  They fill it w/water and bring it to him.
	As he reaches out to get the water his body falls loudly to the
	ground.  He lets out an awful noise, as his head falls near the
	persons feet.

	The stockyard owner arrives with a gun and within seconds, the young
	grey Arabian gelding is gone.  As the tears fall on this once
	beautiful face, and they sound of gun shot rings in the persons
	ears, cheers from the crowd begin.
	
	At the present time they have 90+ horses which were purchased from
	the holding pens at the killer-buyers ranch.  Over 1/2 of these
	horses were also used in the Charro Rodeo and come to them with
	wounds from the roping and falls inflicted on them in the name
	of sport and tradition.  Others are week from disease, malnutrition 
	and dehydration and would of suffered horribly on the 30+ hour	
	trip across the desert to the slaughterhouse in Texas aboard a
	cattle truck with no food, water or room to move.

Donations:

	You can send donations also (tax debuctible) to  you can even
	adobt a horse.

		STOP TRIPPING
		THE HORSES
		The Ark Trust Inc.
		PO box 8191, Universal City,
		California 91609

    
    I just thought I'd make it clear that I am in no way involved with
    the Equus Horse Rescue Network or The Ark Trust Inc.  I am just
    a concerned horse/animal lover!
    
    Louisa 

    This is FYI, and in regards to Louisa Pierce's note
    (1890) on the Charro Rodeos (show seen on 20/20)
    
    With the help of the North County Riding and Driving
    club members, a letter was drafted and sent by everyone
    in support of  Peter Wilson, Govenor of California to
    pass a law banning this type of TORTURE to Equines.
    
    Many letters were sent, and the effort was well worth it!
    I received a note from the Govenors office this weekend,
    and the law was passed!!!   (its a misdemeanor, but its
    a start!!)
    
    thanks to all that supported this effort!!!   
    Texas is next...........
    
    Caroline on behalf of NCR&DC