SUPPORT GT in WPRA

I received the following email (as many of you may have to) and would like to encourage everyone to write in support of adding goat tying back to the Women's Professional Rodeo Association.

Good morning!

The WPRA will most likely make a decision regarding including Goat Tying as a world championship event at their next Board of Directors meeting.

Please take the time to email the office (Jolee@wpra.com) to express your opinion regarding this decision. Please mention if you are likely to join the WPRA to goat tie, if you are likely to compete in other events in addition to goat tying, and if you know other women that would like the opportunity. If you are a passionate competitor, please let them know how important this is to you.

They also will want to know if you are not in favor of goat tying as a WPRA event. All sides need to be considered.

Please note, I am not speaking as a representative for the WPRA with this message. I am contacting you because my daughter and her friends really love this event and work very hard to excel at it. I'd like to see them have a brighter future in the event after high school and college.

On more thing: The WPRA has pretty much avoided scrutiny in regard to animal cruelty so far, and they really don't want to invite it for any reason. Please note if you are willing to suggest and follow rules designed to show that the WPRA is sensitive to the humane treatment of animals.

Many who watch our events do not have a lot of experience with animals, and what they see can look dangerous to the animals, particularly a small, fragile looking animal like a goat. You will need to be willing, as a member of the WPRA, to act in a professional manner, and to adhere to strict rules to assure the safety of all animals involved in rodeo events.

Some thoughts about rules that could be considered.

Animal size may need to be somewhat larger than what you are used to
type and fit of collar may need to be regulated
method of transporting to/from arena (i.e. carrying the goat instead of dragging it)
plenty of prep time before a goat is competed on to avoid the image that the animal is being traumatized
disqualification if your horse touches a goat during competition
disqualification if the judge deems you endangered or mistreated any animal

.....things like this could make a difference, I think.

Thanks!

Sharon Widmer