The Behind the Chutes tour helps keep animals safe

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) - The behind the Chutes tour shows how animals stay safe for their performances for the Daddy of Them All.

This tour lets folks see where the animals go before each performance, and by caretakers’ standards, they get spoiled rotten.

“They are fed the best food. They receive the best veterinary care. Sometimes they even get alternative therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic, and massage. The owners really go above and beyond,” said Heather Schneider, Arena Veterinarian for CFD.

According to officials, about 2000 animals and about 1500 athletes pour through the bucking chutes during Cheyenne Frontier Days, and animal care is part of the 126-year rodeo tradition.

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. We work really, really hard to mitigate any risk that these animals may have during their events,” said Schneider.

This care starts from the ground up. From the soil to the bucking training to the pick-up men.

Vets and owners make sure that these animals can perform at peak levels, even if they get injured.

“We have a fantastic team that works to recover that animal and get them out of harm’s way as fast as they can, without any additional...harm to that animal,” said Schneider.

CFD is where the code of the west lives on for every cowboy.

“Do you want to be a cowboy when you grow up?...I’m ALREADY a cowboy,” says Cody Davidson, a 6-year-old cowboy.

And caring for the animals is how the legacy continues.

Behind the Chutes tour will continue this Saturday and Sunday, with finalies happening at the end of this week.

Copyright 2022 Wyoming News Now. All rights reserved.