The Women’s Professional Rodeo Association’s board of directors has decided to reinstate a random drug-testing policy beginning in 2013.
The rules will be in the 2013 rule book and drug testing will begin then. WPRA president Jimmie Monroe writes in her president’s update that many members have requested a drug-testing policy, and that rodeo is one of the only disciplines that does not conduct some type of testing.
“We want to have our own drug testing policy in place in case an outside source would want to come in and test at a rodeo or barrel race. Having our own policy in place would prevent us from being subject to other rules. We are also doing this to educate our members about drugs and for the safety of the horses.” – Jimmie Monroe
What do you all think of drug testing in ProRodeo?
It’s hard to beat a jacked up horse! When you walk thru a barn after a show and can see enough syringes to make you think some junkies were hanging out all weekend, it’s a sad situation! Is it really worth it? A horse can’t take it and it will shorten their life! AQHA has always had the policy and I wish NBHA and IBRA would also start testing with consequences like banned membership. This would make it an honest and fair race. In the end druggers may win 1000 a show but those who abuse their horse will end up needing to buy another sooner than they think. Is the fame and glory worth it? I’m sorry I’ll take my honest 2D 1st place win over a jacked up only horse in 1D so drugged I can’t set on my horse till time to go down the chute, you know who you are…
IBRA is discussing this!!!
I would want more details. Are there going to be “legal” drugs, such as lasix, or bute? What are you checking for? Will there be those that are able to get vet scripts/letters that state a horse is on steroids for some condition, etc. I don’t like seeing drugs being abused, but I need more information. I would also want to know at whose expense this will be. I highly doubt the WPRA is going to cover it.
My problem is random testing!Test ALL horses that win $$$ at an approved WPRA event! Only way to stop the use of drugs to enhance performance!
I to think any horse that pulls a check at a race should be tested. It would stop alot of abuse and make the playing ground a little more even. It is getting so bad that some girls at our NBHA shows are even bragging about injecting and exchange milkshake recipes. So sad! I don’t understand how cheating to winning can be rewarding to these people.
If all horses that won $$$$ were tested,I wonder if the leaders would change? ;o)
I agree with all the comments. Nbha needs to drug test, they are allowing horse abuse at every show they have. I am so glad that WPRA is taking a stand on this issue. It is a sad day when the winner of a barrel race is determined by who has the best drugs. I look forward to the day NBHA adopts the same policy aand starts drug testing.