Champion Roper, Tuf Cooper, Disqualified From Calgary Stampede Due to “Mistreatment of Livestock” During Competition

By: Brittany Bevis

Social media feeds are all abuzz today with the news of this week’s disqualification of multiple World Champion, third generation, tie-down roper, Tuf Cooper, from the 2015 Calgary Stampede. Cooper was reportedly disqualified for “mistreatment of livestock” during Wednesday’s tie-down roping competition.

It’s believed this is the first time a competitor has been disqualified for this type of infraction.

Video clips from the competition show Cooper’s horse, “Rio,” leaving late from the box on a run. In an effort to catch up to the calf, Cooper whips his horse six times on the hind end with his rope. The run resulted in no time.

Click here to watch a video clip of the run from CBC News in Calgary.

Last night, CTV Calgary reportedly received a statement from Tuf Cooper’s Rodeo Team. Click here to read the statement.

We reached out to the Calgary Stampede to inquire about the incident and they provided the following statement.

“The judges’ ruling is Mistreatment of Livestock,” says Calgary Stampede Communications Manager Kristina Barnes. “They made the determination almost immediately after his run, and Cooper was notified following the rodeo.”

“The six judges, along with Calgary Stampede Officials, unanimously made the decision to disqualify Cooper after seeing him repeatedly and aggressively using his rope on his horse during the run.”

“The Calgary Stampede takes its animal care protocols very seriously and enforces them among anyone who handles animals on Stampede Park, whether its staff, volunteers or competitors.”

Recently, an open letter has been posted by the official Tuf Cooper Fan Page on Facebook, courtesy of Cecil Rhodes of Circle Star Ranch. Cecil and Shelia Rhodes are AQHA, NCHA, NRCHA, and Texas Cattle Raisers Association members who have raised and shown horses for the past twenty years. They own “Topaz,” Tuf’s main rope horse, and felt they could speak to Cooper’s treatment of animals under his care.

Click here to read the letter.

Equestrians, rodeo competitors, industry representatives, and animal rights activists have expressed differing opinions regarding this ruling over the past 48 hours. Some applaud the decision of the Calgary Stampede, citing an emphasis on the proper treatment of animals in competition. Others condemn the ruling, comparing Cooper’s actions to similar practices seen in other disciplines, such as barrel racing, when a rider encourages a horse for an increase in speed with an over under rope.

Fellow equine enthusiasts, what’s your opinion? Is this a case of “animal abuse” or simply “aggressive riding?”