PREVIOUSLY

Following Saturday’s tragedy at the Humboldt County Fair, the Outpost reached out to the head coaches of College of the Redwoods’ rodeo team, which produced the rodeo event, and to Flying U Rodeo Company, which supplied the horses.

This morning, we followed up with both parties. A receptionist at Flying U’s administrative office in Marysville said everyone was out of the office, and she took our contact information. The CR rodeo coaches forwarded our requests to the college’s public information officer, who provided the following statement via email.

College of the Redwoods is deeply saddened by the loss of two horses following injuries sustained during Saturday’s Outlaw Rodeo. We recognize how difficult this was for everyone who witnessed the incidents and for those who care for and work with these animals.

CR is not in a position to speculate about what caused the injuries. The horses were owned and supplied by Flying U Rodeo Company, a nationally recognized and well-respected professional rodeo stock contractor. Questions regarding the horses or the circumstances surrounding their injuries are best directed to Flying U.

We remain fully committed to our rodeo team and program. We have confidence in our coaches and their commitment to taking appropriate precautions to protect the health and safety of their student-athletes and the animals involved in the sport.

Student-athletes from colleges throughout California participated Saturday, including members of the CR Rodeo team, and the feedback we have received from competitors about the event and competition was very positive. The tragic loss of these two horses weighs heavily on everyone involved, and we remain committed to supporting our student-athletes and continuing to build a strong and responsible rodeo program at CR.