Footage from Saturday’s “Outlaw Rodeo College Invitational” event at the Humboldt County Fairgrounds. | Submitted.

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PREVIOUSLY

Below you’ll find two more prepared statements regarding Saturday’s tragic incidents at the “Outlaw Rodeo College Invitational” at the Humboldt County Fair. (See link above for the one from CR.) During the event, which was produced by the rodeo team at College of the Redwoods, two bronc horses sustained broken legs and were subsequently euthanized.

Earlier today, the Outpost emailed Flying U Rodeo, the Marysville-based contractor that supplied the horses for the event. We asked a series of questions about conditions on the ground that reported by witnesses. Those include the narrow dimensions of the arena, the apparent youth and inexperience of the horses and the animals’ agitated behavior.

The company later forwarded the statement below, which doesn’t directly address those questions. If we get any direct answers on that front, we’ll publish an update.

Here’s the statement from Flying U:

On Saturday, August 15th, at the rodeo held in Ferndale, a saddle-bronc horse was injured after competition had ended and the rider had dismounted. The horse was immediately taken out of the arena for treatment by the on-site veterinarian. There was a second horse that also sustained injury during the same event. Professional rodeo personnel followed all protocols and secured the second horse for examination and treatment by the on-site veterinarian.

We are saddened to share that after being evaluated by veterinarians, it was determined that both rodeo horse athletes sustained injuries as such, that they had to be humanely euthanized.

The Rodeo Producers and Flying U Rodeo Company take the treatment and care of all livestock athletes very seriously. Livestock welfare is of the highest priority to the Humboldt County Fair Association, the Rodeo Producers, and Flying U Rodeo Company. There are numerous safeguards and provisions that are in place to ensure the safety of the human and animal athletes competing in the sport of professional rodeo.

And here’s the statement from the Humboldt County Fair Association:

The Humboldt County Fair Association is deeply saddened by the loss of two equine athletes following injuries sustained during Saturday evening’s rodeo at the Humboldt County Fair.

We recognize how difficult an incident like this is for everyone involved, including the animals’ owners and handlers, the rodeo professionals who work alongside these animals, Fair staff and volunteers, and members of our community who witnessed the events.

The health, safety, and humane treatment of all animals participating in events at the Humboldt County Fairgrounds are extremely important to the Humboldt County Fair Association. We expect all event partners and contractors to maintain appropriate animal welfare practices and to have qualified veterinary care available when livestock are participating in events. Those protocols were in place and followed during Saturday evening’s rodeo, including the immediate response of the on-site veterinarian.

Since Saturday evening, Fair administration has remained in communication with the rodeo producers and Flying U Rodeo Company regarding the incidents and the response that followed.

Flying U Rodeo Company has issued a statement regarding the injuries, veterinary response, and loss of the two horses. For additional information regarding the incidents and the response of rodeo personnel and veterinary staff, please refer to the statement issued by Flying U Rodeo Company.

The Humboldt County Fair Association will continue working with our rodeo partners to reinforce our shared commitment to the welfare and safety of all animals participating in events at the Humboldt County Fairgrounds.

We extend our sincere sympathy to those who cared for and worked with these horses and to everyone affected by their loss.