Since you asked: I don't believe the stock show is a healthy environment for children at all. The western stock show is not a 4H event. Many of the events presented are extremely harmful, if not outright deadly, for the animals. It is a fact, most of the animals are frightened, only to be chased down, restrained and/or damaged while fleeing or fighting for their lives. Taking flight out of fear is a natural prey reaction and should not be considered entertainment. What the public does not know is that many of these animals are injured (broken legs, backs and soft tissue damage) by the extreme physical rigors of these entertainment-for-profit sports and are simply discarded. Hardly a worthwhile event for ANY living being. While the event has been a long-standing Denver tradition, it does not mean that it should continue as it has, with so little regard for the animals' welfare. We have all evolved since the slave trade and it's time to recognize abuse towards any living being is still abuse. Further, abuse towards animals is not sport!
Instead, I would volunteer with my child at an animal rescue shelter to teach compassion and empathy for needy creatures.
Sorry...usually I am a cheery girl but "draw the line in the sand" with voiceless victims.
