Once again, NHARL will be on site at the SNHU Arena in Manchester for two demonstrations against the Professional Bull Riders event:
- Friday, Dec 15th, 2023 — 6:00 pm
- Saturday, Dec 16th, 2023 — 5:00 pm
Bull riding is cruel, not family entertainment!
Please join us outside the SNHU Arena for one or both peaceful protests against bull riding. Meet on the sidewalk near the SNHU Arena’s front entrance on the corner of Elm St. and Lake Ave.
Signs will be provided.
Although supporting the PBR (or any business that uses animals for profit or entertainment) is discouraged, in 2022 one NHARL board member did go inside to see first-hand what the bulls are subjected to. She writes:
It was pretty awful being inside the arena. I did see “eye white” and “diarrhea butt.” When the bull is in the chute and the rider is getting mounted, sometimes there was an overhead view on the big screen. The bulls are pretty calm, like they know the routine, but the crew will punch or pinch the bull to upset him so the rider can make sure he has a good grip before the gate opens.
The least experienced riders went first and were thrown off within 4 seconds. In most cases the bull would quickly look for the exit gate and leave the ring (he probably gets a reward out back). But sometimes the bull would keep bucking without the rider, because the flank strap was still tight, or he’d charge at the ring crew before leaving.
And a few times the now rider-less bull seemed like he didn't want to leave, and would charge at the crew and run around the ring. In this case a guy on a horse with a lasso would rope the bull and lead him to the exit.
The music was really loud, and they had the pyrotechnics, and there was this stupid clown guy telling jokes and shooting prizes into the stands. Overall, it was just a completely inappropriate setting for a peaceful herd animal.
I did not see any bull become visibly injured while I was there, but I left before the show ended.
What You Can Do
- Don’t buy a ticket!
- Contact the PBR sponsors, including Tractor Supply, to complain.