The World Series of Charreria scheduled September 25 – 29, 2013 is currently on hold due to a Clark County Ordinance Amended in 2010.  This event has the potential of becoming the NFR of Charreria in Las Vegas.  Promising international tourist attendance and providing economical stimulus not just at a local level but statewide.  With title sponsorships already lined up and the participating teams already signed up.  Hispanic organizations are weary that the venue might not be big enough to host the event and are expecting sold out crowds on all 4 days.

In 2010 Clark County Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani with the help of animal rights advocates cleverly reworded the Horse Tripping Ordinance and turned the ordinance titled “Horse Tripping” into a “Horse Roping” ordinance.  As I have reviewed the audio of the commissioners meetings in 2010 in reference to the Title 10 Amendments not once was the horse tripping ordinance mentioned. The hearings mostly had to do with dogs, cats and rabbits. This is probably why it went unnoticed by rodeo organizations. 

2010 Amended 10.32.250 – Horse Tripping

No person shall intentionally trip or cause to fall, or lasso or rope the legs of, any equine animal by the legs or by any means whatsoever for the purpose of entertainment, sport, practice, or contest in conjunction with, but not limited to, rodeos, charreadas, animal racing, or pulling contests.

1996 Original 10.32.250  - Horse Tripping    

No person shall intentionally trip or fell any equine animal by the legs or by any means whatsoever for the purpose of entertainment or sport.

The original 1996 Clark County Ordinance specifically dealt with the act of horse tripping that had already been eliminated from US Charro Rule Books in 1995.

Mexican Federation of Charreria in the United States Official Competition Rulebook

Chapter XVI - Fore footing on Foot or from Horseback

Article 183.The following will be disqualified, whether it occurs during the foot or on horseback events:

• The fore footer who intentionally trips the caught horse will be suspended from competition for 365 calendar days, beginning on the date the action was committed.

 This is why it was met with no resistance from our federation as it had already taken the initiative by applying a catch and release to its fore footing events.

Senate Bill SB72 has passed the 2013 Nevada State Legislature only after being amended removing its ambiguous wording that mirrored Clark County Ordinance.  As a matter of fact it included another one of our events “steer tailing” that was removed during the first hearing.  “We will be removing the steer tailing portion of the bill as to accommodate the Reno Rodeo folks” – Senator Mark Manendo. 

Inquiries have been done on local Animal Control Departments on reports or findings of horse tripping and have come up with negative results.  Charreria has been suffering unjustifiable attacks by animal rights fanatics that have tarnished the sport by providing unsubstantial evidence.  Quite frankly it has all been speculated and unfounded.

Charreria provided the basics for the American Ranch Life that gave birth to Rodeo in the United States.