Font ResizeCASTRO VALLEY — In 1982, Bud Critzer helped write a policy stating that no electric prod or similar device can be used on animals at Rowell Ranch Rodeo Park rodeos.
Now, following a prodding incident at the park, he defends the use of prods in certain situations.
Twenty-six years ago Critzer was general manager of the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District, or HARD, which owns and operates the rodeo park. He is now a director of the Rowell Ranch Rodeo Association, which has come under fire since an employee of a company that supplies rodeo animals was videotaped using a Hot-Shot electric prod on balky broncs during a May rodeo.
Critzer also defends animal supplier Cotton Rosser of Flying U Rodeo Co. in Marysville.
It is the first public comment from a rodeo association representative since current HARD administrators recommended that Rosser's company be banned for one year from all rodeo events, including the Rowell association's May 2009 rodeo.
"I see the situation from both sides," said Critzer, a Discovery Bay resident. "In this case, I look at the rodeo's point of view: The prod is used for one purpose, and that is to protect the horse and rider." By "protect" Critzer said he means get the horse out of the rodeo chute quickly, without thrashing around inside the chute — and placing both horse and rider at greater risk of injury.
"I like to think it's the only time (since 1982) it has been used," Critzer
Critzer said he believes HARD and the association can reach a compromise that doesn't include banning Rosser.
Critzer has participated in rodeo team roping and cattle penning in the past. He attended the Rowell rodeo May 18 but did not participate when representatives of an animal rights organization took videos of what appeared to be horses being shocked out of chutes.
Critzer said he did not see the prod being used, but HARD parks Superintendent Larry Lepore said he did see the prod used in the videos and recommended the ban.
Association representatives have asked to meet with HARD administrators. This meeting could occur as soon as next week at HARD offices in Hayward, HARD General Manager Rita Shue said.
If association members are not satisfied with the meeting, the next step would be an appeal to HARD directors.
Critzer, an occasional consultant with HARD, hasn't been asked to participate in a meeting with administrators. He joined the district in 1959 and served as general manager from 1968 until his 1994 retirement.
The rodeo started in 1921 near downtown Hayward, and moved a few years later to the Dublin Canyon ranch of founder Harry Rowell. The Rowell corrals, arena and ranch house now are part of the rodeo park.
Critzer said he doesn't want anything to jeopardize next year's rodeo, including the removal of Rosser.
"Cotton Rosser, in my opinion, did the right thing," Critzer said of the prod used by one of Rosser's employees. "He was trying to protect a very valuable animal (in getting the animal out of the chute)."
"All the rodeo history means something," Critzer added. "It's a community event, and it's important it go on."
Reach Karen Holzmeister at 510-293-2478 or kholzmeister@bayareanewsgroup.com.
