Horsetalk.co.nz How do horses feel about rodeos? Researchers weigh in A Canadian study has shown that rodeo horses become accustomed to their role in the high-pressure sport. The findings of the study, published recently in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science, involved observing the behaviour of rodeo horses at the iconic Calgary Stampede. The researchers found that horses with increased experience of rodeo displayed fewer reactive behaviours during both loading and holding in the chute prior to performance. This, they said, was likely indicative of habituation based on spontaneous and anticipatory behaviours. The study delved into a controversial question in a sport often criticised by animal welfare advocates: How do the animals feel about their participation?