Tonight there was a documentary on tv about the Angola prison rodeo. I never hear about this before. Did yall know about this?

Angola Rodeo Home Page

Every october and april there's a rodeo every sunday. Prisoners with good behaviour can sign in for this, and make money (around 200 and 600 USD). It's risky and lots of prisoners get wounded. But they agree and look forward to go there.
Prisoners who dont ride the rodeo.....can also join and watch. It's their own option to go outside, have fun, meet people, and for some of them.....make some money.

What's your opinion about this?

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Beneath the make up & Behind the smile
I'm just a girl who wishes for the world
(Marilyn Monroe)

Ya I have heard the name before. Its very famous though i have never actually attended it. That would be fun. Its a large rodeo and people come from all around to see it. I think only cons participate and they do everything from rodeo clown to the actual bull/bronc riding. They are some of the best around.

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"Thats it then, they will go on double, secret, probation..."

A gentleman I correspond with from time to time is at Angola. He makes woodworking type items and sells them at the rodeo. He had wanted me to come down and visit during this time but I declined the request becuase it was very short notice but I would like to get down there next year maybe and check it out

I also write to someone in Angola and had just heard about this in his last letter. I'm kind of surprised they would hold such a thing, it seems like it would be dangerous, but it does also sound like they do take safety precautions and it seems like a pretty big source of revenue.

Well all rodeos are dangerous. I mean at least the ones with the bull and bronco riding. Especially the bull riding just because a horse normally won’t come back and try to gore you through your soft middle lol. But if you mean from a security standpoint with inmates? Yes they could be and I’m sure more than one of these guys has tried to escape during a past event. I think they have been doing it so many years that it is now pretty well organized and precautions are taken. Also the male and female inmates allowed to participate are the ones who have demonstrated good behavior and are able to be exposed to the public safely.

On another note, did you guys see those posters? Those are cool! I’m thinking of ordering one but I want to see where the money goes to first. Hopefully to support the rodeo itself.

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"Thats it then, they will go on double, secret, probation..."

Yes, some parts they do can be dangerous. It was so good to see how all the inmates work together and had fun. As long as this rodeo is, nobody try to escape. And the other months of the year, it was kind of easy going in prison, because they all wanted to go to the rodeo.
For them it's a real highlight.
The market there with the crafts was great. The work the whole year to make things from leather, wood, etc. and sell it there.
It was a real interesting documentary to see.

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Beneath the make up & Behind the smile
I'm just a girl who wishes for the world
(Marilyn Monroe)

Penny, What channel was broadcasting it? I want to see if I can find it on the net and see it?

It was on a Dutch channel, sbs 6, the name of the show is reporter.

__________________
Beneath the make up & Behind the smile
I'm just a girl who wishes for the world
(Marilyn Monroe)

yea, i have seen this before. and it surly is dangerous. sheesh, the things ppl will do

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I need coffee

It’s not for everyone that’s for sure. I went to the large Salinas rodeo out in California. That is not a prison rodeo though; it’s for anyone who wants to participate. Some animal rights people feel rodeos should be outlawed altogether because they pose danger to the animals. They use what’s called a "bucking strap" that goes around the broncos and I guess it pinches slightly or it irritates their skin so it prompts them to want to buck.

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"Thats it then, they will go on double, secret, probation..."