Behind the scenes at the California Rodeo Salinas

The California Rodeo Salinas is underway this week and on Wednesday one of the biggest shows will perform in front of a sold out crowd.

Professional bull riders, crew members and the animals are preparing for their big moment. More than 500 head of livestock are at the Salinas Sports Complex resting, drinking water, and eating lots of food. The complex has a pyramid of hay, as most livestock eats 20 pounds a day on top of 8 pounds of grain. Cindy Rosser breeds bucking horses and bulls and said there’s a lot of science that goes into it.

“I do invitro fertilization work, I do embryo transfers with the cows and we’re going to start doing some with some of the horses, too. Because when you get a great female, your female gives you 60 to 70 percent of your bucking animal,” said Rosser.

Holy-Cat is one of the rowdiest bulls in the event and rodeo staff don’t recommend getting close to his pen. Up and coming bull rider, Nevada Newman, 23, will be the man to take on Holy-Cat in Wednesday night’s event.

“I’m a fourth generation cowboy. My great grandpa who just passed away last week at 94 years old — he was a cowboy. My grandpa was a cowboy. My dad was a cowboy, so it’s just in my blood I think and I love the sport and I’d do about anything for it,” said Newman.

The bull riders wear protective gear, which includes thick vests, optional helmets, and hand gloves to help them hold on as long as they can.

There’s been some backlash on the treatment of rodeo animals, but the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association, PRCA, said it has more than 70 rules when it comes to livestock participation.

“To any of our critics out there my suggestion is to come to rodeo and see what we’re all about,” said livestock program administrator, PRCA, Jed Pugsley.

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Fans of bull riding, calf roping and bronco riding are ready to enjoy the action during this year’s California Rodeo Salinas. But there is another part of the rodeo that fans seldom see.

Tonight at 5 and 6, KION’s Brandon Castillo takes us behind the scenes to see where cowboys prepare and livestock is kept and cared for.