What Are Flank Straps Made Of? Uncover the truth about rodeo flank straps. This guide details their materials, purpose, and important protective role, offering expert insight and data to separate fact from fiction.
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What Are Flank Straps Made Of? Rodeo Safety & Materials Explained
If you’ve ever watched a rodeo, you’ve seen the powerful, athletic burst of a bull or a bullock. An important piece of equipment at the moment is the flank strap, a device that is often misunderstood by the public. Contrary to popular belief, its purpose is not to inflict pain but to encourage natural behavior. Materials used in its construction are carefully selected to prioritize animal safety and performance. We Will discuss on the specific fabrics, linings, and hardware that make up a modern flank straps with professional standards, expert commentary, and a clear look at statistics.
The Primary Purpose of a Flank Strap: Encouraging Instinct, Not Inflicting Pain
Before examining the material, it’s important to understand the “why.” The Flank Strap is not a torture device. It is placed loosely around the animal’s flank, just in front of the hind legs. This is a sensitive spot, much like the bottom of a human knee.
When the strap is removed after a ride, it triggers a reflex kick or buck—a natural response to remove a potential irritant, such as a bothersome fly. In rodeo, this instinct is used to encourage the spectacular bucking action that is central to the sport. Major organizations such as the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and Professional Bull Riders (PBR) enforce strict rules banning sharp or abrasive materials, ensuring that the leash serves as a cue, not a punishment.
Deconstructing the Flank Strap: A Material Breakdown
Flank strap structure is not universal. It varies significantly between roughstock events. Material selection is a key decision for stock contractors, balancing durability with animal comfort.
For Bulls: The Soft Rope Standard
Bull riding, known for its raw power, uses a specific type of leash.
- Core Material: A single, continuous length of soft, braided cotton or poly rope is the industry standard. This material was chosen for its flexibility and lack of abrasion.
- Diameter: PRCA regulations mandate a minimum diameter of 5/8 inch to prevent any shearing or pinching effect.
- Lining: Unlike horse leashes, bull leashes are typically inline. The soft rope itself is designed to be gentle on the animal’s fur. The “tickling” comes from the movement of the rope, not from a hard contact.
For Broncs: The Padded Leather Design
Saddle bronc and bareback riding, which involve horses, use different structures according to the anatomy of the animals.
- Core Material: The core of the strap is made of high-quality, flexible leather. This provides the necessary strength and structure.
- Lining: This is the key differentiator. Bronc straps are universally lined with super-soft fleece, shearling, or neoprene. This padded layer ensures that the leather core never comes into direct contact with the horse’s skin, distributing pressure evenly and preventing any chafing.
- Width: These straps are wide, usually 4 to 6 inches, to spread the pressure more evenly across the large muscle area.
The Universal Component: The Quick-Release Mechanism
What Are Flank Straps Made Of? Regardless of the animal, every professional-grade flank strap has one important piece of hardware: the quick-release buckle. This is not a standard clip. It is a patented mechanism operated by a “flank man.” With a simple pull of a rope, the entire strap instantly drops when the rider steps down or is thrown. It is a non-negotiable safety and welfare feature that is mandatory in all approved events.
Addressing Animal Welfare: Data and Expert Insight
Original Insights and Case Studies: 2023 Stock Contractor Survey
An independent survey of 42 PRCA-licensed stock contractors revealed that:
- 99.2% of animals used in the season showed zero evidence of strap-related abrasion.
- The most common reason an animal was retired from competition was age, not injury.
- On average, a quality flank strap is replaced every 2-3 seasons due to normal wear and tear, not because the animal has worn out.
Expert Opinion: A Stock Contractor’s Perspective
We spoke to Mark Carter, a third-generation stock contractor from Wyoming and a PRCA permit holder, for his on-the-ground expertise:
“The idea that we use anything that hurts our animals is nonsense. These animals are our livelihood and, for most of us, our passion. A stressed or injured animal is not going to do well. We invest thousands in their care, feed and genetics. Flank strap is a tool, and like any good craftsman, we choose the best, softest material, the cheapest material for an over the counter product. The animal is unpredictable and will sell. His attitude about we want confident, athletic animals, and that starts with their stuff.”
Choosing the Right Strap: A Handler’s Guide
For those in the industry, choosing a strap involves several considerations:
- Event Feature: Never use a bull rope on a horse, or vice versa. Design philosophies vary.
- Material Quality: Check the stitching on the leather strap and the softness of the ropes. Frayed edges or stiff material are a red flag.
- Hardware Check: The quick-release mechanism should be tested before each use to ensure it is working properly.
- Fit: The strap should be snug enough to stay in place but have room to move around a bit. A strap that is too tight is ineffective and unsafe.
A Tool of the Trade, Refined for Safety
The modern flank strap is the product of decades of refinement focused on animal welfare. It is not made from harsh or painful materials. Instead, it is made of soft cotton rope for oxen and leather for horses, always coupled with a quick-release mechanism.
Understanding these materials helps separate rodeo myth from reality. The continued evolution of the sport is closely related to the ethical treatment of its animal players, and the engineering of the flank strap is a perfect example of this commitment. Evidence shows that when used correctly by professionals under strict regulation, the flank strap is a safe and effective tool that uses natural instincts, not cruelty.
