New Partnership Offers Cheyenne Frontier Days Equine Athletes Top Care [PHOTOS]

For the first time in Cheyenne Frontier Days history, elite equine athletes will have around-the-clock access to the best medical care.

CFD CEO Tom Hirsig says a team representing Colorado State University's Equine Clinical Services program will be on the park July 17-30 to offer additional veterinary expertise for contestants and horses competing in slack and PRCA rodeo events.

"The horses that the cowboys and cowgirls are hauling up and down the road are just like any athlete," said Hirsig. "They get sore muscles or injuries or things like that."

"We want the best possible care for any animal at this park," Hirsig added. "It's nice that we have (CSU) right here on the grounds so (contestants) don't have to go anywhere else, they can actually just have (their horse) looked at or treated or whatever they may need."

Hirsig estimates about 2,000 equine athletes will compete in barrel racing, tie-down roping, team roping and steer wrestling.