I am alarmed to learn the town of Omak still garners publicity from the annual "Omak Stampede PRCA Rodeo and Suicide Race." I cannot, in good conscience, spend tourism dollars in Omak or Okanogan County as long as the area condones the "World-Famous Omak Suicide Race" -- an event forcing horses to plummet more than 210 feet over a nearly vertical incline into the Okanogan River.

During the 4 days and nights of the race, horses charge Suicide Hill at full-gallop speed from 120 feet away. They drop over an "almost vertical 62 degree angle," according to organizers, into the Okanogan River's narrow channel below. If a horse makes it beyond this perilous entry, the animal must then swim a football field-length stretch of river and compete in an exhausting 500-foot uphill climb. On-loan horses used in Omak's Suicide Race crash, break bones, and some even drown.

Since 1983, observers have documented the killing of at least 20 horses, with three racing to their deaths in the very first heat of the 2004 race. No one has recorded the total number of horses or people injured or killed since the event's inception in 1935. In any case, the death of just one horse for entertainment purposes is one death too many.

Neither money nor tradition warrants animal abuse in the 21st Century. While the Omak Stampede and Indian Encampment may hope to capture Omak's spirit and heritage, the Suicide Race tarnishes the town's reputation. In fact, the race does not appear to originate with the 12 tribes of the Colville Confederated Tribes, but is instead the marketing invention of an Omak furniture salesman and publicity chair.

I strongly encourage you to publicly condemn the "World-Famous Omak Suicide Race." I imagine "world-famous" for cruelty to animals is not the image you wish to project.

I am dismayed to learn the PRCA still endorses the "Omak Stampede PRCA Rodeo and Suicide Race" in Eastern Washington State. I understand that as a national sponsor of rodeo exhibits, the PRCA claims the Stampede and Suicide Race are isolated events. I imagine the PRCA does not want to risk credibility by association with a contest that forces horses to plummet more than 210 feet over a nearly vertical incline into the Okanogan River.

But on the Omak Stampede Inc. website, the spectacles are identified as one. All Omak promotional materials advertise the Suicide Race � because both it and the Stampede are funded and supervised under the administration of Omak Stampede, Inc., a Washington State non-profit organization. ANY support for the Omak Stampede reflects support for an unforgiving race that causes exertion-related heart attacks, drownings, and shattered necks, pelvises and legs.

Since 1983, observers have documented the killing of at least 20 horses, with three racing to their deaths in the very first heat of the 2004 race. I respectfully ask the PRCA to retract its sponsorship of the Omak Stampede until such time Omak Stampede, Inc. permanently ends its World-Famous Suicide Race. I am unclear how the PRCA can respect corporate sponsors opposed to animal abuse, as long as it backs this yearly exploit.

During the 4 days and nights of the race, horses charge Suicide Hill at full-gallop speed from 120 feet away. They drop over an "almost vertical 62 degree angle," according to organizers, into the Okanogan River's narrow channel below. If a horse makes it beyond this perilous entry, the animal must then swim a football field-length stretch of river and compete in an exhausting 500-foot uphill climb. On-loan horses used in Omak's Suicide Race crash, break bones, and some even drown.

Crown Royal and Wal-Mart have already withdrawn their sponsorships. Why risk further loss of corporate support for the Omak Stampede, and ultimately, for the PRCA itself? Sponsorship of the Omak Stampede, in any form, is synonymous with sponsorship of the Suicide Race. I urge the PRCA to sever ties completely.