CHEYENNE - Cheyenne Frontier Days is imposing stricter rules on the use of hand-held electric shock devices on horses in the annual rodeo.

Until now, the "Daddy of 'Em All" had followed the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rules on the use of the prodding devices.

The PRCA rules allow for shocking a horse before a ride if the stock contractor, the cowboy riding the horse and the PRCA judge all agree the horse might stall coming out of the chute.

An animal rights group has posted Internet videos showing rodeo hands appearing to use the devices a number of times at last year's Frontier Days rodeo.

Frontier Days spokesman Bob Budd says that from now on, horses will not be shocked except in cases of an emergency.