In the wake of a freak accident during the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo in Denver, Canadian bareback rider Austin Broderson finds himself on a challenging road to recovery.
The 19-year-old cowboy, hailing from Southern Alberta, endured severe injuries after a terrifying incident following his ride aboard Cervi Brothers Rodeo’s Jack Dupp on January 15.
The eight-second buzzer marked the end of Broderson’s ride, but it also signaled the beginning of a series of challenges. His bareback riggin started slipping, leading to a perilous situation where he ended up under the horse, still attached to the riggin, while the horse continued to buck and run around the arena.
The gravity of the situation prompted immediate attention from medical personnel, and Broderson was swiftly taken to Denver Health Hospital.
Broderson, who holds a PRCA permit, faced a fractured C-7 vertebrae, a fractured hip, and a broken nasal bone, along with minor scrapes and bruises. The most concerning aspect was the lack of feeling and movement in his left arm.
Swift medical intervention involved surgery to restore blood flow to the left side of his arm, bringing some relief to the situation.
In the face of adversity, Broderson’s resilient spirit shone through. Despite the severity of his injuries, he displayed a positive demeanor, even cracking jokes and downplaying his pain level when conscious.
This optimistic outlook became a source of encouragement for his family and those closely following his recovery journey.
The rodeo community, aware of the inherent dangers in the sport, rallied around Broderson. The President and CEO of the National Western Stock Show, Paul Andrews, expressed solidarity, stating that injuries are an unfortunate part of all sports, emphasizing the rodeo family’s support for Austin, his family, and everyone affected.
Stock contractor Binion Cervi echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the dangerous nature of rodeo while expressing gratitude that Broderson is on the road to recovery.
Samantha, Austin Broderson’s mother, provided updates on his condition, highlighting his toughness and determination to push through the challenges. She expressed gratitude for the overwhelming outreach and support from people offering prayers and care for her son.
Austin, a second-year business student at Casper College in Wyoming, competes for the college’s rodeo team, adding another layer of community support to his recovery.
The incident prompted the initiation of a GoFundMe page to support Austin Broderson during his recovery journey. The rodeo community, known for its close-knit bonds, demonstrated its solidarity through this fundraising effort, further emphasizing the compassion and care extended to one of their own.
As news of Austin Broderson’s injury spread, the rodeo world held its collective breath, awaiting updates on the young cowboy’s progress. The rodeo family, united in both triumph and tragedy, exemplified the strength of community bonds.
While injuries are an unfortunate reality in rodeo, the response to such incidents underscores the resilience and support that define the rodeo community.
Austin Broderson’s injury update serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of rodeo and the courage displayed by its participants. The journey to recovery may be long, but with the backing of a supportive community, Austin is poised to overcome the challenges and return to the arena.
The outpouring of prayers, well-wishes, and financial support reflects the genuine care within the rodeo family, transcending the sport and embodying the spirit of solidarity in the face of adversity.
