Rodeo: The Most Dangerous Sport with High Injury and Fatality Rates

While football is often associated with high injury rates, rodeo may actually be the most perilous sport. The intense nature of rodeo events, where riders confront the risks of mounting powerful animals like bulls and horses, results in a significantly higher rate of injury and fatality compared to other sports.

Statistics indicate that rodeo athletes face injury or death more frequently than participants in any other sport. For instance, bull riding injuries occur at a rate more than ten times higher than in football and over thirteen times more frequent than in ice hockey.

Rodeo supervisor Larrie Todd, who has extensive experience with horses, stated, “I’ve trained a lot of horses. I’ve been bucked off quite a few times. I’ve had horses trip and fall and flip with me.” Such incidents highlight the inherent dangers of the sport.

Contusions, sprains, and concussions are common among rodeo competitors, with the potential for fatal outcomes. A 20-year study by the Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine reported a fatality incidence rate of 4.05 per 100,000 participants.

Recently, the Willcox West Fest Ranch Rodeo & Chuck Wagon Cook-Off attracted numerous athletes and spectators to Willcox, situated south of Tucson. The event was held in a modest setting with a single competition area and no protective gear for participants.

Confidence is paramount for riders like rodeo princess Adelaide Werkheiser, who explained, “When I’m riding, I think the most basic thing is being confident in myself. If I’m not confident, my body is going to show that, and I’m going to get nervous.” This confidence often stems from years of bonding with their horses.

Horses, being highly sensitive animals, can detect human emotions, a skill confirmed by a University of Sussex study. The study also revealed that horses’ heart rates increase when exposed to angry human faces.

Larrie Todd emphasized the importance of understanding a horse’s mind: “To me, it’s your responsibility to build a relationship with them. To build a relationship with them, you have to spend time with them and also take the time to understand how a horse thinks.”

In the tight-knit community of Willcox, tragedy is met with collective support. This year’s rodeo honored Jeff Collup, a local resident who passed away in December 2024. Rodeo organizer Cheryll Moss, who lost her son to cancer, expressed gratitude for the town’s support and organized the Jeff Collup Memorial Roping event in his memory.

Safety measures are continually evolving in rodeo, with the introduction of protective vests and helmets. Modern vests incorporate high-density foam and Spectra Shield ballistic material, offering superior protection. Helmets have become a necessity, significantly reducing severe head injuries.

Professional Bull Riders have mandated helmet use for participants born after October 15, 1994, resulting in a notable decrease in head injuries.

Despite advancements in safety, rodeo remains inherently risky. Elijah Baltierrez, a shoot helper, described rodeo as “a gamble, like any other sport there is.”

Organizations like the National High School Rodeo Association enforce protective gear rules for riders, while the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) upholds animal welfare standards. The PRCA reports a 99.9% safety rate for livestock, with strict regulations to prevent animal abuse.

Jack Barron/Cronkite News

Protective gear for horses, such as bell boots and horn wraps, is also vital. These protect the animals from injuries caused by the ropes or accidental kicks during events.

The PRCA, which sanctions over 650 rodeos annually across North America, influences smaller rodeo organizations through conferences aimed at improving safety standards.

Despite the inherent risks, the sport of rodeo continues to grow, with youth and professional participation on the rise. The National High School Rodeo Association boasts 12,500 student members, while the PRCA oversees more than 700 events annually for about 6,600 cowboys.

As Larrie Todd wisely advises, “Stay young. As you get older, the harder it hurts.”

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