Everyone knows the dangers that come with the sport of professional rodeo and more specifically the sport of professional bull riding. Those that follow the sport closely and are avid fans of the Professional Bull Riders organization have seen some of the greatest rodeo athletes in the sport fall by the wayside after suffering devastating injuries during their careers. Along with those that were taken out by injury there are strories of triumphs as well as they make their way back inside of a rodeo arena to mount a comeback. One of those injuries occured last week as the PBR kicked off their 2016 Built Ford Tough Series in Chicago, Illinois.
Bonner Bolton Receiving A Round Win Buckle In 2015
This last weekend the PBR fans inside the Allstate Arena in Chicago and the thousands watching CBS Sports Network from the comfort of their own homes witnessed a horrific end to a round winning ride by Bonner Bolton. After reaching the buzzer signifying an eight second ride Bolton began dismounting the bull he was on and was flung through the air like a rag doll. Upon landing on the arena floor he came down head first and laid motionless for everyone to see. The arena was silent as Dr. Tandy Freeman and his Real Time Pain Relief Sports Medicine Team checked on the injured bull rider. After placing Bonner Bolton on a backboard he was transported to a local hospital as we all waited on an update regarding his condition.
Bonner Bolton After Surgery With His Family In Chicago
Photo Courtesy Of Todd Pierce
We are glad to be able to report that PBR bull rider Bonner Bolton did regain some of his movement and sensation after being taken out of the arena motionless. Dr. Tandy Freeman gave an on-air update and said that Bolton had regained some of his sensation and motion but there was still some spinal damage that needed to be looked at closer at a local hospital. Once there it was determined that he sustained a C2 cervical fracture and underwent surgery with his family by his side.
According to his family the doctor told him and those that were with him at the hospital that he was “luck to be alive” following the severity of his injuries sustained at the first tour stop of the 2016 PBR BFTS season. Bonner Bolton will be out of action for quite some time but has the drive and determination to come back better than ever once his is released and is once again at 100%!!
Bonner Bolton With Todd Pierce And Douglas Duncan
Photo Courtesy Of Todd Pierce
When we talk about the sports of professional rodeo and bull riding being a close knit family instances like this exemplify exactly what that means. Immediately following the conclusion of the PBR’s Built Ford Tough Series stop in Chicago fellow bull riders and PBR ministry teams decended upon the local hospital that Bolton had been taken to to be there with their fellow competitor and “family” member. Riding High Ministries’ Todd Pierce and close friend Douglas Duncan were some of the first to show up and be there with Bolton and his family. There was also a steady steam of PBR folks that made their way to the hospital as well to show their support and lend whatever helping hands they could to make things easier for this young up and coming bull rider.
Bonner Bolton With His Close Supporters
Photo Credit: Douglas Duncan Instagram Account
On Sunday evening Bonner started to have some visitors pop in to see him as PBR superstars Stetson Lawrenece, Douglas Duncan and Tanner Bryne came by to show their support. There is some good news that came through on his facebook page earlier today that makes every breathe a sigh of relief. Bolton announced that he was getting to go home following a very successful surgery to start rehab and get back to riding bulls at the PBR. Dr. Tandy Freeman said that he expects Bonner Bolton to be out between 4 and 6 months before making a return to the arena. The Rodeo Round Up will continue to monitor this situation and provide all of you with any updates as to the condition or status of Bonner Bolton.
A huge thank you goes out to Riding High Ministries and Todd Pierce for being there throughout the year for any bull rider, stock contractor or PBR employee that may need his spiritual guidance and support through prayer. We have known Todd many years and he does not get enough credit for everything he does with volunteer groups at different tour stops as well throughout the year. If you would like to learn more about this fantasic man or his organization you can find out everything there is to know about him or his Riding High Ministries organization by checking out his website here!
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