World Champion Bronc Rider Stetson Wright Suffers Frightening Injury During Competition
on Sep 07, 2025
8-time World Champion Stetson Wright was hospitalized after being stepped on by a bronc during the CINCH playoffs in Puyallup, Washington.
Stetson Wright is arguably one of the best-known names in rodeo. In fact, he has been called the Greatest Cowboy Of Our Generation. The 26-year-old is currently the top-ranked bull rider and sits at No. 9 in the rankings for bronc riding.
Wright began competing professionally in 2018 and boasts an impressive $3 million in career earnings. Stetson Wright is one of the most accomplished riders in the rodeo arena, having won five All-Around Cowboy World Championships, two Bull Riding World Championships, and one Saddle Bronc Riding World Championship.
(Photo credit: PBR Rodeo Fans/Facebook)
The Utah cowboy saw his career flash before his eyes during a recent competition in Washington. On Saturday, after being thrown from a bronc named Cloudy Skies, the horse’s rear foot appeared to land on Wright’s chest.
Stetson waved for medical help and was helped out of the arena. His condition wasn’t immediately known, but he was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Stetson Wright’s Current Condition
According to numerous outlets, Stetson Wright suffered five broken ribs on the left side, a punctured lung, and injuries to his pelvis.
Wright spent the night in the hospital for observation and was released Sunday morning. He returned to the arena in time to watch his brother, Ryder Wright, compete.
He spoke to PRORODEO Sports News and shared an update on his injuries and recovery.
“They said I’ve already started healing quickly and all of the ribs that are broken lined up good,” Wright told the outlet. “They said (I’m out) for six weeks, but we’ll see what happens. In my mind, I’m shooting for (a return at) Sioux Falls. If it works, that’s awesome. If it doesn’t, that’s awesome. We’re just going to play it by ear that week.”
Because of Stetson’s rankings prior to his accident, he automatically qualifies to resume competing at the Governor’s Cup in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, later this month, if his health permits.
“I was trying to talk them into letting me leave last night, but with that lung being collapsed, they kept me in overnight to monitor it,” Wright said of his hospital stay.
“But this morning when they came in and checked everything out, everything was looking good. The lung was inflated back up, so it was all good. I told Ryder when I walked in here, that the smell of rodeo makes me feel better.”
See footage of Stetson Wright’s frightening incident below.
