Study reveals bull riding leads in rodeo athlete injuries and fatalities

Bull riding has been highlighted as one of the most perilous sports globally, with injury rates significantly surpassing those of other athletic activities. Recent studies indicate that rodeo athletes face injury or fatality rates higher than any other sport, with bull riding alone exhibiting an injury rate over ten times that of football and more than thirteen times that of ice hockey.

Research conducted by Myers and Lorentz reveals that bull riding accounts for a staggering 28 to 50 percent of all injuries sustained by rodeo participants. This positions bull riding as the leading cause of injuries in rodeo events, underscoring its extreme danger. Following bull riding, saddle bronc riding contributes to approximately 20 to 23 percent of rodeo-related injuries, while calf roping, steer wrestling, and team roping account for lower percentages ranging from 1 to 12 percent. In contrast, barrel racing, which involves horses navigating around barrels, is the least hazardous, with injury rates between 0 to 3 percent.

These statistics highlight the inherent risks associated with bull riding and other rodeo events, emphasizing the need for safety measures and awareness in the sport.