A 19-year-old from southern Alberta is in rough shape after a horrific bareback ride gone wrong.

Austin Broderson, who's attending Casper College in Wyoming on a rodeo scholarship, was at the National Western Stock Show in Denver on Monday January 15 when it happened.

The event was televised live as his parents watched helplessly from Alberta as Austin got caught up in the rigging and was continually stomped on by the horse he was riding. 

It's been described as the worst bareback riding accident in recent history.

Local livestock auctioneer Cody Maclean from Calgary Stockyard in Strathmore said it was absolutely horrific.

"Probably one of the worst wrecks I've ever seen, and I've seen lots of them.  And he's very, very lucky. I mean it could've been a lot worse. You know, I'm sure he's thanking the Good Lord. He's banged up and he's got a long way to come but at least he's on this side to tell us about it."

He was rushed to the Denver hospital unconscious and has now been stabilized.

"They're looking at already getting him back home to get in some rehab. And the Go Fund Me page has been out there for over a week now and you know, hopefully we can get him better. You always heal better when you're at home so hopefully we can get him home and get him healing.

His recovery will take some time as he has many injuries to overcome that include:

  • A hematoma at the top of his spine which is being closely monitored.
  • A main artery on his left side was severely damaged which cut off all blood supply to his left arm, a stint was put in to restore blood flow.
  • His spinal plexus nerves are also severely damaged which has left him with no feeling or mobility in his left arm, they're unsure if a potential nerve grafting will have to be done.
  • C7 vertebra was broken along with multiple hip fractures, a nasal bone was also broken.

Broderson hails from Turin, Alberta.  A hamlet in southern Alberta approximately 50 km northeast of Lethbridge.

A GoFundme page has been set up in his name. Almost $93,000 has been raised so far.