Sam Petersen out several months after wreck at Wainwright Stampede
Bareback rider Sam Petersen, the 2025 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo average champion, will likely be sidelined for the next six months after a riding accident at the Wainwright (Alberta) Stampede, June 19.
Unlike many roughstock injuries, Petersen’s came after the ride was over. He had just put together an 88-point ride on Duffy Rodeo’s Reservation, which was the highest-marked ride of the entire rodeo.
As the pickup men came in to help the Helena, Montana, bareback rider off the horse, things started to fall apart.
“The pickup man came in and tripped the flank latch, and the horse just took off down the fence,” Petersen said. “The pickup men hadn’t gotten to me yet, and I went to grab my rigging with my opposite hand and missed.”
The horse continued running down the fence, and Petersen tried to salvage the situation as best he could to avoid a larger wreck.
“It was a split-second decision,” Petersen said. “Either I throw myself off to the right and get run over by the pickup man, or I go to the left and try to catch myself on the fence.”
Ultimately, Petersen tried to catch himself on the fence. While he successfully pulled himself away from the horse, his knee crashed into the fence with enough force to completely shatter his kneecap.
Following the injury, Petersen was transported to a local emergency room for immediate care. He underwent surgery the next morning once he was back across the border.
With the severity of the injury, Petersen will wear a splint for roughly six weeks to support the healing process, then go through an additional several months of recovery and physical therapy.
“I’d say my first rodeo back will probably be the Buck and Ball on New Year’s Eve,” Petersen said.
Petersen’s brother and father were able to join him to support him through this difficult time.
“I have such a tremendous support system, it’s pretty crazy,” Petersen said. “I’m just so thankful that the Lord has put so many amazing people in my life that show me unconditional support and love. It means everything to me.”
Many from Petersen’s rodeo family have reached out to offer their support and well wishes as well.
“They just make going through an injury like this so much easier,” Petersen said.
Petersen sits 20th in the PRCA | Bill Fick Ford World Standings with $42,189. A year ago, he finished second in the world standings with $448,755 and he earned the most of any competitor in the bareback riding in Vegas, taking home $226,853.
-PRCA
