Screws and rods holding together vertebrae of bull rider injured in Stampede

CALGARY – A family friend and agent of a bull rider injured at the Calgary Stampede says the cowboy has fractured vertebrae and a broken jaw.

Aaron Roy of Yellow Grass, Sask., was stomped in the back by a bull on Thursday.

He was wearing a protective vest, but had to be taken from the grounds on a stretcher.

Agent Jason Davidson says doctors inserted eight screws and two rods into Roy’s back.

Davidson says Roy’s wife has indicated he is able to move his feet and toes.

He says the bull rider is in some discomfort, but his spirits are good.

“He feel’s everything. He had some numbness … but the doctors told the family he’s very lucky, very lucky,” Davidson said Friday.

“It comes with the territory. It’s man versus beast and there’s no referee out there to blow the whistle and stop the play in a dangerous situation.”

Rodeo participants understand what they’re up against when they’re one on one with an angry animal, Davidson said.

“Every athlete you’re watching here at the Calgary Stampede, they didn’t get their name pulled out of a hat to get to be here. You’re watching the finest professional rodeo athletes in the world against the finest livestock.

“You don’t have to explain to Aaron Roy the risks of riding bulls.”

(CHQR)