Rodeo Rallies Around JR Vezain

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JR Vezain was confirmed on his way to his 6th Wrangler National Finals Rodeo when disaster struck. The horse he’d drawn in Pasadena, Texas, fell over backwards in a freak accident that left the young bareback rider without the use of his legs. He’s hopeful, faithful and strong in his commitment to walk again – is approaching his physical therapy like the professional athlete he is.

Vezain and his wife, Shelby, haven’t seen home in Cowley, Wyoming, since the accident. They’ve gone from the trauma hospital in Houston to a nearby rehab center and are now residing in Utah at yet another rehab center. Add the fact that they’re expecting their first child and it’s easy to see that it isn’t just prayer they need, they need financial help as well.
Checking the hashtag #VezainStrong across social media shows that the international rodeo community stepped up with many successful fundraisers, but that’s not all.

Here are two ongoing ways to help:

Through Go Fund Me at www.gofundme.com/65w85a0
Raffle for 2019 Wyoming Deer Hunt online tickets at www.broncridingnation.com/raffle or get them the Junior Roughstock Association, Rodeo Fame and Bronc Riding Nation Cowboy Christmas Booth #5405 on the upper level of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Facebook Live drawing at Legacy of the West Gala at Mirage on December 12 at 2 pm. Need not be present to win.

Lori O'Harver

Lori O'Harver is a woman on a mission to tell the stories of the world without borders known as Bronc Riding Nation. From the vast grasslands the great bucking horses call home to the bright lights of Las Vegas, where good ones buck and the people called to ride them come to make their high flying dreams come true, she writes about the horses and people who feel the spirit of freedom and devote their lives to keeping the legends alive.