Newsdate: Fri 03 July 2015 – 8:00 am
Location: PORTLAND, Oregon

A 6-year-old gelding was euthanized after it sustained multiple fractures to one of its front legs in a collision with another horse during this past Wednesday night’s opening ceremonies at the 92nd Molalla Buckeroo PRCA Rodeo.

A horse rodeo scene

A fluke accident at the Molalla Buckeroo PRCA Rodeo results in euthanasia of one horse and injuries to two riders.
© 2015 by JamesTeterenko

The accident occurred when two riders and their horses with the Molalla-based Cowgirl Mafia Flag Team collided with one another near the center of the arena and within seconds of each entering the rodeo grounds from opposite ends of the arena.

One rider sustained a broken collarbone and a broken finger. The second rider suffered bruises and was expected to ride in Thursday’s opening ceremonies, team president Christy Wilcott said.

The second horse was treated for injuries and is expected to recover.

"Basically, it was a just a fluke accident," Wilcott said. "They went into the arena and the horse just spooked. We don't know what this horse spooked over. It could have been the crowd, it could have been the music, it could have been a flag that whipped ... we don't know. It just happened."

According to a press release put out by the Molalla Buckeroo Association Thursday afternoon:

“The on-site rodeo veterinarian immediately responded to the accident and attended to the horses, who were later transported to the veterinary clinic for full evaluation. One of the horses involved in the accident is expected to make a full recovery.  The second horse, a 6-year old gelding named Sundance, was found to have multiple fractures and the chances of recovery for the animal was low. The owners, after full consultation with the veterinarian, made the difficult decision to have the horse humanely euthanized.

“The Molalla Buckeroo Association would like to thank everyone who immediately responded to the injured riders and horses a well as those sending their thoughts, prayers and well wishes. The Molalla Buckeroo Family and the entire rodeo community wish a speedy recovery to the injured horse and the riders involved.”