“Never Seen One Survive”: After Life Altering ‘Rodeo’ Accident, 13-Year-Old Equestrian Regains Passion for Horse Riding

The equestrian world offers respite and tranquility to all who seek it. However, on the flip side of this peaceful oasis, stories can take an abrupt turn in the blink of an eye. So the need to exercise caution is of the utmost importance. In one such horrifying tale, a 13-year-old girl in Oklahoma faced a daunting, life-altering rodeo accident that could have severely impacted her life.

But after surviving the grueling ordeal, this girl showcased that her passion for horses can never be tamed as she regained life with a newfound love for the equestrian world.

Tragedy strikes at the rodeo

According to News 9, tragedy struck in the heart of Oklahoma City when young Brayle Miller faced a near-death rodeo accident on August 26, 2017. The daughter of a barrel racer, Brayle accompanied her mother as a tiny cheerleader to the adrenaline-pumping race at the extreme rodeo. Amid the thrilling event, however, something unexpected happened. Brayle was atop a horse tethered to her grandmother’s steed. And when fireworks were set off after the bullfighting, the loud noise scared the horses, including the one Brayle was on.

The horse bolted, and eventually, Brayle was thrown off, only to be discovered later in the parking lot after she hit her head hard and began to experience concussion-type symptoms like puking. Brayle was then rushed to the hospital, and her family feared that she had a serious brain injury. Kelly Bridges, Brayle’s grandmother, shared that doctors at OU Medical in Oklahoma even said, “He said that I don’t know, I’ve never seen one survive, and then like reality hits.” However, what followed the horrifying tragedy was surely a miracle.

Brayle Miller’s equestrian miracle

After eight days of sleeping in the hospital, Brayle slowly woke up, but her memory was affected. Kelly Bridges shared, “When she woke up, she lost her short-term memory, she couldn’t remember the alphabet.” And that’s not all; the trauma of the accident even left her with a fear of the equestrian creatures.

Nonetheless, over time, Brayle’s determination and fighting spirit helped her recover, and she rose like a Phoenix. Soon, she even resumed riding horses. Fast forward six years later, and now 13-year-old Brayle Miller has found an unflinching love for horses. This love is evident in the adorable and exciting TikTok videos she records with the magnificent creatures.

Read more: “Still Can’t…”: Despite Surviving Death, Mary Lou Retton Still Caught in Grips of Rare Pneumonia

Although the aftermath of the accident continues to linger, especially with the cold affecting her ability to ride, through therapy and the support of her family, Brayle Miller has found a safe space in the equestrian world with a captivating story of resilience.

Watch this story: Local Favorites’ Former 22-Acre Equestrian Resort Estate Hits Market at $13.9M