Rodeo is a dangerous sport. The adrenaline rush, the cheers of the crowd, and the thrill of victory make it a grand spectacle. But beneath the glitz and glamor lies a world filled with danger and risks that few truly understand. For those who step into the arena, rodeo is not merely a sport–it’s a way of life. However, there is a risk factor and a cowboy’s moments of triumph often intertwine with unforeseen challenges.

A similar challenge was faced by Ben Kilburg, an Eastern Iowa native, during a bulldogging competition in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Killburg’s wife recalls the terrifying accident that left her husband with a serious head injury.

Ben Kilburg’s freak rodeo accident

Earlier this month, Kilburg was eager to showcase his skills in steer wrestling as he prepared for the renowned Cheyenne Frontier Days. Hailing from La Motte, Iowa, in Jackson County, the cowboy was no stranger to the thrill of the rodeo arena. However, this particular day tested him like never before. While recalling the accident, Mallory Kilburg, Ben’s wife, claimed that as Ben prepared to wrestle the steer, he missed his mark and rolled into the path of the hazing horse, which ended up kicking his head. According to a Khak report, Mallory said, “It was just a freak accident. And it was absolutely terrifying.” The impact was brutal, and Ben found himself face down in the dirt, motionless and bleeding from a head injury.

He was immediately helped by Dr. Jennifer Rice, who herself was a participant in breakaway roping. Rice did not hesitate to leap from her horse to offer aid. While she rushed to him, Kilburg was having a seizure and remained unconscious. But with precision and care, she stabilized his head and neck, gently rolling him onto his back.

Soon after, they secured him on a spine board and rushed him to the hospital. Miraculously, after being in a medically induced coma for most of the week, Kilburg has finally woken up. The cowboy’s wife uploaded pictures on social media to give an update about her husband. Pictures reveal that Kilburg is now talking and on the path to recovery. As thrilling as the rodeo is, it remains as one of the most dangerous sports on the planet.

Rodeo injuries are the most brutal in sports

According to studies, rodeo outshines other sports in terms of inherent risks. Injuries sustained by cowboys and cowgirls are often more dangerous compared to boxing, football, or ice hockey. According to the Justin Sportsmedicine Team, who diligently tracks the physical toll of rodeo events, head and face injuries emerge as the primary body injuries. These are followed closely by knee and shoulder injuries. The findings of this team revealed that between 1981-2005, a total of 2,026 cases of head and face injuries were reported. In addition to this, there were 1,536 cases of injuries to the knee and 1,476 shoulder injuries that unfolded at rodeo events during these years.

Read more: PBR World Mourns Terrifying Death of 19-Year-Old Who Got Fatally Injured During First Nations Rodeo

The danger in rodeo is undeniable, but the passion that fuels the hearts of cowboys and cowgirls is equally undeniable. As the Kilburg family navigates this challenging journey, the community’s unwavering support has been a beacon of light. A GoFundMe campaign to aid with Ben’s medical expenses has touched hearts far and wide, raising over $51,000.

Watch this story: “He Got Hit Pretty Hard”: Family Devastated After 19-Year-Old Bull Rider Gets Fatally Injured at Rodeo in Calgary