The year 2020 was bad for just about anybody, but it was especially bad for two-time NFR tie-down roper Ryle Smith.
Before the pandemic even started, Smith’s best horse ‘Trouble’ was hit by a truck after he had gotten out of his trailer while on the road. According to Smith, the road was dark and rough and because he had a big trailer on his vehicle, he didn’t know the horse had gotten out.
It was a freak accident, but Trouble made a full recovery and just one year later, Smith rode Trouble to set the arena record in Montgomery, Alabama.
“Long story short, not only did he survive, but he survived very well considering the situation,” Smith said. “I wish I could elaborate more on it, but I’m just glad he survived and he did. And it’s pretty crazy to show how big of a heart he’s got and how tough he is.”
Trouble is 19-years-old and Smith has had him since he was 3-years-old. This will likely be the horse’s last rodeo season.
You can see Ryle Smith’s full interview from The Cowboy Channel Tailgate Party in Reno here.