Coming off his first Wrangler NFR in 2020, where he placed second in three rounds, bareback rider Leighton Berry had big goals for 2021 — to not only make it back to the Finals in the bareback riding but also compete in the tie-down and steer roping, and try to win the Linderman Award, which recognizes cowboys who perform at both ends of the arena.
Unfortunately, those plans have been put on hold due to an injury incurred in Odessa, where he he suffered torn ligaments in two different parts of his spine when crushed in the bucking chute.
Amy Wilson, who was onsite in Odessa when Leighton was injured, says, “You knew right away that something was wrong because he sat up and double grabbed instantly when that horse left the chute.”
Before his surgery this past Monday, Leighton wrote on Instagram:
I’ll be undergoing a thoracic/lumber spinal fusion back surgery first thing in the morning in Austin, Texas, due to getting smashed in the bucking chute in Odessa earlier this month. I’ll be expected to make a full recovery in 6-8 months. This is God’s plan, and everything really does happen for a reason! I appreciate the prayers and support I’ve received from everyone. Winners never quit and quitters never win.”
We’re happy to report that he came out of surgery fine, and he hopes to be rodeoing again by mid-July.
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