ProRodeo Sports News - June 9, 2023

shearing of the brain’s long connecting nerve fibers — as well as a cervical vertebrae fracture. He would spend 13 days at University Medical Center then just more than three months in rehabilitation centers in Arizona on both an in-patient and out-patient basis. While in Arizona, he underwent occupational, physical and speech therapy. Oftedahl finally returned to his home in Raymond, Minn., at the beginning of April. “I’m just hitting the gym,” Oftedahl said of his continuing rehab. “I have a personal trainer that I go to two to three times a week. I started that a couple weeks ago.” Aside from that, Oftedahl is tackling home improvement projects and relishing the time spent at home. “Before (the injury) I did some trucking but now I’m helping friends out, cowboying and riding a bunch,” he said. “I’m staying low, healing up.” By all diagnostics, his neck shows no signs of on-going spinal issues. “Everything healed up good,” he said. “My right side still has some weakness. I get some numbness in my fingers and toes, but they said that’s pretty normal. It will just take a while for that to go away.” Competing in ProRodeo’s most dangerous event, Oftedahl earned $107,944 conquering bucking bulls during the 2022 ProRodeo season but he’s in no rush to return to the arena. “They told me to take a year off at least,” Oftedahl noted of his doctors and therapists who all anticipate a 100 percent recovery. “If I can fill the void (left from not) rodeoing, I will probably let that happen. “I feel no speed or urgency to get back.” At 29 years old, Oftedahl’s injury has the cowboy thinking of his family and seeing only the positives in its wake. “It’s nice to be home and not have to worry about rodeo,” he said. “It’s like finding a diamond in the rough.” That inner peace is born of spending days with his wife Courtney and two small children, Tinsley and Tufton. Tufton was born in the heart of the Fourth of July rodeo run a year ago, born on July 2; Oftedahl missed the lucrative rodeo run to be there with his family and came back with renewed energy. A week after Tufton’s birth, Oftedahl competed at the Calgary Stampede,

winning a go round and advancing all the way to Championship Sunday. He followed that with a big showing at the California Rodeo Salinas “Big Week Bull Riding.” The momentum catapulted Oftedahl to his Wrangler NFR debut. Today, Oftedahl is enjoying watching his buddies and former hauling partners on The Cowboy Channel and being right where he is at home. “Tufton is a year old on July 2 and he is growing up so fast,” Oftedahl said. “He’s walking by himself, and his two front teeth are coming in.” The joy of being there for each milestone is evident in every word he says. “My oldest, Tinsley, will be four in October,” he continues. “She’s sure the boss. “Her mom has a barrel horse and has been going some and she (Tinsley) loves going there and doing all that.” Any rodeoing itch that Oftedahl has experienced seems to be fulfilled accompanying his wife as a spectator. “She has a new horse and she’s working to get together with him,” Oftedahl said. “She hadn’t rode in years because I was gone so much but I told her, ‘Ya, I’m home, you can try it.’” Oftedahl keeps in touch with his rodeo pals too, feeling the ups and downs of the road vicariously. “We stay in touch,” he said. “My hauling buddy Coy Thorson was doing great and up there in the Top 15, but he got stepped on and is out for a while.” “I’ve been watching on The Cowboy Channel, so I’m thankful for that chance to keep up with everyone.” Oftedahl is also appreciative of what the rodeo community did for him and his family as he navigated through his recovery, particularly efforts to help offset the debilitating medical costs. “We’re very fortunate,” he said. “Thank you to everyone who’s been with us along the way and has helped us out so much.” For now, Oftedahl is considering new opportunities outside of bull riding and taking the chance to do things like buying some cows. “I’m going to lean into that,” he said. “See what that leads to.” Far from being adrift through his changed circumstances, Oftedahl seems content and wants those who’ve helped him and followed his bull riding career to know that. “Reid Oftedahl . . . he’s doing good,” he said.

Reid Oftedahl shares a light moment with his family, son, Tufton, wife Courtney and daughter Tinsley. While recovery from his injuries, Oftedahl has cherished spending time with his family.

Photo courtesy Oftedahl family

ProRodeo Sports News 6/9/2023

ProRodeo.com

35