ProRodeo Sports News - October 1, 2021

Unexpected Assist PRORODEO COWBOYS

Family steps up to help injured rider Vezain get robotic legs

BY KEVIN CARMODY, Special to ProRodeo Sports News I n the three-plus years since bareback rider J.R. Vezain suffered a career-ending injury at the Pasadena (Texas) Livestock Show & Rodeo that ultimately left him paralyzed from the waist down, the native of Cowley, Wyo., has stood firm in his long-term goal: To walk unassisted. That hasn’t happened yet – and may never happen – but the six-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier recently got quite the assist when the 29-year-old secured funding to receive state-of-the-art robotic legs to make life more normal around his house and ranch. “I’m super blessed,” Vezain said from his home in Melstone, Mont. “Once again, the rodeo family has stepped up to help a guy out. It’s just overwhelmingly humbling again to see the love and support of people still believing in me and helping me reach one of my goals.” As soon as mid-October, Vezain will be fitted with his personal Indego exoskeleton, engineered by the Parker Hannifin Corporation. The exoskeleton is a battery-operated, 39-pound device that is fitted around the waist and legs to allow those with spinal cord injuries to walk. As part of his rehab following his injury on Sept. 22, 2018, Vezain was introduced to the unique therapy, then wondered about the possibility of having one for personal use. But the $100,000 price tag meant he and his wife, Shelby, would have to part with many valuables and livestock from their home and ranch to make that a reality. RODEO FAMILY INTERCEDES Vezain happened to be watching Sage Newman, his brother-in-law, at a saddle bronc riding event when he

Photo courtesy Vezain family Bareback rider J.R. Vezain, who was paralyzed from the waist down following a rodeo accident in September 2018, receives instruction on how to walk with the assistance of his Indego exoskeleton, engineered by the Parker Hannifin Corporation.

“It’s just overwhelmingly humbling again to see the love and support of people still believing in me and helping me reach one of my goals.” – J.R. VEZAIN

ProRodeo Sports News 10/1/2021

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