In November of 1998, the Rider Relief Fund (initially known as the Resistol Relief Fund) was founded following Jerome Davis’ collision with Jerry Nelson’s bull, Knock ‘em Out John. Jerome’s injury was serious, and it ended his career as a bull rider. The outpouring of care and concern from friends, fans, sponsors, participants in and around the sport of bull riding, and members of the Professional Bull Riders Board of Directors resulted in the establishment of the Rider Relief Fund, a non-profit, 501(c)(3), organization.

Today, the Rider Relief Fund continues its mission … providing financial assistance to the human athletes injured in the sport of bull riding. The Rider Relief Fund supports athletes — bull riders and bullfighters — at all levels of competition, and bull riding is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States.

As the sport grows, so does the need for the Rider Relief Fund. Technology and new materials have created many equipment inventions and improvements for the bull riders, bullfighters, and the bovine athletes. Personal protection gear is required at all levels of competition, but bones will still be broken.

When an athlete in the sport of bull riding is injured, their earning capability can literally vanish. Funding from the Rider Relief Fund provides the injured athlete and his family with assistance in meeting basic needs such as food, shelter, and utilities. Since 1998, the Rider Relief Fund has provided more than 450 athletes with assistance totaling over $1.4 million.

While it all began when one of bull riding’s best was knocked from competition, Jerome didn’t let his injury end his association with the sport he loves. Jerome and his wife, Tiffany, are not only top-notch stock contractors in North Carolina, but they also help many young bull riders, through their ranching operations and bull riding schools and events. Jerome and Tiffany continue to give back to the sport, and we hope you will join them in supporting the Rider Relief Fund.