The PBR has made many changes to bull riding in the past 15 years, and even with great advancements, it’s still the Toughest Sport on Earth. There have been, and always will be injuries.

The PBR felt compelled to create a charity that was there to help bull riders in times of need. No matter the age, no matter the venue, and no matter the sanctioning body, we wanted a charity that would support athletes and their families when crisis hit. It’s very difficult, if not impossible, to find insurance in the sport of bull riding, and when one out of every 15 rides results in injury, having an organization like the Rider Relief Fund is crucial.

I’m proud to say that over 400 families have received assistance of over $1.4 million since the Fund was created, and even in a difficult economy, your support has never wavered. I am also very proud that many of the world’s top bull riders have joined in the cause. This was, after all, not intended to be an extra perk of the elite, high earning rider; it was and is for the cowboy who didn’t get all the great breaks and ended up in the hospital.

The athletes who devote their time, talent, and often their health to providing us this great sport will continue to need your support and donations. I thank you for your overwhelming care and concern in the past, and humbly ask for your continued support this year and in the future.

Bull riding has come a long way, and the athletes who sustain it need to know we care.

Randy W. Bernard
Board Officer, Rider Relief Fund