What Happened To Stetson Wright? All-Around World Champion Decided To Stay Out Of The Remainder of 2024 PRCA Season

Stetson Wright, the defending All-Around World Champion in rodeo, announced that he would be sitting out the remainder of the 2024 Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) season as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.

The injury, which occurred during the 2023 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR), required surgery, and Wright had hoped to return to competition earlier in 2024.

However, after initially indicating that he would return at the Reno Rodeo in June, Wright ultimately decided to focus on his health and not rush back to competition before he was fully recovered.

In a video posted to social media, Wright explained,

“My 2024 season is officially over. There’s only one reason – I’m just not physically ready yet.”

He emphasized that he had promised himself he would only return to rodeo when he was 100 percent, and after careful consideration, he chose to honor that commitment.

He acknowledged that while it was a difficult decision, he could not return prematurely and risk further injury.

Wright’s decision was a reminder of the dedication and sacrifices athletes make in pursuit of their careers. Despite the disappointment of sitting out a full season, Wright highlighted the importance of his health and the support he received from his family, friends, fans, and sponsors during this recovery process. He noted that his sponsors played a crucial role in allowing him the time to heal properly.

Although Wright had been cleared to ride horses and participate in team roping earlier in the year, his full recovery has taken longer than expected. He had hoped to return in time for the Reno Rodeo but did not compete when his name appeared on the event’s day sheets. Instead, Wright was seen at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo, supporting his family but opting to stay out of the chutes.

As one of the most accomplished athletes in rodeo, with eight world championships in all-around, bull riding, and saddle bronc, Wright’s absence from the 2024 season is a significant moment in the rodeo world.

He finished the 2023 season with nearly $480,000 in earnings, securing his fifth consecutive all-around championship. Wright has said that while nobody wants to miss a full season, the decision to prioritize his health was ultimately the best choice for his long-term future in rodeo.

Wright concluded his social media message by thanking his supporters and hinting at some exciting developments to come.

“Some big things are coming that are going to start dropping soon,” he said, encouraging fans to stay tuned for future updates.

Despite the challenges of sitting out, Wright remains optimistic about his future in the sport and grateful for the continued support from his community.