Muncy to miss 3-4 months after breaking leg in Red Bluff

By Courtesy PRCA
Posted Monday, April 21, 2008

Reigning Professionl Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider Taos Muncy was resting comfortably Monday at Shasta Regional Medical Center in Redding, Calif., one day after breaking both bones in his right leg at the Red Bluff Round-Up that required surgery to insert a rod.

Muncy, 20, of Corona, N.M., who won his first world title in 2007, expects to miss 3-4 months.
The accident occurred in the popular “Wild Ride” that follows the rodeo, where the top eight saddle bronc riders from the rodeo’s performance don their most outrageous costume and attempt to ride a rank bucking horse for a chance at $1,000 and a saddle.

Muncy and Christopher Lappa, of Weatherford, Texas, rode double – Muncy in the saddle as an American solder and Lappa, a native Australian, on the back end as the notorious Osama bin Laden.

As expected, Lappa didn’t last long. Muncy, however, made the qualified ride, but suffered the multiple fractures after his right foot got caught in the stirrup while dismounting the horse.

“It was a freak deal, but I guess it wasn’t too smart to be riding double,” Muncy said. “But I still would do it again. I just got my right foot stuck, and when I fell off to the right, it twisted my leg all around. It could have happened at any rodeo at any time. This is my first real serious injury, but it could have been a lot worse. I’m still breathing.”

Muncy is ranked No. 5 in the Crusher Rentals PRCA World Standings as of April 21 with $30,934 after earning $1,890 for finishing in a three-way tie for fourth place during the Red Bluff Round-Up.

Muncy expected to be released from the hospital on April 22 and start rehabilitation when ready.
“I already have someone lined up down in New Mexico who will help me get back in shape,” Muncy said. “Hopefully, I can get back on track pretty soon. I just want to make sure it’s right before I do ride again.”