Bull rider Ernie Courson Jr. sidelined for remainder of season with collarbone injury for 2023

Bull rider Ernie Courson Jr.’s quest to make his first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo will have to wait another year.

The Florida cowboy had his 2023 season come to an end when he broke his right collarbone when he was bucked off Bridwell Pro Rodeos’ Big Nasty Jax in Kennewick, Wash., at the Horse Heaven Roundup Rodeo, Aug. 24.

“During the ride the bull snatched me down about the third jump and put his horn under my chin and whacked my collarbone,” Courson Jr. said. “I knew it was broke on impact.”

Courson was making a push to qualify for the Wrangler NFR, as he was 17th in the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $94,181. He finished 20th in the 2022 world standings with $83,647.

“I’m already looking forward to 2024,” Courson said. “I learned a lot this year, so we’ll use that to make the Top 15 next year.”

courtesy of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) for media use.