Clay Guiton Temporarily Sidelined After Wreck at Thunder Days

After battling through a long recovery season after a bad wreck in February of 2026, Guiton was only just confirmed to return to competition as the 2026 PBR Teams season was beginning, something PBR fans everywhere were thrilled to hear. However, it wasn’t an easy return for Clay as he battled through a season of frustrating buck-offs to start the 2026 PBR Teams season.

After multiple unsuccessful outs, Guiton finally got his first qualified ride in competition on the final night of the Gamber Days in Austin, Texas. This was a huge win for Clay, one that fueled him immensely as he prepared for the opening night of the Thunder Days.

Sadly, his outing on the first night of the Thunder Days did not go as he had hoped. Paired against Sagebrush, a powerful and skilled bull, he was wrecked at six when he had a bad collision with Sagebrush that left him with a dislocated shoulder.

The medical staff immediately tended to Guiton, quickly resetting the shoulder. However, with 9 weeks of competition left in the 2026 PBR teams season, Clay must prioritize his long-term health and well-being. Therefore, Clay Guiton has been officially listed as “questionable” for the remainder of the Thunder Days event.

After having to miss the majority of the 2026 competition season, sitting out for yet another event must be extremely difficult for Guiton. However, the Carolina Cowboys must look at the season, as well as Clay’s personal season.

Guiton was one of the star riders for the Cowboys in 2025 and is therefore a keystone rider in the 2026 season. By rushing his return to competition so soon after his injury, they risk a re-injury, which could put him out of competition longer than a single weekend.

Clay’s long-term career must also be taken into account. Rushing return from injury can significantly cut down the potential length of a rider’s career as a simple injury can grow to cause life-long problems if not treated properly.

Overall, Clay Guiton’s wreck on Sagebrush was an unfortunate occurrence that has most likely left him out of competition for the remainder of the Thunder Days competition. It is not yet clear if Guiton will be sidelined from any other upcoming competitions, as his health and recovery must be prioritized.

After such a serious injury in February, Clay must be extra cautious for the remainder of the 2026 season for the sake of his career’s longevity. PBR fans are understandably saddened that they will not get to see Clay back in the chutes this weekend, but are even more glad to see one of their favorite riders take the time he needs to rest and recover, and then come back stronger.