Saddle Bronc Rider Dawson Hay Out for 2026 Season Due to Injury

In the midst of peak rodeo season, news headlines are often found to contain stories of success, victories, and smiles. However, more often than rodeo fans would like, they also tend to carry headlines of injuries and mishaps, likely due to the increased number of competitions during the summer season. Sadly, 6-time NFR Qualifier Dawson Hay has found himself on the wrong side of the headlines and has just announced that he will be missing the remainder of the 2026 season to needing a surgery following a recent injury.

Dawson’s injury originally occurred during the Ogden Pioneer Days, which took place on July 20-24th of 2026. The saddle bronc rider was dismounting a pickup man when his knee got twisted in the stirrup. This was an unfortunate occurrence, though Hay continued competing following the injury.

He believed the injury was fairly minor and easily competed through. However, the injury quickly proved to be more serious than originally thought, leading Dawson to an MRI, which revealed he had torn his ACL, MCL, PLC, and meniscus in his left knee.

Injuries to the ACL and MCL typically require surgery, which is the case for Hay. Because of the need for surgery, he will be unable to compete in the remainder of the 2026 season. The recovery for such surgeries is extensive, and Dawson will have to train, strengthen, and prepare his leg for competition for a considerable time.

Despite this negative, the story is not all negative. The saddle bronc rider is expected to return to competition for the 2027 rodeo season, leaving only the last few months of the 2026 season incomplete. All too often rodeo athletes suffer career-ending injuries, so the ability for surgery and a recovery time of less than a year is seen as a positive for Dawson. With a good 2026 season under his belt, currently standing No. 28 in the world, he is sure to return to the arena better than ever and ready for competition.

Overall, because of a serious injury to Dawson Hay’s left leg, he will be undergoing surgery shortly, which is expected to keep him out for the remainder of the 2026 season. The rodeo community is sad to see this saddle bronc rider’s season cut short, but is rejoicing in his imminent return for the 2027 season. Countless prayers and well-wishes go with Dawson as he exits the arenas for the year, and hope for a speedy recovery and return to competition.