Western Sports Foundation supports Western athletes in securing a stronger, healthier future

As a 501(c)3 non profit, Western Sports Foundation (WSF) is committed to providing an essential support system for Western sports athletes with health, wellness, and career resources. Our mission is to keep athletes safe, strong, and prepared for life during and after their competitive careers.

WSF’s services are available to all levels and disciplines of Western athletes at little to no cost thanks to the generosity of our donors and partners.

Who we are

Why it matters

Unlike mainstream pro athletes, professional cowboys and cowgirls don’t have a team of trainers, dietitians, sports psychologists, and crisis managers on speed dial. Without that built-in system, Western athletes have limited access to support, and they’re left responsible for all their own expenses.

How We Help

WSF fills that gap by providing free or low cost resources to help athletes navigate every aspect of life. WSF services include all the tools athletes need to succeed in the arena as well as in other professional endeavors and life after the ride.

  • Our experienced providers offer one-on-one coaching in areas including financial literacy, social media and interview prep to help athletes succeed in the digital age.

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  • WSF is committed to supporting athletes' mental health through every stage of their career and beyond.

    Our providers offer confidential counseling services, support with mental roadblocks, brain health evaluations, and support after an injury.

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  • WSF believes that every rodeo athlete deserves to feel their best, both in and out of the arena.

    That's why we partner with leading physical therapists, injury prevention specialists, and registered dietitians who share our passion for helping athletes achieve optimal physical wellness and maintain their health long after their days of competing are over. 

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  • The road may go on forever, but a rodeo career doesn't.

    That's why we offer scholarships, work with top career coaches, and facilitate connections with Western-focused job platforms like Of the West. These resources allow athletes to carry the values they’ve developed in their into the next chapter of life.

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WSF’s services are available to current and retired athletes who hold cards with professional organizations including:

PRORODEO logo featuring a silhouette of a cowboy riding a bucking horse, with 'PRORODEO' at the top in white text and 'PRCA' at the bottom right in white text against a beige background.
Logo of the National High School Rodeo Association featuring a red cowboy boot with a star.
Logo of WPRA with stylized horse and rodeo theme.
Logo for Women's Rodeo World Championships featuring a stylized illustration of a woman with long hair, wearing a hat and earrings, with the word "RODEO" in bold red letters.

Join us in providing an essential support system for cowboys and cowgirls

Get Involved

In the News

In the News
When Tough Isn’t Enough: Dustin Martinez’s Story of Mental Health and Moving Forward
When Tough Isn’t Enough: Dustin Martinez’s Story of Mental Health and Moving Forward

Professional bull rider Dustin Martinez built his career on toughness, discipline, and the mindset Western sports demand. But as injuries added up and recovery changed, he was forced to confront a different kind of challenge—one that couldn’t be pushed through the same way.

In this story, Dustin shares what it looked like to step away, ask for help, and redefine what strength really means, on and off the dirt.

Read more →
The Mental Game: Kyler Modglin’s Journey Back to Rodeo
The Mental Game: Kyler Modglin’s Journey Back to Rodeo

Mental health challenges are often invisible in Western sports. Bareback rider Kyler Modglin shares how injuries, fear, and uncertainty nearly ended his rodeo career—and how support from Western Sports Foundation helped him begin rebuilding his confidence and mental resilience.

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Why Mental Resilience Matters in Western Sports
Why Mental Resilience Matters in Western Sports

Mental resilience plays a critical role in the long-term success of Western athletes. From managing competition pressure to navigating life beyond the arena, mental performance support helps athletes build sustainable careers.

Read more →
Why Long-Term Support Matters
Why Long-Term Support Matters

In Western sports, lasting success is built on preparation, discipline, and the ability to play the long game. Athlete support is no different. At WSF, we believe consistent mental health resources and year-round care are essential to helping athletes protect their well-being and navigate life beyond competition.

Read more →

FAQs

  • Western Sports Foundation (WSF) is a nonprofit organization that supports rodeo and western sports athletes with health, wellness, and career resources. Our mission is to keep athletes safe, strong, and prepared for life during and after their competitive careers.

  • WSF helps rodeo athletes and western sports competitors at every level, from youth and amateur athletes to professional rodeo champions.

    We provide resources that focus on physical health, mental wellness, financial education, and long-term career planning.

  • Western Sports Foundation offers a wide range of services for athletes, including:

    • Sports medicine and injury recovery

    • Mental health and counseling support

    • Financial literacy and money management tools

    • Career development and transition resources

    • Personal wellness and life skills training


  • Unlike athletes in traditional professional sports, rodeo athletes are independent contractors. They do not receive guaranteed salaries, health insurance, or retirement benefits. Western Sports Foundation fills that gap by providing vital resources that help athletes stay healthy, manage finances, and prepare for life beyond the rodeo arena.

  • You can support WSF by making a donation, becoming a monthly donor, sponsoring programs, or sharing our mission with others. Every contribution helps rodeo athletes access resources that improve their health, safety, and future opportunities.

  • Yes. Western Sports Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

  • Athletes can connect with WSF directly through our website or by attending a WSF clinic. At these events, athletes gain access to sports medicine, mental health professionals, financial education workshops, and career planning resources.

Our Partners