EMPOWERING RODEO ATHLETES FOR LIFE AFTER THE RIDE
Who we are
Western Sports Foundation believes the best way to support Western athletes is by helping them secure a stronger, healthier future. Through our services, athletes have access to personal and professional development resources centered around key areas: Mental Health, Physical Health, Life Skills, and Education & Career Development.
In Less than Eight seconds, a mission was born
In 1998, Jerome Davis’ career-ending injury spurred the establishment of The Rider Relief Fund, a proactive, organized effort to provide financial assistance to athletes and their families throughout recovery from sport-related injuries. From these roots grew a larger effort to not only financially assist injured athletes, but provide additional resources that promote success in all areas of athletes’ lives. This is Western Sports Foundation, as we know it today.
WHY Western athletes need support
Western athletes do not have the same resources as mainstream pro athletes. Unlike a pro football player, Western athletes rely solely on their family and fellow competitors for support. They don’t have a team of trainers, dietitians, sports psychologists, and crisis managers who have their backs. Cowboys and cowgirls spend their nights driving to the next event, paying out of pocket for entry fees and fuel, but they only collect a check if they are a top finisher. When injury strikes, they don’t have the luxury of a built-in recovery team.
WSF fills that gap by providing support through services including mental, physical, and educational resources that are essential for a complete recovery.
behind the mission
The cowboy’s greatest asset is his friends. WSF believes our community is imperative to our success. That’s why we rely on a key group of contributors who directly impact our ability to fulfill our mission.
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Behind the scenes of everything we do are teams of passionate people who are dedicated to fulfilling Our Mission:
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The work of WSF is fully funded by donations from generous individuals and corporate sponsors; enabling us to offer our services at little or no cost. It's inspiring, the impact a group of people can make when they come together for a common cause.
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Your support is invaluable to us, in every form. From the news media to our followers on social media, helping spread awareness about our services and events plays a tremendous role in our continued success and growth.
FAQs
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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Yes. Western Sports Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
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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.