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 five key areas of wellness: Financial Assistance, 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—they’re left to cover medical bills, family expenses, and other costs with no safety net. 

WSF fills that gap by providing support in every area of life through services including financial assistance as well as 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. 

  • Behind the scenes of everything we do are teams of passionate people who are dedicated to fulfilling Our Mission:

  • 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.

  • 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.