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North Okanagan  

Trampled stampede rider in hospital

 

Sunday afternoon kicked off with a scary moment for rodeo fans at the Falkland Stampede.

Bareback rider, Jason Havens of Prineville Oregon, was thrown from his horse at the start of Sunday's rodeo event.

Witnesses say Havens got caught up in his rig and was trampled by his horse as well as one of the rescue horses.

Early reports on Sunday afternoon described Havens as being in stable condition with non-life threatening injuries.

"He took a couple knocks to the head and his arm as well. Sounds like he's going to be alright, he's got some serious injuries, but he's going to be fine," said Falkland Stampede manager, Jason Churchill.

Havens was rushed to Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops where he is being treated for a concussion, broken shoulder, and broken vertebra, says Churchill.

Havens' wife, Brook, flew in from Oregon on Monday. She was not available for an interview, but says they are keeping busy at the hospital with a lot of visitors.   

Jason Churchill says he's been in contact with Havens' friends and family, and all reports point towards a good recovery.

"I am told he's up and walking around today. They kept him in hospital last night for observation because of the possibility of blood clots. But they are hoping to release him today," said Churchill.  

Havens, age 36, won three professional titles in 2012 and has qualified for the Wrangler National Rodeo Finals five times.  



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