Keenan Hayes To Sit Out 2025 Season Due To Injury, Eyes 2026 Return

The future of bareback rider Keenan Hayes has been a mystery for many during this rodeo season. After placing third in the world for bareback riding last year, the cowboy ended the season with an injury, one he spent a lot of time trying to rehab all season long.

While trying to get back on that horse, Hayes knew something wasn’t right. After a call with his doctor, a plane ride to Philadelphia, and a consultation at the Vincera Institute, Hayes learned both sides of his groin were going to need repair, with the hernia on his right side.

The sport of rodeo does not go easy on injuries, and if not cared for properly, can impact a rider for the rest of their life. Hayes felt he had to take the rest of the season to repair these injuries.

After a surgery where doctors realized that both sides had a hernia, they finished repairing the plate between his abdominal wall and groin that was also injured. Hayes has gone through a lengthy recovery time, with hours of physical therapy.