Injury Fails to Sideline Miss Rodeo America 2005

Chattanooga, TN – Despite having her left arm broken while on the rodeo trail, Selena Ulch demonstrated the “cowgirl up” mantra of the beloved sport she represents as Miss Rodeo America 2005. Sporting a custom embroidered arm sling, Ulch made an appearance on behalf of Absorbine at the American Farrier’s Association annual convention in Chattanooga, TN.

“Everyone is being extra accommodating to me,” said 20-year-old Ulch, a resident of Sparks, NV. “I’m quite a sight trying to get through airport security right now.”

Following a presentation ride at a performance of the Silver Spurs Rodeo in Kissimmee, FL, the horse Ulch was riding spooked in the alleyway and zigged while Ulch zagged, leaving the first lady of professional rodeo in painful contact with the pipe fencing. Ulch was knocked unconscious briefly but did not suffer a concussion. However, the radius bone in her left forearm was shattered, requiring pin-placement surgery to set the arm again. The surgery was performed by Dr. Scott Gordon at the Kissimmee Surgery Center on Feb. 18th.

Determined to go on with the show, Ulch spent the remainder of the rodeo performances helping in any way she could, and took her presentation laps in a Dodge truck. She even upheld the tradition of participating in the annual hog hunting expedition hosted by the Florida committee.

“Fortunately, I’m right-handed. So, there’s still a lot I can do while my left arm heals,” said Ulch when asked about her upcoming appearance commitments. “I expect this cast to be removed within three to four weeks.”

Since the year began, the trail for Ulch has taken her to the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, CA, followed by 23 performances of the National Stock Show and Rodeo in Denver, CO, and the Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo in South Dakota.

Miss Rodeo America spent nearly two weeks in Kissimmee, FL, for the bi-annual Silver Spurs Rodeo and three days in Chattanooga, TN, for the American Farrier’s Convention.  Now, Ulch will get some much-needed rest at home for a few days before assisting with the Miss Rodeo Nevada Queen Clinic in March and then on to the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Pocatello, Idaho.