The official word came in from The Women’s Professional Rodeo Association that multi-time NFR qualifier Dona Kay Rule will not compete in Rounds 9 and 10 of the 2024 NFR barrel racing, marking an end to her NFR journey on the year.
Dona Kay Rule, 66, received her injury in the alleyway before her Round 8 run, when High Valor connected with the metal stock chutes and Rule was hung and dragged beneath him, eventually landing in the dirt alongside the chute. There is no update on High Valor’s condition at the time.
The following message is from the WPRA on Dec. 13, 10:40 a.m.
“After being examined by the Justin SportsMedicine Team following the eighth round of the NFR where Dona Kay Rule suffered a head abrasion, a left ankle sprain and a sacrum contusion, she and her family made the decision to go to the ER for further testing. Everything checked out okay at this time, but she has made the decision to doctor release out of the ninth round. Per the ground rule, an injured contestant may, with a proper doctor’s release from a medical doctor on the official NFR medical staff, turn out. If he/she does turn out, he/she must turn out at least two consecutive go-rounds in an event before resuming competition. So as a result Dona Kay Rule’s 2024 NFR is now complete. We all wish her much rest and recovery and hope to see her in 2025.”
Updates will follow as the story develops.