The Arizona riding community is rallying around Braden Johns, a prominent horseman in the area, who was critically injured during a competition. According to multiple Facebook posts, including from the Arizona Cutting Horse Association with over 6000 members, Braden Johns was involved in an accident on Monday, October 14, at the National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity (NRCHA).
The association said Johns was involved in the reined cow-horse competition at the time of the accident. The reined cow-horse competition is an equestrian sport.
The post by the Arizona Cutting Horse Association said that Johns was hospitalized after he was involved in a grave horse accident Monday morning. The post said:
“Please pray for our friend and fellow trainer Braden Johns, who was involved in a serious horse accident this morning at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity. We are asking for prayers for a miracle recovery, strength and comfort for his family, and God's protection during this difficult time.”
In the wake of the accident, community members launched a GoFundMe campaign to help pay medical bills. The campaign initiated by Allison Bowen said:
“As you can imagine, the medical bills will be significant, and we want to ensure Braden & his fiancé Hannah can focus on getting Braden well without the added burden of financial stress. Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a difference.”
The fundraiser, with a goal to raise $10,000, has raised over $3900.
Braden Johns NRCHA accident explored
Johns is a trainer at the National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity. Community member Kade Chap shared some insight into the accident after receiving an update from Johns's fiance.
In a Facebook post, Chapman said Johns was riding his horse when a calf cut under the horse, prompting the horse to flip over him. Johns supposedly sustained broken bones and brain bleed in the accident. Chapman alleged Johns was stable but unconscious. The post said:
“Keep the prayers coming for Braden Johns. He is stable but still unconscious." Chapman added "The update came from his fiancée. She posted a good message on her Facebook page.”
According to the National Reined Cow Horse Association, the accident occurred during Monday’s preliminary cow work. They added:
“Please join us as we lift up Braden Johns and his family and friends in prayer. We are praying for wisdom for his doctors, strength, healing, and a full recovery for Braden, and comfort and love for his family and friends after an accident during today’s preliminary cow work.”
According to his Facebook profile, Johns is from New Mexico, but was living in Arizona at the time of the accident.