Kevin Cunin – Getting back in the saddle

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Cunin was rushed to the local hospital and then airlifted to Vancouver, where he had a long and complicated surgery. He was told he would likely never walk or ride again.

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After 5 months of rehab down in the lower mainland, Cunin was able to come back home. He moved out to Vanderhoof.

Fast-forward a few years, filled with determination and drive. He got right back in the saddle again. Quickly discovering he couldn’t use a conventional saddle. He tracked down a Texan for a custom fit. The saddle itself was extremely expensive. The community and local businesses rallied around him and helped him get this special saddle.
When asked why he decided to get back on a horse.

” I don’t know I guess my brain is wired a little different it was never a thought of if I would, but, when I would get the opportunity to again.”

Now, six years after his accident, he headed right back to the Smithers Rodeo.

” Same place, same arena, same crowd, same everything. Went back up there, on a Friday night, I did the grand entry, so I did the grand entry with the Smithers Rodeo Club flag. explained Kevin Cunin ” Then on Saturday evening about 3:30, I ended up getting ahold of the British Columbia Rodeo Association, the BCAA President and I said, Gord what do you think about doing a run..and he said ya we would have no problem.”

And so, with the help of a partner, that cowboy jumped on his saddle again and roped a calf in front of hundreds of cheering fans.

Cunin says, he plans on riding a full season next year.