UPDATE: Presley Whitaker to hopefully come home this week, Montana State Rodeo coach's wife loses hand in horse-related accident

UPDATE: (5/25) Coach Kyle Whitaker giving an update on his wife after an incident involving a horse, she’s been in Salt Lake City where she’s been receiving medical care since the incident took place.

In mid may she got a rope wrapped around her arm and was drug around until she hit a fence, which broke her jaw and severed her hand.

Whitaker says he’s so impressed with her attitude and determination, adding—quote “guess I shouldn’t be too surprised from the girl who once rode a bull.”

Saying their family appreciates all the prayers and support and know it’s going to be a challenging summer of adjustments and healing.

She is getting therapy right now, but excited for her to get home later this week.

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UPDATE: (5/21/2026) Coach Whitaker sharing that his wife has been moved to the rehab floor.

Photos he posted are now available, she is now working on physical and occupational therapy and still has a lot of healing to do, he adds online she has to learn how to do everything left handed, but they add they are thankful she is receiving great care and is one step closer to coming home!

The team started an online fundraiser for her.

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BOZEMAN, Mont. — Presley Whitaker, the wife of Montana State University's (MSU) Head Rodeo Coach Kyle Whitaker, suffered serious injuries after an incident involving a horse that occurred on Monday.

Coach Whitaker posted a statement on Facebook Tuesday explaining the situation.

"Yesterday Presley got a rope wrapped around her arm and was drug around until she hit a fence, which broke her jaw and severed her hand. She was flown to Salt Lake City last night and they attempted to reattach her hand, but there was too much damage done already," he said.

Whitaker thanked the "MSU Rodeo family" who arranged private planes to transport him and Presley's mother to Salt Lake City. Additionally, he expressed gratitude to the individuals present at the scene of the incident.

"It was a gruesome scene and they handled it like pros," Whitaker said.

The MSU Rodeo Chute Boss Club made a Facebook post on Tuesday night announcing that they are working on an official fundraising page to support the Whitaker family. This article will be updated when more information about the fundraising page is shared.

Just yesterday, Kyle Whitaker was named Big Sky Coach of the year. The team made a congratulatory post, and acknowledged the injury, asking for prayers.

This is a developing story, updates will be provided as more information becomes available.