PRCA bull rider Bo Tyler Vocu was hospitalized briefly after being thrown from his ride “Smokin’ Hot” Saturday evening.

According to Tracy Renck, spokesperson for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, 23-year-old Vocu, from Ashland, Montana, was treated and released from an area hospital and hopes to return to competing soon.

“I just kind of just had a bad go,” Vocu told The Denver Gazette. “That bull went to the finals this past year, and I knew it was going to be one you could win on and shoot, he just had the better day that night. Sometimes it goes like that. Sometimes you hit heads with him and get knocked out – it just comes with the territory.”

Vocu said the bull was a “bucker” and that it was able to throw him forward where Vocu hit his head on the bull’s head, knocking him unconscious. Vocu woke up with a mild concussion and four stitches in his chin from the incident.

Vocu spends his time when not riding bulls working for the Intertribal Agricultural Council’s youth program helping Native American kids get into agriculture through scholarships and other programs.

He said he’s been riding since he was little, starting out with mutton busting and calves. He rode his first big bull when he was about 14.

“I just want to thank God for letting me come through that pretty healthy,” Vocu said. “I am super thankful for everyone who reached out with the prayers and messages. It sure means a lot.”

Michael Bo Vocu posted on X: “Thanks everybody for checking on Bo Tyler. He was awake when we left the rodeo. They’re taking him to the hospital to make sure he’s all right, but he was awake. …. UPDATE TESTS ALL CAME BACK GOOD SO HE’S OK. HAS A CONCUSSION. GONNA BE SORE. THANK YOU ALL FOR THE PRAYERS.”