Injured chuck wagon racer suffers non-life-threatening injuries at Rodeo Houston

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Chuck wagon racer Gary Sandstead was rounding the corner, when suddenly he flew out of the wagon and onto the ground. He remained motionless.

It was a frightening moments for his wife who was watching a live stream from her home in Colorado.

"I was concerned because when he flew off, he just kind of laid there he didn't move. And I was real concerned if he could move," said Connie Sandstead.

Fortunately Sandstead suffered non-life threatening injuries. Sandstead's wife said he was still in ICU on Wednesday afternoon. He had broken ribs and a broken shoulder. He's expected to make a full recovery.

"He said I really messed up did night. And I'm kind of like, yes you did," said Connie Sandstead.

Connie said her husband has been racing for 15 to 20 years and has never had an injury like this.

People at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo are thankful both rider and horse are OK.

Rodeo fan Jeff Boles said, "I don't recall ever seeing another guy fall off, and as fast as they are turning and sliding those horses and bumping into each other."

Rodeo officials told Eyewitness News the horse was checked by a veterinarian and is OK, too.

That's welcome news to rodeo fans.

Rodeo goer Tommi Bradburn said, "Glad he's OK, that's been a part of rodeo a long time and I think he would want it to remain there."

For longtime, rodeo fans the accident was something they have never seen before.

Norberto Salas said, "I was like, 'That was just scary.' I was like, 'Oh, oh man, what the heck just happened?'"

As for safety measures, we asked why there is no seat belt or strap to keep the ride in and we were told that riders would rather be thrown free from the wagon if there is an incident and not strapped to the seat on a wagon that has overturned and possibly being dragged by horses that are out of control.

Connie said her husband will be in the hospital for several days. After that, he plans on returning to RodeoHouston. While he won't he compete, he still wants to be at the event.

"You get bucked off, you get back on," Sandstead said.