Dubbo bull rider Jordan Lane Robb’s hard road back from spinal injury after being crushed by a bull

DUBBO teenager Jordan Lane Robb was a young cowboy knocking on the door of the Professional Bull Riding tour when tragedy struck in an Armidale rodeo arena.

Jordan Lane Robb, a young cowboy from Coonamble who tragically was rendered a quadriplegic following a rodeo accident. Photo supplied

DUBBO teenager Jordan Lane Robb was a young cowboy knocking on the door of the professional bull riding tour when tragedy struck in an Armidale rodeo arena.

Just a few seconds after the chute opened on his ride — a bull named “Road Bomb” — at the Armidale Rodeo last November, the 18-year-old was thrown, suffering severe spinal cord damage.

Treated at the scene and transferred to the Royal North Shore Hospital spinal unit, the trainee boilermaker was told he had broken his C4 and C5 vertebrae.

However there was hope for the popular bull rider, originally from Coonamble.

He was breathing and could shrug his shoulders — a situation which doctors said “does not happen” with quadriplegics.

Drawing on the same tenacity he showed riding monster bulls and chasing pigs, Jordan has since tackled his physio head on, trying to fit in two sessions a day.

It has produced results for the young man. On Christmas Day, five weeks after his accident, Jordan managed to visit The Star casino with his mates to get out of his hospital bed. Another trip will take place today, with a van organised by RNS staff to take him to Tamworth for the Jordan Lane Robb Charity Auction and Rodeo.

Jordan Lane Robb in action.

Jordan Lane Robb has tackled his physio head on, trying to fit in two sessions a day.

Policeman dad Chris told The Saturday Telegraph the accident had been confronting for both Jordan and the family but his son’s attitude had been improving every day: “It’s been incredible to watch his outlook change.’’

Mr Lane said Jordan’s mum Debbie — who has been by his bedside throughout — was devastated: “From a personal point of view I’m his dad and it’s your dad’s job to fix problems for you and because I can’t fix it has been the hardest thing to get my head around.’’

Jordan has expressed no regret or anger towards the incredibly risky sport he loved. A rider since the age of two, he broke through for his first appearance in the PBR series — the internationally recognised Professional Bull Riders competition — last October.

“Bull riding is his life. He goes to work just so he can support his rodeo and bull riding career and he was very good at it,” Mr Lane said.

“Jordan was doing something he loves and he wouldn’t change anything. If he got well enough to ride again, he’d ride again.”

Jordan as a young cowboy.

Jordan has a love of bull riding.

The tight-knit sport has rallied around the family, with some of the best US cowboys sending messages of support.

The Coonamble, Dubbo and Tamworth communities have also pulled together to raise money for Jordan and organise the auction rodeo.

Mr Lane said a police legacy fundraiser was also being planned by his colleagues in Newcastle, where he is based.

Jordan will move to the Royal Ryde Rehab Centre later this month.

The Jordan Lane Robb Charity Auction and Rodeo is being held at the Australian Equine Livestock and Events Centre today from 3pm.

The auction includes 150 items, including a $15,000 custom-built stock trailer.

If you would like to donate or view auction items visit the Jordan Lane Robb Fundraiser Facebook page or e-mail [e-mail].