Loyd Ketchum, the 1991 world champion bullfighter, sustained a mid-back injury on Sept. 5 at the Ellensburg (Wash.) Rodeo, which required surgery the next day at a Seattle Hospital. Ketchum was hit by a bull while attempting to protect a downed bull rider, thrown into the air and landed on his back. Justin Sportsmedicine staff at the arena stabilized Ketchum, 47, who was airlifted by helicopter to the hospital.

The veteran Miles City, Mont., bullfighter of more than 20 years fractured his T12 vertebra and sustained a spinal cord contusion. He was expected to be in the hospital through Sept. 12 and wear a back brace for about three months, according to Ketchum’s wife, Ashlee.

“Doctors expect a full recovery, but it is going to take a while,” Ashlee Ketchum said.

Loyd Ketchum was protecting Nevada bull rider Colin McTaggart at the time of the injury.

“They are obviously the most important thing to us,” McTaggart said about Ketchum actions. “They put themselves on the line to keep us safe. We can’t thank them enough for everything they do.”

Announcers Hadley Barrett and Randy Corley updated rodeo fans on Ketchum’s condition throughout the Ellensburg Rodeo. Ketchum was a 2004 inductee into the Ellensburg Rodeo Hall of Fame, a rodeo he has worked continuously since 1989.

Barrelman Keith Isley called Ketchum’s cell phone from the arena on Sept. 7, so Ketchum could hear Ellensburg Rodeo fans cheer for him.

“I’m here with a couple thousand of your friends,” said Isley. The crowd then yelled “Loyd, get well soon!’”

Ketchum, who got his PRCA card in 1987, is a familiar face at many rodeos throughout the United States. He is a 20-year veteran of the Greeley (Colo.) Stampede, Lewiston (Idaho) Round-Up and the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo (Rapid City, S.D.). He has worked the Pendleton (Ore.) Round-Up since 1991.

“He’s been around forever, and he has done an amazing job,” McTaggart said. “He’s a guy you feel safe with in the arena.”

Ketchum was chosen to work the National Finals Rodeo five times (1992-1996) and was an alternate three times (1990-91, 1997). Ketchum was selected to work the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo, presented by U.S. Smokeless Tobacco, from 1989-90 and 1992-93.

Ketchum also has several film and TV credits, including the 1991 movie “My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys.”

Visit Ketchum’s Web site, http://loydketchum.com/, for more information on the bullfighter.