“Rodeo is about life lessons, and not just about belt buckles and winning.” – Jim Wakefield
Cody Hooks recently learned that lesson.
The then 18-year-old showed up to the Bell County Rodeo in Belton, TX with dreams in his heart, goals in his mind, and he was ready to ride.
As exciting as the whole event is, everyone knows it comes with its dangers.
But passion can be blind.
Once that chute opens, along with the cheers, is the danger that awaits the contestant.
According to an interview by KXXV, Jay Taggart, Bell Co. Expo Center Board of Directors said that:
“Bull riding is a very dangerous sport. Those bulls are huge, they have horns, they’re aggressive, and they’re performing. They’re doing everything they can to get that rider off of their back.”
Cody’s bull intended on just that.
The people who sign up for this sport are all aware of this. Still, no one can stop their drive and passion.
Cody is a promising bull rider.
He was aware of the dangers of his chosen sport, but he was determined to win.
His father, Landis Hooks, came to watch his son compete.
Cheers filled the arena. It was the start of another round of bull riding.
Cody came out riding his bull, but as soon as they went out, around the third-second mark, Cody fell.
Everything happened so fast.
According to Cody, he hit his head with the horn. He fell and became unconscious.
“His horn hit me right behind the ear in that little knockout spot,” said Cody Hooks to KSSV.
Someone came inside to stop the bull.
And then we saw Cody’s father.
Landis was checking on his son. The bull was very aggressive, and even if there were two people trying to control the situation, the bull’s eyes were set on Cody.
In a split second, he was charging again, this time, aiming at Cody’s neck and head.
Landis shielded Cody with his body.
As the bull charged, Landis sprawled over his son, hugging him tightly as he took the full impact of the bull.
If Landis didn’t shield Cody, the bull’s horns would have pierced his neck and head. There was no doubt about it.
Landis loved his son and would have done it again if he needed to. He is a father, after all.
”It’s not the first time he’s done something like that as most people don’t know. He’s done it a couple of times. It’s kind of funny,” said Cody when asked about his dad’s act of love and heroism.
Cody and Landis made full recoveries.
Many asked if Cody would stop bull riding, and to this, he responded,
”Don’t let that stop you, it’s going to happen, be ready for it, it’s coming. One day or another, you can’t get around it. You just got to bear down through it you know. Don’t let go.”
Of course, Cody was incredibly grateful for his dad’s interference and posted an Instagram clip of the entire ordeal to thank him for his love and bravery.
Learn more about Landis’s courageous act of heroism to save his son in the video below!
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
