Innovative Product Offers Simple Solution to Common Injury in Team Roping

Many ropers can recall a time when they weren’t sure if they would leave the arena with as many digits as they entered with. What if there was a product that could decrease the chance of an incident? Could the fear of losing a thumb be what’s holding you back?

Kaitlyn Woodman | Apr 8, 2024

Kaitlyn Woodman for SI Rodeo

The Bulldog Thumb Protector has been around for years now, but not many people know about it. With a recent change in ownership, the company's mission is to save as many thumbs as possible and get the word out about this innovative product that could change the industry of team roping.

A familiar name in team roping recently purchased the company and has been making efforts to improve the marketing and social media aspects of the business. Jahew Thorp, father of 2023 World Champion Team Roper Wesley Thorp, has been a fan of the product for many years now and has used it himself when competing to help prevent any incidents.

When Thorp heard that the Bulldog hadn’t been in production anymore and there could be an opportunity to take over, he immediately jumped on it. He believes that if this product were in the hands of more team ropers, the number of incidents prevented and thumbs that can be saved would be limitless.

The product is fairly simple and provides a hard, slick barrier between your thumb and rope/ saddle horn. It can be custom-fitted to you by heating the plastic piece in hot water and molding it to the shape of your thumb, this allows for a complete feel of your rope preventing any restrictions in mobility. It is easily slipped into your favorite glove and can be transferred through different pairs of gloves, as well as reused as many times as necessary.

Bulldog Thumb Protector / Kaitlyn Woodman for SI Rodeo

How many team ropers do you know that are missing thumbs, have had close calls, or have even had to have them reattached? Are you letting your fear of losing a thumb get in the way of improving your roping? The Bulldog Thumb Protector could be a simple solution to an extremely common issue in the sport of team roping.

For more information visit, Bulldog Thumb Protector.

Published Apr 8, 2024

KAITLYN WOODMAN

Kaitlyn grew up in a small east Texas town called Marshall, Texas, and now resides in the “Cutting Horse Capital of the World” Weatherford. The rodeo lifestyle was instilled into Kaitlyn at a young age as her entire family has a rodeo background. She spent most of her life at Martha and RE Josey’s ranch just down the road from her house. Kaitlyn was lucky enough to have been surrounded by incredible role models in and out of the arena that got her to where she is today both as a competitor and a person. As a barrel racer, Kaitlyn has competed at just about every level the sport offers. The barrel racing industry is something that she is deeply passionate about, whether it be the futurity and derby scene, the rodeo world, or even the breeding side, she finds herself excited to learn new things and grow the industry as much as she possibly can. Kaitlyn graduated from Sul Ross State University in December of 2023 with a Bachelors of Science in Agriculture degree and knew that upon graduation she wanted to get a start in the western sports media industry. Before graduating from Sul Ross, Kaitlyn was able to start a career as an Equine Insurance Agent and takes pride in protecting her customer’s most valuable assets. Kaitlyn is excited to share her passion for the Western Sports and Agriculture industries through her writing, and she strives to reach audiences far beyond our community to advocate for the betterment of our lifestyle!