Nine-year-old Kinlynn Tyler survives a severe horse-kicking accident but remains determined to return to barrel racing.
NEW WAVERLY, Texas — Nine-year-old Kinlynn Tyler has been riding horses since before she could tie her shoes. A rising star in the world of barrel racing, she’s earned money, saddles, buckles and the admiration of riders far older than her.
But a recent accident nearly took her life.
“I love riding horses,” Kinlynn said.
She began riding at just 2 years old and started barrel racing competitively at age 4.
Now, with years of wins under her belt, she used her prize money to buy a horse of her own named “Big Grey.”
Just a week after bringing him home, tragedy struck.
“I was holding him, and she went up behind him and put her hand on his butt—got right up behind him and spooked him. He kicked her,” Kinlynn’s mother, Karleigh Tyler, told KHOU 11 News.
The incident happened in an instant, and right in front of her mom.
“I thought she was dead when I got to her,” Karleigh said. “It happened right in front of me. She was lying on the ground, and I started screaming, ‘Kinlynn, say something!’”
Thankfully, after a few moments, Kinlynn was able to speak, but the injuries were devastating.
“She had over 20 broken bones in her face,” Karleigh explained. “Her nose was completely shattered, her sinus tract was curved, and her cheek was pushed out and rotated by 5 millimeters.”
Since the accident, Kinlynn has undergone multiple surgeries and has more ahead. Still, she remains unfazed.
Instead of stepping away from the sport she loves, Kinlynn is using her experience to educate others.
“Everyone needs to remember to never be behind a horse,” she said. “Always be at least an arm’s length away. Just be careful not to spook them.”
Despite the physical and emotional trauma, Kinlynn is determined to return to riding as soon as doctors allow.
“I still have to recover for a few more weeks,” she said. “But when it’s the day I can get back on, I definitely will be riding my horses.”
The family says medical bills are mounting up fast. If you would like to support Kinlynn in her recovery, click here.