The Five Valleys: Rusty Wright's Raw Journey To Hell And Back And His New Life With Haley Sage

The story of Rusty Wright’s journey "To Hell and Back" is not just a tale of broken bones and brutal rodeo injuries; it is a profound and deeply personal account of a champion's fall from grace and his remarkable, hard-fought path to redemption. This narrative, which has captivated the rodeo world since the recent Cowboy Channel documentary, provides a raw, unfiltered look into the life of one of the sport's greatest talents, proving that the toughest battles are often fought outside the arena. As of December 2025, Rusty Wright stands not only as a five-time National Finals Rodeo (NFR) qualifier but as a symbol of hope, recently finding a new foundation with his wife, breakaway roper Haley Sage Kiehne. This article dives deep into the valleys Rusty walked through—the loss, the self-doubt, the public divorce from his ex-wife Morgan, and the destructive cycle of drinking—to understand the true cost of being born into the legendary Wright Family rodeo dynasty, and what it took to finally climb out.

Rusty Wright: Biography and The Wright Family Dynasty

Rusty Scott Wright is an integral part of the most dominant family in the history of professional rodeo, often referred to as the "Wright Family Dynasty." His personal and professional life has been lived in the spotlight, making his recent struggles and triumphs a subject of intense public interest.

• Full Name: Rusty Scott Wright
• Hometown: Milford, Utah
• Rodeo Discipline: Saddle Bronc Riding
• Professional Status: Five-Time National Finals Rodeo (NFR) Qualifier (First qualification in 2015)
• Career Highlight: 2014 PRCA Saddle Bronc Rookie of the Year
• Rodeo Family Ties:
  • Father: Cody Wright (Two-time World Champion, Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer)
  • Brothers: Ryder Wright (Two-time World Champion), Stetson Wright (Eight-time World Champion across multiple events), Statler Wright
  • Sister: Lily Wright
  • Uncles/Cousins: Jesse Wright, Spencer Wright (All professional rodeo champions)
• Marriages:
  • Ex-Wife: Morgan Wright (Divorced)
  • Current Wife: Haley Sage Kiehne (Breakaway Roper, Married November 2025)
• Current Focus: Competing for his first Gold Buckle and sharing his story of recovery and faith.

The Darkest Valleys: Unpacking Rusty Wright's "Hell"

The "Hell and Back" documentary on The Cowboy Channel, along with subsequent interviews on podcasts like "In the LOOP with Jordan Jo," revealed a side of the Saddle Bronc star that few in the public eye had ever seen. Rusty's narrative made it clear that the pain he endured went far beyond the countless fractures and concussions inherent to his sport.

The Weight of the Dynasty

Being a Wright means being expected to win. The pressure to maintain the family's legacy—to follow in the footsteps of his father, Cody Wright, and his world-champion brothers, Ryder Wright and Stetson Wright—became an immense psychological burden. This self-doubt and the constant comparison to his equally talented relatives contributed to a deep-seated feeling of inadequacy, despite his own five NFR qualifications. The documentary explores how this internal pressure became a catalyst for his downward spiral.

The Descent into Destructive Behavior

In his own words, Rusty opened up about the "valleys he’s walked through," which included a destructive relationship with alcohol and a period of profound personal loss. The documentary is explicit about his struggles with drinking, a common but often hidden issue in the high-pressure world of professional athletics. This period of self-medication and poor choices exacerbated his personal life, leading to the most difficult public chapter of his life: his divorce.

The Emotional Turmoil of Divorce

The dissolution of his marriage to his ex-wife, Morgan Wright, was a painful and public affair within the close-knit rodeo community. Rusty has spoken candidly about the self-doubt and shame that accompanied the divorce, acknowledging his own role in the breakdown of the relationship. The "Hell and Back" story is not about pointing fingers but about taking accountability, a crucial step in his eventual recovery. It was a period that he describes as a true "hell hole" of a marriage, a sentiment echoed by others in the community.

The Path to Redemption and a New Beginning

The second half of Rusty's story is a powerful testament to the possibility of change and the strength found in vulnerability. His "back" journey is centered on a renewed commitment to his faith, his family, and his new life partner.

Finding Healing Through Honesty

One of the most compelling aspects of the documentary is Rusty's initial reluctance to participate. He admitted that he "almost didn't do it," fearing the judgment that would come from revealing his failures. However, he ultimately chose to let the world "see behind the curtain," realizing that sharing his story was the only way to truly heal. This act of radical honesty became his greatest step toward redemption, moving him from self-doubt to self-acceptance.

Haley Sage: The Anchor in His New Life

A major turning point in Rusty's life has been his relationship with professional breakaway roper, Haley Sage Kiehne. The couple has been open about how their shared faith and commitment to a healthier lifestyle have served as the foundation for their new life. Their story, which they shared on the *More Than a Gold Buckle* podcast, is one of hope and rebuilding. The couple recently celebrated a significant milestone, with their wedding taking place in November 2025 in Draper, Utah. Instead of traditional gifts, the couple focused on meaningful exchanges, including custom spurs, symbolizing their shared commitment to the Western lifestyle and their future together. Haley’s presence, as a partner who understands the pressures of ProRodeo, has been the anchor that helped Rusty solidify his path out of the "hell" he experienced.

A New Vision for the Gold Buckle

Today, Rusty Wright's focus is sharper than ever. He continues to compete in Saddle Bronc Riding, but his motivation has shifted. The quest for his first World Championship Gold Buckle is no longer solely about fulfilling a family expectation; it is about proving to himself and to the world that redemption is possible. His story, as documented in "Hell and Back," has resonated with countless fans, turning him from a struggling cowboy into an inspiring figure of resilience. His journey, which involved facing the hardest truths about himself—the loss, the drinking, the divorce, and the self-doubt—has cemented his place not just as a great rider, but as a genuine, transparent figure in the world of ProRodeo. The "Hell and Back" story is a powerful reminder that even rodeo royalty must endure pain beyond broken bones to find true peace and success.

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