We’re proud to work with Lethbridge Orthotic-Prosthetic Services and Tracy Duce, the innovator behind the groundbreaking rodeo elbow brace. Designed specifically for the demands of the sport, Tracy’s brace combines precision engineering with a deep understanding of what riders need to stay safe and perform at their best.

The elbow is the weak link in the chain—the shoulder is reinforced with powerful muscle, and the wrist becomes more stable once riders tape their glove on. The elbow, however, is left vulnerable. Tracy’s brace is uniquely engineered to protect the small ligaments on the inside and outside of the joint (the collaterals) and prevent hyperextension, the two areas where riders are most at risk. By stabilizing this weak link, athletes can ride stronger, safer, and ultimately increase their chances of making it to the pay window.

Built from custom casting techniques like those we provide at Steinmann Prosthetics & Orthotics, the brace delivers unmatched durability, fit, and protection. At Steinmann, we pair Tracy’s cutting-edge design with our hands-on care and local expertise—making elite orthotic support accessible right here in New Mexico. For Malachi, that means safer rides, longer careers, and the confidence to keep chasing adrenaline in the arena.

Ready to read his story? Check out our full interview with Malachi Shorty below, where he shares his journey from growing up around horses in Cuba, New Mexico, to competing in the rodeo arena—and how the right orthotic support is helping him ride stronger than ever.

Interview with Malachi Shorty 

Javier: Thanks for joining us today, Malachi. Can you start by introducing yourself? 

Malachi: My name is Malachi Shorty, and I’m from Cuba, New Mexico. 

Javier: Great to have you here. Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you got started in the rodeo? 

Malachi: I grew up around horses, so that’s where it all began. I’ve always liked the adrenaline of being around them. I started training horses, and the more I did it, the more I craved that rush. I began doing wild horse racing, but after a while, I wanted more. That’s when I moved to bareback riding. 

Javier: Bareback looks intense. What was it like learning that discipline? 

Malachi: It’s a process. It looks easy from the outside, but it’s actually really hard to learn. I’m still learning, and I’m trying to protect myself from long-term injuries as I go. 

Javier: How long have you been competing as a bareback rider? 

Malachi: Around two and a half to three years. I’ve had some injuries along the way, mostly wrist injuries, though not all from rodeo — I’ve always been an adrenaline junkie. I like dirt bikes and ATVs, but now I’m focusing more on rodeo. 

Javier: Rodeo is demanding. How do you prepare physically and mentally, and how do orthotics help in your performance? 

Malachi: Fitness and the mental game are the most important things — staying in shape, staying healthy, and staying mentally strong. For bareback, most of the weight is on your arm and elbow, so I’m getting an elbow brace to help protect the ligaments and prevent hyperextension. Before, all I had was tape, but now I’ll have both tape and the brace. It’s going to feel different at first, but it’ll help keep me safer. 

Javier: So the brace will play a big role in keeping you stable while riding? 

Malachi: Definitely. When you spur, all that weight is on your arm. Your feet also help keep you in contact, but doing everything correctly takes some of that power off your arm. I’m still learning, but the brace will make a big difference. 

Javier: What does it mean for you to have a local business like Steinmann Prosthetics & Orthotics supporting you? 

Malachi: It’s huge. I don’t have to travel four or five hours out of state for care. I drove three hours from Albuquerque today, which isn’t bad — I’m down here often for rodeos anyway. Having that local support means a lot. 

Javier: We’re glad to be part of your journey. What’s next for you? Any big events coming up? 

Malachi: I’ve got a couple of finals for amateur rodeos and I’m planning to head back to Cody, Wyoming, at the end of the month. I was there in early July, and I’m looking forward to going back — hopefully with my new brace by then. 

Javier: We’ll be rooting for you, Malachi. Thanks for sharing your story. 

Malachi: Thank you. I really appreciate it.