Meet Female Bullrider Mac Miller
By random chance, I met 14-year-old Mackenzie Miller from Denton, Montana through MySpace. Preferring to be called Mac, she explained to me that she loved the Girls Can’t WHAT? web site and that it especially interested her because she was into bullriding and there just aren’t a lot of girls who do that sort of thing. Wanting to know more about her experience in this field, I asked Mac for an interview and she accepted.
Gretchen: So tell us Mac, when did you first become interested in bull riding?
Mac: After I rode my first steer when I was 12. When I started riding I went to a bullriding school with Ross Coleman and Justin Mcbride. One of the main reasons I wanted to do it is because I was madly in love with Justin Mcbride. Yes, pathetic, I know. After I fell off the steer, I had a new love 
I was hooked. Mom wasn’t so big on the idea. She thought I was going to chicken out. Well, so did I.
Gretchen: You obviously got over your fears quickly. How old were you when you started competing?
Mac: I was 12 years old.
Gretchen: Only 12? Wow! So you’ve been doing this for a couple of years now. Do you remember your first event? How did it go?
Mac: Well…The first steer riding experience was when I knew that this is what I was destined to do, it was my thing. My very first REAL bullriding experience was….well…interesting. Some of family friends invited us down to a local rodeo. My little brother and I were signed up for steer riding. The first night I had to get on a pretty small steer. My rope was too big so as soon as we came out of the shoots I slid off. The stock contractor was actually a female, and she offered to let me ride one of her 2 year old bulls the next night. Of course I said yes. Thankfully, it was just my dad who took us. He decided we wouldn’t tell Mom until after I rode. Well, we got there the next night. And I know when I say two year old bull, you’re thinking a small bull that doesn’t do much, haha..well I was too. We got my bull in the chute. My dad isn’t even paying attention to me…he’s too worried about getting pictures (typical dad) So, this very attractive (too old of course) guy offered to help me. Well, I definitely didn’t turn it down. Well, I can’t say I went out and won it all. I lasted about 3 seconds at the most. But I had a lot more guts than the girls that made fun of me for falling off.
Gretchen: Speaking of falling off…Have you ever been injured? What happened?
Mac: No serious injuries. Just the normal bruises and scars. The worst pain I’ve felt though is when a bull laid down in the shoot and my leg got stuck. I couldn’t move my leg after that. But Mom said if I didn’t stop being a wimp we were going home…so I didn’t make it noticeable
Gretchen: So Mom finally got on board with your bullriding career, eh? 
Have you ever been told you “can’t” because you are a girl? How did you respond?
Mac: Hehe…Of course. I ALWAYS run into some machoist who is convinced it’s still the 1800’s. I just laugh to be honest. If I let them get to me it makes me look weak, and I’m the farthest thing from weak. I remember I was at a rodeo, and there was a little jerk behind the shoots running his mouth. I carried my bag behind the shoots. He asked me if I was riding. I point at my little brother and say “No, I’m his assistant”, then walked away. I have a slight problem putting it nicely that YES…I am Female…and Yes I am Riding. Well, as I was walking away, the kid says “Why don’t you just go home, you don’t stand a chance” I just smiled and wished him the best of luck. I ended up winning. I gave him a big smile as I walked up to get my check.
Gretchen: Mac, that is a great example of both good sportsmanship and not letting anyone get the best of you. With two years of bullriding under your belt, what do you think is your greatest achievement so far?
Mac: Proving that girls can do something other than painting their nails. I’m quite the feminist to be honest. I have had a lot of little girls come up to me, telling me they want to ride. I think it’s awesome because whoever came up with the idea that bull riding was only a men’s sport….You’re dumb.
Gretchen: So true - you are proving that girls can do anything they want. Do you have a favorite event?
Mac: The only things I do in rodeo is barrel racing and bull riding, so those two would have to be my favorite. I’m still not sure why people always consider bull riding the sport for the REAL tough guys. Barrel racing is actually very complicated. It’s not just jump on a horse and gallop off. It takes so much time to train the right horse. And you have to have every single hand motion right or your going to tip over a barrel. For the people that make fun of ropers, shut your trap. I have a lot of respect for team ropers. I think it’s just as hard as bull riding. I pretty much just love rodeo. Everything about it. I also o-mok-see…that’s games played on horseback. This year I ended up getting the year end high point belt buckle. We have clubs and everything. We take it very seriously in Montana.
Gretchen: That is very cool. I have been to the local rodeos here (in Illinois) and I have a lot of respect for those who participate. It does not look easy and I know there is a lot of skill and training involved. Training your horse is a big part of it. Tell us a little bit about your horse.
Mac: Wrong question to ask. I could go on forever and ever about Dan. He’s 11 and a bay (dark brown with black mane) quarter horse. I have about 9 horses, but this one is my baby. You don’t get much better than him. He is the horse I use in barrel racing and o-mok-sees. No, he’s not one of those professional barrel racing horses. Far from it actually. I was actually the one who pretty much trained him. He hurt his leg really bad as a two year old, so he never got rode. But then my mare that I had since I was little passed on, and I needed a horse to take to my horse classes. We went through a lot of fights and misunderstandings. He was a horse who was a total spazoid. He would hyperventelate, he would attempt to buck. But, after a year of horse classes. We formed a bond that no one could break. He’s my escape. One of my best friends. Recently, I was at a barrel racing clinic, and my parents couldn’t take me so I went with a friend. And I was talking to my horse, and my friend looks around the trailer to ask who I was talking to. My face got red as a muttered “Dan” She said it sounded just like I was talking to a person. Bull riding has actually helped me with Dan because the thought of him bucking doesn’t scare me one bit, not like it really did before but now I’m more prepared for the fall off….Yes that was only a LITTLE bit about my horse. He is the “Fo Shizzle”.
Gretchen: Dan sounds like a great horse and it appears you share a mutual respect for each other. What advice would you give to girls who are interested in bull riding?
Mac: Go For It. Don’t let ANYONE tell you it’s not possible (as I have) I’m telling you if you are serious about it, you won’t regret it. It’s one of the greatest feelings. Don’t chicken out. I’m not going to lie, it’s scary. You can’t predict what’s going to happen once the gate opens. But it’s all worth it.
Gretchen: Thank you for being so honest and open about it being scary and for the encouragement to follow our dreams. Tell us more about yourself, Mac. What interests do you have outside of riding bulls?
Mac: Well….I’m very random. My friends describe me as, crazy, funny, unique, and just plain weird. I play basketball and volleyball. Don’t have time for track because I’m working with my horses. I love music. I have no musical talent but I love it. I listen to every kind of music. Look through my CD case and you’ll see. I absolutely do not put up with racism, or people who have nothing better to do than criticize gay people. I try my best to not judge other by their looks, but everyone does at some point. I live in a small town with about 200 people. My class has 12, and we are all best friends. I’ll be graduating from 8th grade this year so I’m excited. I’m not exactly the smartest kid in my class. I go to Special Ed. for studyhall. I’m not afraid to admit it. So anyone who does don’t feel embarrased. Some of us are just smart in different ways. I’m blonde, but not the pink-wearing-high-pitched-clone. I’m not exactly “skinny” either. I’m not fat, I’m average …Any girls who are convinced they are gross and obese. Just stop, you’re not. Not all of us are Paris Hilton (some of us don’t want to be 
) I am a huge fan of Steve Irwin. He rocks. I LOVE ANIMALS…anything I do when I’m older is going to involve animals. Yup…that’s it
Gretchen: Mac, thank you so much for your time in doing this impressive interview. You are truly an inspiration to girls everywhere. You have such a bright spirit and an amazing attitude. Keep doing what you do! Stay in touch and keep us updated on your career as well. 
You can contact Mac on MySpace.
January 29th, 2007 at 8:16 pm
lol that’s pretty cool the way you did that…sometimes i just get to typing and forget what i’m saying
January 29th, 2007 at 8:29 pm
Sweet, mac is an awsome person, i know her outside of this. but i learned stuff from this i had no clue about before. it’s pretty awsome that you got this interview mac.
January 29th, 2007 at 8:36 pm
Heck Yes. Go Mac. Mac is one of my best friends and what ever she doues i suport her. If she
does something dumb I will do it with her. If we go to a party and gets drumk then i will
take her home. So what ever she needs i will do it for her as a friend.
Love Always
Ashli
January 29th, 2007 at 9:29 pm
Mac:
If you visit my web site http://www.rodeopromotions.com you will see that I work with girl bull riders. If you are interested in learning more please send me an e-mail (mdonnell@interaccess.com) or call 719-543-6458
Mike Donnell
January 29th, 2007 at 9:32 pm
Woohooo! That’s my Mac!! haha, no truly, she is like my best friend. I’m not some weird stalker…haha actually, that would be Mac. lol no, just kidding. i love mac! don’t tell her i said this…but she is an inspiration to girls…haha, wow, we’ve had some fun times at rodeos. well. i just wanted to say, that Mac rocks…and go feminism!! woot!
January 29th, 2007 at 11:38 pm
Hey, you go girl! I’m so proud. Dream big dreams!
The sky is the limit, I love you & beeeeeeee good!
Hello to Dan.
January 30th, 2007 at 4:34 pm
Kaycee And AudreyMac, we are your biggest fans. We are so privileged to be in the same class as you. (ha, ha, not)J You’re awesome!!
Kim:you are the coolest person in the world..besides me of course…lol! this bullriding thithing is pretty cool i tell you wat! i am way to chicken to get on one of those big a$$ animals! i give you props my homey, very impressed! nice nice…but yea…
Ron: mac is the coolest person ever
Alex: We Will Dominate The World! Hoofah(inside joke)
KyKy(kyler): Your Retarded. Just Joking…But Seriously
Garrett: Your Cool….sometimes…
Christy: …….I Don’t Know What To Say….Go Mac
Vicky: I think it’s cool you ride bulls
Zach: Your The Best Person In The World!!!!(kinda)
-
January 30th, 2007 at 8:02 pm
haha i love that. like no “random” person has left a comment…except that one guy. but still. haha
February 14th, 2007 at 10:03 pm
I really want to be a bull rider, but im scared to tell my parents. how’d you tell yours.
February 15th, 2007 at 11:24 am
I just told them straight out. I told them if my little brother could do it then I should be able to.
March 2nd, 2007 at 9:28 pm
Heya’ll!
My name is Dee and I am a 20 year old female bull rider as well. I thought maybe I’d drop a line and invite all your bull riding fans, man and women to my Rodeo website. This website was built specificly for women who are fans or participate in bull and bronc riding. Its a great fun place to talk to other people with the same interest. Hope to see you there.
http://theebullryder.proboards83.com/index.cgi
~Dee aka: Ghost Ryder [Admin of Female Bull & Bronc Riders Forum.]
March 5th, 2007 at 7:11 am
Hey Dee - thanks for stopping by. If you’d like to be interviewed, let me know!
March 9th, 2007 at 12:36 am
Hey!
thats amazing!
i have always wanted to be a bull ride but no one will let me
im 14 alredy ahah and all i have rode is calfs and steers..
so it kinda sux!
But i have always wanted to be a bull rider and every one thinks i wouldent get on a bull but im hopeing to do it this summer!
March 9th, 2007 at 9:00 am
Hey Brittany - that sounds really cool! Let us know how it goes.
June 28th, 2007 at 1:01 am
[...] Meet Female Bull Rider Mac Miller [...]
July 10th, 2007 at 5:25 am
i told my parents about bull riding just plain out and they thought i was kidding but then i started saying stuff to let them know i was serious so im getting ready to go to a bull riding camp in about a week so im really excited c-ya
August 7th, 2007 at 7:49 pm
what a lucky girl i ride bulls just on the family farm i think it’s cool that u ride bulls in rodeos i can’t start til i’m 16 mommy’s rules it sucks lol
August 9th, 2007 at 10:48 am
I am looking for female bullriders to ride in my productions. Any Female bull Riders out there & want to compete contact me at truegritproductions.com
August 17th, 2007 at 2:12 am
Awesome! I’m a bit of a femenist too, but only because most males are very concieted with very little reason. I’d love to see this female bull rider make it to the big leagues!!
August 19th, 2007 at 7:53 pm
Hey Mac, I think that’s awesome that you ride bulls. I have a friend that rides and I know that it takes a lot of gut to get up there -and even more because you’re a girl. Keep it up!
December 7th, 2007 at 2:53 pm
this is so cool! I just want to say you girls keep at. Dees fourm is a good place to go. I’ve got a site that tips it hat to girls like us, I’ve got pics and profiles, and I try to keep things up to date. crazycriterjp.tripod.com oh yah I just about for got, I ride too!
Jocelyn Martin
December 13th, 2007 at 2:21 pm
Hey Mac - I got the Bull Rider Design done. If you’ll email me, I’ll send you a free T-shirt.
December 13th, 2007 at 2:25 pm
[...] Can’t Ride Bulls (12 Readers) Meet Female Bullrider Mac Miller (1721 Readers) Bull Riders. Men or Women (1146 Readers) Girls Can’t Be Helicopter Pilots (8544 Readers) Girls [...]
December 26th, 2007 at 4:11 pm
See,she is the kind of girl we have to look up to.I was intrested in bull-riding.I was going to do it but I thought barrel racing was much more fun,no offense.I just thought bulls look scarier.Anyway,keep riding bulls,your a strong person,keep that always.
January 3rd, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Hey Mac! I’m a female bull rider who has been riding for about 8 years now. I don’t know if you ride anymore or if you’re interested but me and about 6 of the professional women bull riders are starting a new organization and it looks like it’s going to turn into a tv show! We’re trying to do kind of what the PBR guys did by breaking away from the PRCA. The network is very supportive but they want more than just the core 6 girls. We need more girls even just interested in riding. If it interests you PLEASE contact me!
Thanks! ~Jay
January 13th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
hey girl i love bull riding i wish i could be a female bull rider too
January 13th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
You can Kati! If you’re interested in my comment right above yours, contact me! We need as many girls as possible!
~Jay
February 7th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
hey i am a girl and i was wonderining is=f you could email me at animalluver89090@aim.com i am 12 and want to comet to bull ridn’ and i have some questions. thanks
Sincerly,
McKenzie!
February 7th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
hey mac you seem out going and i look up to you i wish i lived in montana
February 8th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
hey this is for jay i want to bull ride and you mentioned professional girls that could teach? that sounds so awesome i wosh i could bull ride haha i need to find a teacher thought
McKenzie
February 8th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Hey McKenzie! Nice to hear from ya! Anyone can learn how! Please email me if i don’t email you first at womensroughstock@yahoo.com That is our organization’s email but I answer it. We’d love to help you but I need more info. Can’t wait to talk to you. We always need more up and coming riders!
in his grip,
jay
March 2nd, 2008 at 12:20 am
hey mackenzie plz email me at animalluver89090@aim.com thx i logged in bout a month ago
March 5th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
hey mac! its mckenzie i dont no what size of bull rope to get and i am almost 13 and want to learn how to ride bulls!
March 13th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Hi to all courageous bullriding gals,
I am a screenwriter from Texas covering a script about a modern day cowgirl who has a visitation from Lucille Mulhall (the very first cowgirl ever. she was 13 when she roped over 300 steer in one day, so her daddy boasts). If any of you would like to share stories or insights about the challenges/rewards of being a modern day cowgirl for the film it would be greatly appreciated!
Best,
Heidi
March 13th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
For all bullriding girls: How early did you begin training for bullriding? What does the training consist of? Please respond to heidijam@gmail.com with details of your experience as a female in a mostly male sport.
In Great Appreciation!
Heidi
April 6th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Mac’s pretty sexy I think =] haha I think she’s pretty rad really. (Yeah I know her outside of all this) She is a very odd girl but I like it =D
April 16th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
hey mac omg that is sooo awsome i want to ride bull to i ain’t no girly girl!! i luv justin mcbride too and colby yates, jb mauney, ab=nd brian canter!!
April 16th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
hey mac omg that is sooo awsome i want to ride bulls to i ain’t no girly girl!! i luv justin mcbride too and colby yates, jb mauney, ab=nd brian canter!!
April 17th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
lol i olove justn mcbride jb and brian canter lol but i dont do if for the guys i do it 4 me!!
June 13th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
hey ladys I just got an e-mail from a lady wanting to talk to riders. so send me your e-mail and I’ll send it to her. you can get me at luvshorses_88@yahoo.com or littleladybullrider@hotmail.com
enjoy the ride!
August 25th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
You go girl Im 21 I tried my first bull riding clinic in May of this year and i got stomped on after i got thrown off my 7th bull, but now im better and ready to jump on some more. bull ridding is the most adrenaline packed thing ive ever done and i hope to get into a few rodeos im at college at umw and cant wait to get my chance
September 13th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
DAmn thats Amazing! im 15 i want to start getting into rideing! lot of people tell me stuff becuse i guess you could say ima city girl! But i have hopes and dreams and will never let people get in the way of them! but thats Awsome keep it up!
September 25th, 2008 at 11:51 pm
hey
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