Meet Female Bullrider Mac Miller

Mac Miller PhotoBy 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 Miller PhotoMac: 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 Miller PhotoMac: 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. B-)

You can contact Mac on MySpace.

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76 comments

  • Hey so I want to be a bull rider and I have already told my parents but how do I get started??? I don’t really know of any good school and I have yet to actually ride anything!?!? If anyone can help PLEASE

  • Marti Faubion

    Hey I’m marti I’m 16 I live in rozel, Kansas I barrel race and pole bend but my love it to be on the back of a bull ever since mitten buster I have always been interested in this. Where I kive the high school rodeo don’t allow girls to ride they say its insurance. I say who cares let me ride but they won’t. I just don’t get why they are afraid of letting me on

  • Heidi Boneck

    Hey i think its great that girls want to get on! My husband is a bull rider & i go to rodeos with him all the time & its always a lot of fun. this winter we’ve been going to this open rodeo winter series in a town a couple hours away from where we live & they started this womans wild cow riding.everybody told me behind the chutes why dont you get on. so i decided to get on & after the first time i was hooked it is so much fun! So girls more power to you!

  • Stephanie

    Hey Mac!
    I totally know how you feel about the boys jokin around behind the chutes! I did jr steer riding for 4 years and had a blast doing it! I didnt have many qualifying rides but i did win a belt buckle! And broke my arm doing it but totally worth it! These days I would love to bull riding or even saddle bronc. :)

  • hardcore cowgirl

    P.s plaease email me with any imfo
    my email is mariahwarner2010@yahoo.com

  • hardcore cowgirl

    My dad said that if i ever got up on a bull he would kick my but and whoever elses that let me ride.
    So tiday i asked him”i no you said that you would kick my but if i ever rode a bull…but can i still ride a steer at the youth and junior steer riding event in a rodeo?”my dad said back”i aint in you no back but i want you to go see it one more time so you can get a idea”i said”ok”
    My dad was a bull rider himself and he really pissed me off(exuse my language please)when he said he would kick my but.
    Atleast my dads fine with me barrel racing….grrr i want to ride a bull….any imfo?

  • Ace Garland

    um hi so im 13 and want to start bull riding but im to light weight im 90 pounds and well Ace is my nickname and no i don’t have a eating problem i just work off whatever i gain i ride all week but i have looked to see where i can ride in a rodeo or bull ride but i found nothing i am off to ride soon and mac your my role model.

  • Kaylee Rodwell

    I am 12 and have been riding steers for two years this year i have to ride bulls because of my age. I am realy looking forward to riding bulls this year. My dream is to ride bulls all though boys think girls are to weak to ride bulls.

  • Hey Chelsea (and anyone else) I get e-mails from girls/ladys from all over, and I try to get them in touch with another rider that is close to them. So if you would e-mail me and let me know where you are at chances are there is someone who would love to meet you. And if you have any photos you would love to show off I’d be happy to have them on the site ladybullrider.webs.com I LOVE to get feed back. Well thats all for now, you girls keep at it.

  • Hola,

    I’m Chelsea, I’m 16 and have been riding bulls for just over 2months :) I didnt start out w/ little steers and calves. I went straight to the big boys lol so far all but to of my rides have qualified 8seconds but on my 7th ride this BIG BULL named Hurricane decided to cork screw and rammed me in to the rail then stomped on my chest. Everyone there was going crazy screaming to see if i was ok. I ended up climbing the fence with a gigantic grin, repeating ” yay i jus got stepped on!”. later I joking ” Thank god they make replacements….” haha I went back on May 2nd and completed 2 rides 8seconds clean :D

cowgirl

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