GLT: What isit like being a female bull rider?

JC: I’ve never noticed any challenges or different treatment because I am a woman. My nails are pink and sparkly when I ride, and I’ve been known to wear heels to the dances or awards ceremonies. I was once told by another competitor that he was noticing me and was impressed by the tough woman that was about to ride, and then he started laughing when he saw my nails. I like reminding them that I can be girly on occasion, and also like the fact that they don’t think I’m less capable because of it.

GLT: How many times have you been injured riding and competing, and what was the worst injury you have sustained?

JC: I’ve been injured 4-5 times. After completing my ride at my first rodeo, I fell right on my head. Not hard, but enough that it messed up my neck and back. After many massages and chiropractic visits that didn’t help, I got back on a bull. That landing knocked my back into place again, and I’ve had no problems with it since then. I was knocked out after a hard landing last year. That resulted in a trip to the ER and the knowledge that they don’t hold you accountable for the things you say after a head injury. I broke my riding arm at the elbow coming off a steer, also last year. That’s been a hard recovery, just because of where the break was. The hardest part was waiting until the doctor cleared me to get back on again about 6 months later! One important thing to remember is even if something looks dramatic, it doesn’t mean it results in a bad injury. At finals last year, I was hit in the head twice, flipped over the bulls head, and had him come after me. I had a smallish bruise on my arm from that one.

GLT: How did you get started riding bulls and competing in rodeos?

JC: One of the guys I work with was into rodeo. I wanted to watch him ride, so I went with him to the San Diego Rodeo in 2007 as a spectator. That was my first exposure to women competing in anything other than barrel racing. On the drive home, I mentioned that it looked like fun, and the only thing I could see myself trying was steer riding. He completely supported me and helped me get all the gear together. I started on bulls in January of the next year. No one tells you that you either love it and can’t give it up, or you’re glad you tried it but won’t do it again. I fell into the first category.

GLT: What is your favorite thing about bull riding?

JC: I love the camaraderie. Everyone is there to help everyone else regardless of whether they are competing against you. I like knowing that if I’m having a problem with something or can’t understand what mistakes I’m making, there are 20 people I can go to for help. I’ve also been around long enough now that people are starting to ask me for help. It’s nice to be able to share your knowledge with other competitors as well.

GLT: Did you grow up around this sport or culture?

JC: Not really. Before I was 5, I went on weekly pony rides. I still remember the names of my favorite ponies. Other than that, I can count the number of times I rode horses before rodeo on one hand. I didn’t start riding bulls and steers until I was 26.

GLT: What is the toughest thing about bull riding?

JC: The landing. And...I’ve had a really hard time with the mental game. I was fine until the first time I got injured, but it took 7-8 months to get over those mental blocks that prevented me from riding.

GLT: What advice would you give to women who would like to take up this sport?

JC: Do it! Find someone you can trust to get you started. You can ask any of the contestants who ride. If they’re not comfortable getting you started, they will send you to someone who is. I would recommend going to a rodeo school, where an expert will give you instructions and give you a few trys on the animals. I know the bay area group has at least two rough stock schools a year. The next one is on September 25 in Morgan Hill. The number of women contestants seems to be falling off, so I would encourage any women that think they might want to try it to give it a go. You should also never feel pressure. If you get there and realize that it isn’t for you, don’t feel like you have to do it.