Being told I can’t do bull riding

I am 13 years old. I was born and raised on a small farm in florida. I have always loved the sport bull riding. I even have friends that do it. I have grown up around cows and bulls my whole life, but always wanted to do more then just watch the sport being done.

When I told my family that I would really want to do bull riding, they just looked at me and said “sure you do”.

It made me so mad that they don’t think I can do something like that. I would always say I know what to do and I practice with my friends, but they just won’t let me go. My dad is the worst of them all, he says that if even just sit on the bull that he would pull me off and beat my butt. Wow, dad, what a threat!

My dad would tell me stories about when he use to pull the gate for the riders, he said they are nothing but jerks, but I know that that’s not all true. My dad has even pulled the gate for Lane Frost once or twice when he was younger. I thought that was awesome!

I know my parents are just scared for their little girl to ride a big bad bull, but I just wish that they would have a little more faith in me. I also wish that they would understand that if I can go and get stomped, crushed, and kicked by the calves at our place and still get back up that I can survive in that arena.

I am now starting to get better over time, and have been practicing every chance I get. I am looking forward to one day joining the other women in the ring, so wish me luck and thanks!