From wives, mothers and girlfriends to stock contractors and broadcasters, the Women of the PBR play many important roles.

Throughout the 2019 season, we’ll be sharing some of their perspectives on the PBR, fashion and the Western lifestyle.

In today’s Q&A, we chatted with mini bull rider Najiah Knight about being a female bull rider, her inspiration and what she gets up to outside of the arena.

PBR.com: Thanks for chatting with us today, Najiah! Can you tell me about your first time getting on a mini bull?

Najiah Knight: I started when I was 9. The first time I got on a mini bull, I was a little scared because they’re bulls, but they’re miniature. And I got on this one, his name was Rocker, and he just came out and bucked out, and he had these little stubby horns. He was pretty cute. I was a little scared, but when I came back I was like, ‘I just want to keep going! That was fun!’

PBR.com: Has anyone ever told you that you shouldn’t be riding bulls?

NK: Yes, I’ve actually had quite a few comments about that. I just tell them, ‘I don’t do it for you guys. I do it for me because I love it.’

PBR.com: What’s the reaction you get from the boys that you’re riding with? Do they think it’s weird that a girl is riding bulls?

NK: When it was my first year, they did. They were just like, ‘We’re having a girl ride with us?’ And then when I drew the three rankest bulls, I kind of earned their respect.

PBR.com: How do you train for bull riding?

NK: Sometimes I work out. I have a medicine ball at home, and then I have a barrel where you can just buck it, and I get on it every day.

PBR.com: When you get on a bull, are you ever worried about getting hurt?

NK: No because if you’re scared of the bull, then you might get yourself more hurt.

PBR.com: Who inspires you?

NK: My dad. When I was 3, I’d be behind the chutes with him, and every time he would buck out or get bucked off, I’d be like, ‘Dad are you okay?!’ Or when he covers, I’d be like, ‘Yes, dad! Good job!’ And every time he’d come back I’d be like, ‘Dad, can I get on one?’ And he’d be like, ‘You’re too little, you’re only 3!’ Like, ‘Well put me on something!’ So that’s when I got on sheep.

PBR.com: Do you have any other bull riders that you consider mentors?

NK: Keyshawn Whitehorse, and Ryan Dirteater, and Stetson Lawrence, and Paulo Crimber. They help me. So does Mike Lee. They help me with my form and posture.

PBR.com: What’s the hardest thing about bull riding?

NK: I’d say the hardest thing is getting off the bull, because you have to try to get off safely.

PBR.com: What’s your favorite subject in school?

NK: Math, because I’m really good at it. [laughs] It just comes so natural to me.

PBR.com: What do you do when you’re not bull riding? Do you have any hobbies?

NK: Actually I have quite a bit. I do gymnastics, dance, basketball, volleyball, track, softball. I do quite a bit of things. My favorite is probably basketball. I play point guard.

PBR.com: Outside of being a bull rider, what’s your dream?

NK: I would say going to the University of Oregon. I love the Oregon Ducks. I want to play basketball for them.

PBR.com: What does it mean to you that you’re a role model to other girls that might want to ride bulls?

NK: It’s pretty cool because I never thought I would get this far in bull riding.

PBR.com: What’s your message to girls who look up to you?

NK: Girls can do anything and everything.

PBR.com: What’s your favorite outfit to wear when you’re not riding bulls?

NK: Probably sweats and a loose shirt.

PBR.com: What about when you want to dress up a little bit?

NK: Mostly leggings and a nice shirt, because I’m not really into dresses. [laughs]

PBR.com: What do you like about Montana Silversmiths jewelry?

NK: I like how they’re feathers, because I’m Native, and my grandpa’s also a silversmith as well, and he makes pretty good work. I just love them.

You can check out the latest collections with Montana Silversmiths here. Stay tuned next month as we talk with another of the Women of the PBR.