While the PBR is known for is fierce competition on the dirt, it’s an equally tight family behind the scenes.
In 2019, those close relationships took center stage in Montana Silversmiths’ Women of the PBR- Strong Ties series. Some of the women that make the PBR what it is – wives and girlfriends, stock contractors and broadcasters, and even a mini bull rider – discussed the friendships they’ve made in the PBR and how they support each other and their loved ones, and gave some insight into their lives in the Western sports world.
Read on for highlights from 2019, and stay tuned for what Montana Silversmiths brings in 2020.
Korie Nance on being a nurse
“I don’t know if it’s been good or bad for Cody, because if you know a nurse or doctor, when someone gets hurt you’re like, “Oh, come on.” You kind of play it off. “Does it really hurt that bad?” Because I work in a CVICU (Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit) room. My patients have open heart surgery. So seeing a little blood, I’m like, “Just rub some dirt in it.” I don’t know if it hurts him or anything buthe never complains about anything. The only thing he ever really asks me ever is to give him a massage or rub places out, but that’s about it.”
Sadie Berger on working with her family
“I was just so mad at my dad the other day – so mad at him – and then somebody put something on Facebook, like a negative thing about him, and I got so furious I cried! I was so mad that someone would say something about him! There’s no bad in him! He’s such a generous, caring person, and it made me so mad that I cried. He had made me cry the day before because he hung up on me on the phone, and the next day I was crying because somebody was saying something about him. So that’s kind of our life.”
Caitlin Brooks on watching boyfriend Dakota Buttar ride
“I always say you never know what’s going to happen. Of course I feel nervous and I get excited, but it’s not going to change the outcome. When they’re going to get hurt, they’re going to get hurt. It’s just something you have to come to terms with before you put yourself in that relationship or you put yourself in that position. I’m sure it’s something you can get used to, but I was well aware of the dangers when I got into it.”
Sarah Berger on working in a male-dominated industry
“Our oldest daughter was real involved before she got married and had kids, and I never worried about my girls at these events because they’re strong. They’re strong women. The guys better look out.”
Fallon Wentz on her PBR family
“It means the world to me to have these people in my corner and just to know them. It just means everything. Knowing that you have a true PBR family waiting for you when you go to the events just makes it that much more exciting to go. Like you just want to be there when you’re watching it on TV, because you’re so happy to see your friends who are the riders ride, and see the stock contractors do well.”
Aymie Kolbaba on the support from the other women
“It means a lot! It’s really cool to meet new people and get that experience. And you know that, with it being such a dangerous sport, if something were to happen to Derek or any of the other guys, you know that you can count on anyone to help you in any way, and they’ll be willing to be there for him.”
Kate Harrison on gelling with her on-air coworkers
“It happened so quickly. From the very first show I ever did, they just let me know that I was part of the team, and anything they could do to help me, they wanted to do. And they were so welcoming right away, which was really neat. They feel like older brothers that I’ve never had. Our TV meetings are so full of laughter and fun. It’s something I look forward to every single week, seeing them and all of us hanging out together. It kind of makes the shows second-nature, because it’s just a continuation of the conversations that we already have. It’s always jokes and fun, but at the same time, they’re the most professional men I know in the business, so it’s a really good balance.”
Najiah Knight on her first time on a bull
“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!’”