Bucking on the Rez

Nineteen-year-old Kristal Puente grew up in Hard Rock, Navajo Nation, where rodeo runs deep in her family. While her brothers all rode bulls, Kristal became the first woman in her family to step into the rough stock arena. In a sport dominated by men, she faced doubt from spectators and even her own relatives. With encouragement from her younger sister, Kirstin, Kristal pushed forward—finding strength in their bond despite moments of discouragement. Her journey leads her to Durango, Colorado, where she rides in her first bull riding competition away from home and rediscovers her purpose. Back on the reservation, Kristal cares for her own bucking bull, dreams of becoming a stock contractor, and passes down her family’s rodeo tradition to the next generation of girls.