She's an Army Captain, Rancher, and Bull Rider — But Needs Side Hustles to Keep Riding

Balancing Multiple Passions: The Life of Alexia Huffman

Alexia Huffman is a woman who knows how to juggle multiple roles. At 27, she’s not only a member of the U.S. Army but also a Zumba instructor, a ranch owner, and a professional bull rider. Her multifaceted life is a testament to her dedication and passion for what she does.

Huffman appears in the Hulu docuseries Not Her First Rodeo, which highlights the challenges and triumphs of female bull riders. She is one of only a few women competing at the professional level, and she sees herself as an inspiration for younger girls who might be watching. “We can prove that females can do it,” she says.

Growing up, Huffman was captivated by the world of bull riding. She watched professional rodeos on TV and admired the athletes who competed in events like those organized by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. However, she never saw a woman in the sport, which made her determination all the more powerful.

After taking a 10-year break from riding to pursue higher education and serve in the military, Huffman found her way back to the sport. She now uses her side hustles to support her career on the rodeo circuit, including teaching Zumba and working as a human resources officer in the Army.

Training and Preparation

The life of a bull rider is anything but easy. The rodeo season runs year-round, starting in late January or early February and lasting until December. To stay in shape, Huffman follows a strict routine. She runs at least five miles every day, which helps her maintain the agility needed for the sport.

In addition to cardio, she teaches Zumba twice a week, which keeps her active and engaged. During the week, she practices on a barrel, a 55-gallon drum covered in carpet to mimic the feel of a bull’s hide. This daily training helps her build muscle memory, ensuring she’s prepared when it's time to ride actual bulls.

Managing Finances and Time

Bull riding is an expensive sport. From travel costs to gear and entry fees, the expenses add up quickly. For most riders, winning is essential to cover these costs. However, Huffman doesn’t rely solely on competition earnings. Her job in the Army and her Zumba classes provide a steady income, allowing her to fund her rodeo career.

She also owns a ranch with 15 bulls, some raised for beef and others for rodeo events. This adds another layer to her business, as she sells some of the cattle while keeping others for competitions.

The Military Connection

Huffman joined the Army through the ROTC program at the University of Wyoming. Initially, she wasn’t interested in a military career, but the structure and discipline of the program appealed to her. The scholarship helped her pay for college, and in return, she committed to serving as an officer.

Her time in the Army has given her financial stability and a sense of purpose. It has also allowed her to continue riding, something she never thought she’d be able to do again after taking a break.

Challenges and Motivation

Despite the demands of her life, Huffman remains focused and driven. She admits that staying focused is one of the hardest parts of bull riding. A moment of distraction could lead to serious injury, and that’s something she wants to avoid.

She finds motivation in her work with the Army, her Zumba classes, and her love for the sport itself. “If you're doing what you love, it's never enough,” she says.

Personal Life and Hobbies

When she’s not training or working, Huffman enjoys spending time with her husband and their animals. She also has a soft spot for cookies and energy drinks, and she’s a fan of the show The Boys. She even named one of her goats after the musician Peso Pluma.

While days off are rare, she makes the most of the time she has. Whether it’s relaxing with her family or enjoying a guilty pleasure, she finds balance in the chaos of her life.

Final Thoughts

Alexia Huffman’s story is one of resilience, dedication, and passion. She continues to push boundaries, proving that women can excel in any field they choose. Her journey serves as an inspiration to others, showing that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.