The 38-year-old saddle-bronc-riding cowgirl from Chilliwack, British Columbia, is the first and only woman since the 1940s to qualify to compete with men in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys’ Association.
She has been competing on the New Zealand circuit since December 23, winning three rodeos in the past month. Mussell is sitting fifth in the national standings at present, and she hopes to add to her silverware collection at the Outram Rodeo on Monday.
Most men were "pretty respectful" when she competed against them, she said.
"And anybody who’s a bit sceptical of me, after they see me ride and see how I handle myself, they do respect me."
Without bragging, she said she had enough silverware to prove her worth.
"I happen to be a women, but I’m there for the same reason as any other male competitor is.
"It’s the adrenaline rush — it’s an unexplainable feeling to ride a bucking horse to the best of your ability for eight seconds, and everything is in slow motion when everything is going right."
But when things go wrong, the consequences are less enjoyable.She had had many serious injuries over the years — the most recent being a broken neck two years ago, Mussell said.So why does she keep doing it? The thrill of the ride was just one part of it, she said.
"Then there’s also the other part — I’m the only female in a male-dominated sport. That’s pretty cool.
"I see how I have motivated other people. They look up to me and are inspired by me, and it makes me feel good.
"I’m a bit of an eye-opener to people, helping them realise that there’s more possibilities for women."
She grew up with horses, on a farm on a North American Sto: lo Nation Indian reservation.
So when asked whether bucking broncos were her friend or foe, it was not surprising when she said they were her friend.
"Horses are always my friend. A horse only bucks because it wants to buck, so when everything is going right, it’s your partner in everything that you’re doing.
"I don’t see them as my foe."
