Written by Abby White

Gravel and dust kick up while passing through the iron gates branded “BZ” after a scenic ride through rural Alabama. Blue heelers circle cars as guests are welcomed by the roaring banter of bullfighters and riders. You’ve landed at Bioz Zoe, a home away from home for many. 

Located in Boaz, Alabama, Bioz Zoe provides a community for beginner, intermediate, and professional riders and fighters attracting people from all walks of life, including bull rider and inspirational speaker, Brylan Miller. 

The bull farm is owned and operated by the Hallmark family, with Jacky (Paw Paw) and his son Dylan being the current faces of the brand. The Hallmarks breed and raise bucking bulls – steeds whose one true purpose is to buck the rider off. Many of their bulls are contracted for International Pro Rodeo Association (IPRA) rodeos, including 99, who was named “Bull of the Year” in 2023 by the Professional Cowboy Association (PCA), and was ridden at the International Finals Rodeo (IFR) in Guthrie, Oklahoma. 

Bioz Zoe provides practice pens where riders and fighters can join every Sunday to ride. However, the practice days at the farm gather more faces than your typical bull rider. Brylan Miller is one of many impacted by the open arms of the Hallmarks thanks to their consistent inclusivity. 

Miller, 22, was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy as a child and has fought through multiple surgeries and injuries caused by his condition. Despite his trials and tribulations, Miller pursues bull riding, which is made easily accessible by those on the farm.    

“All those guys have been family to me. I’ve traveled with them – we’ve done all kinds of different things and I’ve tried to help them where I can,” said Miller. 

Despite going into a “soft retirement” after a leg injury from riding in 2023, Miller still travels two hours every Sunday to be with people he considers his “found family”. From supporting the new riders to setting up ropes on loaded bulls, he continues to pursue the rider’s life as a vessel for his faith. 

Like many others in the rodeo community, Miller is a practicing Christian, using his riding journey to inspire others. 

“What better way to show people that through God they can do anything, and the truth of Phillippians 4:13 than to take on a sport that requires me to use the parts of my body that’s most affected by my condition,” Miller explained. 

Miller lives by Phillippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” using its meaning as fuel for his pursuits in inspirational speaking within the riding community. His path has led him to not only bring hope to his peers but families who are impacted by Cerebral Palsy as well. 

After a short ride in Pell City, Alabama, Miller was called to the center of the arena, where the announcer proceeded to tell his heartening story. A family with a young boy who participated in the mutton busting approached Miller after hearing his story, explaining that their son was also diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. 

“You give us hope for him,” the mother told Miller. 

While these encouraging moments drive Miller today, they took years of work and self-reflection in his life. Growing up hesitant to speak of his story and becoming angry when people would inquire about his condition, he has found light in his situation through his relationship with humor. 

Miller relies on humor stating, “I think it’s funny – I’ll be walking around with a boot on and people will ask ‘What happened to you?’ and I’ll reply with ‘Which part?’ because I like to be humorous about it.” 

His enlightened approach often raises questions for new friends, fearing jokes may offend him. However, Miller truly believes, “If I’m not offended by it, why should anybody else be?”

This is evident in his relationship with Sheldon Isom, a retired bull rider and mentor to all of the faces seen at Bioz Zoe. Miller sees him as a father figure, constantly cracking witty jokes and supporting each other through the aches and pains acquainted with both age and Cerebral Palsy. With nicknames such as “old fart” for Isom and “wobbles” for Miller, both parties show their support through their humor. 

“It’s not going anywhere, it’s part of who I am,” said Miller. “So I’m going to embrace it and tell jokes about it until I’m gone. A lot of times when we get our feelings hurt, that’s just our ego. We don’t have hurt feelings, we have hurt egos.”

Miller further elaborates on his comedic approach by using his faith to back his belief, stating, “We get mad if people do us wrong, but the Bible says to love everybody. I don’t see how we can do that if we’re always mad at each other. In a way, when things go wrong, I kind of ‘blame God’. When I say that it sounds bad, but what I really mean is I just ask Him what He’s trying to show me. He’s letting me go through these things for a reason.” 

Enjoying his time with his brothers in Boaz, and using his voice to spread the word of God through riding, Miller has repaid the folks at Bioz Zoe by preaching His word and being a beacon of hope for everyone who meets him. 

“They’re my home away from home – if I’m not here, I’m there.” 

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