Clowns to Hire
Glossary

Rodeo Clowns

A rodeo clown , also known as a bullfighter, is a unique type of clown that works in the sport of rodeo to protect bull riders after they dismount or are bucked from a bull's back. They use their quick reflexes, speed, and distractions to steer massive charging bulls away from riders who have been thrown or lost control of the angry beasts.

Origins

Rodeo originated in the working ranches of early America when cowhands would compete in riding, roping, and racing events during cattle gatherings. As these informal contests grew in scale and danger, precursor roles to rodeo clowns emerged by the early 20th century to function as arena directors and to distract bulls once riders safely dismounted.

The first deliberately comic rodeo clowns appeared in the 1920s-1930s, and were initially seen as secondary novelty acts between main events. Over time, their safety role became more formalized as the most dangerous job in modern rodeo to save tossed riders from being gored or trampled once bull riding was established as a major competitive event by the 1950s.

Job Details

While traditionally considered clowns, the role requires true athleticism, courage, and split-second decision-making more than slapstick comedy antics. A rodeo clown's primary job is to protect bull riders who have been bucked off, pinned down, or flung from particularly angry bulls that now target the vulnerable cowboy. They sprint in wearing bright distracting clothes and wave props to become the new target and draw the one-ton bull toward themselves and away from the downed rider to give them time to scramble overprotective fencing.

Once bulls are distracted, other rodeo clowns may assist the bull rider to safer ground while a bullfighter continues engaging the furious bull with dodges and dummy dances. Even once riders are safe, clowns must carefully exit themselves while continuing to hold a bull's attention, relying on their own running evasion skills and protective barrels to narrowly avoid lethal horns and hoofs.

In other moments, rodeo clowns entertain spectators between events with parody sketches, classic tricks like backflips off barrels, and interacting with announcers. They also must safely assist removal of people, props, and debris from riding areas.

Training

Becoming a rodeo clown requires years of progressively intensified training, starting with rodeo performing arts summer camps for youth. Aspiring bullfighters then gain experience through amateur associations while developing their speed, reaction times, comedy skills, and knowledge of bull psychology and behavior. Only dedicated talents able to demonstrate mastery of distracting angry bulls responsibly advance to competitive professional ranks monitored by organizations like the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) .

Still, no amount of training fully eliminates the extreme dangers of the role. Many rodeo clowns suffer broken bones, sprains, gashes and the occasional fatality when making a single mistimed dodge against an aggressive bull weighing over a ton charging at speeds up to 25mph. The job involves calculated risks to protect the lives of tossed riders in split-second rapid movements. Part athletic daredevil and part emergency first responder, the rodeo clown has undoubtedly earned their reputation as the bravest clown around.

Iconic Figures

Many rodeo clown talents over the generations have become famous regional characters, beloved by fans for their daring stunts combined with comedy antics. A few legendary icons include:

  • Jim Shoulders  - Hall of Fame cowboy and one of the first high-profile rodeo clowns in the 1960s, remembered for his daring tricks distracting large bulls to thunderous arena applause.

  • Quail Dobbs  - 21 year veteran known for his hilarious banter and creative clown gags like having a bull chase his loose false teeth across an arena.

  • Lecile Harris  - Pioneer as one of rodeo's first African American clowns who started in the 1960s, known for mentoring up-and-coming bullfighters.

In summary, the colorful rodeo clown plays an irreplaceable role as both entertainment and essential safety expert, protecting the lives of riders facing down an angry half-ton of horns and hooves in the "World's Most Dangerous Sport".