Dark Secrets About Rodeo Clowns

Being a rodeo clown is a dangerous job

Image Source/ Texas Highways MagazineThe role of a rodeo clown is to distract the bull once it has buckarood the rider from its back. Rodeo clowns are often known to be injured in their job, considering the risks of putting themselves between the bull and the rider. The rider usually only lasts up to eight seconds before the rodeo clown needs to jump in.

The job is agonisingly painful

Image Source/ ChronWhen asked what it is actually like to be hit by a bull, rodeo clown Miles Hare does well in describing it:"If a guy takes a pipe and hits someone in the rear end hard enough to send them 10 feet in the air, they'd get an idea of what we go through."

Legendary Leon Coffee broke 142 bones as a rodeo clown

Image Source/ 101 Highland LakesTo back up the previous claim, Leon Coffee has a classic example of how being a rodeo clown can result in catastrophic consequences. Since Coffee became a rodeo clown in 1970, he has broken 142 bones, and suffered a major head injury:

"It was such a traumatic blow that my brain told my heart to stop beating. And I literally died five times in one night."

The job can be potentially fatal

Image Source/ BostonGlobeComing as no surprise after Leon Coffee's admission of dying five times in one night, being a rodeo clown can actually prove to be a fatal career. Well, it's hardly surprising when a bull of around 2,000lbs hurtles towards you. Not a career for the fainthearted!

Becoming a rodeo clown takes intense training

Image Source/ OutsiderOne of the most important things to learn while becoming a rodeo clown is how to approach the bull in the ring while staying safe. There's actually an art to tackling the bull, with the main method being to approach the bull from its blind spot, so you can't be detected.

They wear a bullfighting skirt

Image Source/ WikipediaYou may have heard of a bullfighting skirt, which is a piece of clothing rodeo clowns wear while working. The name is coined from the fact that there's no crotch in them. In fact, rodeo clowns make sure all their clothes are loose so as to get away from the bull easier and quicker.

They have hidden protective gear

Image Source/ Times Record NewsNot only do they put on their loose clothing, they're also padded underneath with hidden armour to protect them from major injuries. While the precaution is there, it doesn't actually prevent their injuries and they still end up getting hurt! A scary profession.

Their main job is entertainment

Image Source/ Big Sky JournalWhile you might think that main job of a rodeo clown is to keep the rider safe (which part of their job is), their main job is to make the crowd's laugh while taming the bull. Some rodeo clowns take on a hilarious persona, such as Michael Jackson impersonator Flint Rasmussen.

They have to be a pro at improv

Image Source/ Bulls, Bands & BarrelsWith one of their main duties being to entertain the crowds, rodeo clowns must make sure that their improv skills are on point. Iconic rodeo clown Dominic Giorgi explained that:

"There's not a lot of dead time, so the announcer and I have to be sharp to keep things going and flowing."

Rodeo clowns come in threes

Image Source/ Dallas Morning NewsOver the years, the art of rodeo clowning has become more of a cooperative job than a solo one, with many acts performing their bit in trios. While two of the rodeo clowns are doing their best to keep the bull distracted and get the rider out of harm's way, the other (the barrelman) keeps the audience full of laughs.

Why are they sometimes called the "barrelman"?

Image Source/ Post IndependentWhat on Earth is a barrelman, you might be wondering? A barrelman is the name of a rodeo clown and stems way back from the 1930s when rodeo clowns used to wear a barrel around their body as a protective piece. The notorious rodeo clown Jasbo Fulkerson was tired of being trampled by bulls, so used the barrel to protect himself.

The term rodeo clown is now outdated

Image Source/ Q96.1There's been a conscious effort in recent years to retire the old title of "rodeo clown" and replace with the less demeaning title of "bullfighter". While some will still enjoy calling themselves a rodeo clown, its widely expected that bullfighter is the more appropriate name.

How has modern bullfighting changed?

Image Source/ Greeley TribuneSince the years have changed since the 1930s, so has the art of bullfighting. In modern times, a collective of rodeo clowns usually enter the ring, where a few of them tackle the bull, and the clownish character of them all keeps the audience entertained.

They only come out during the spring and summer

Image Source/ TripSavvyBeing an outdoor event, the American rodeo season is limited to the seasons of spring and summer, meaning that guests don't have much time to seat themselves at a bullring and watch the art take place. Unfortunately, due to unpredictable and harsh weather conditions, it would be poor for the bull, bullfighters, and audience to watch during the autumn and winter months.

Rodeo clowns often have second jobs

Image Source/ FlickrGiven that their rodeo clown roles are only on for half the year, the entertainers must find themselves a second job for some more income. While some opt for more temporary jobs to keep them scraping by, others have more professional full-time roles, such as Brian Potter the equine dentist.

Athletics isn't the only quality of a rodeo clown

Image Source/ Texas Highways MagazineSome may wonder what the qualities of a rodeo clown are, especially those considering a role within the industry. While you must be athletic and your agility up to standard, these aren't the only skills. You must have a good understanding of animal behaviour and be able to keep a crowd entertained.

There's a traditional clown school

Image Source/ The Santa Barbara IndependentBelieve it or not, there's actually a traditional clown school that many rodeo clowns have attended to break themselves into the industry. Founded in 1975, rodeo clown school is a three-day programme that will teach you the basics of handling a bull.

There's not much money in it

Image Source/ Star TribuneIt's fair to say that becoming a rodeo clown would be more of a passion than a means to be come rich or famous. While they're typically paid per performance, some established rodeo clowns can expect to earn thousands of dollars at big time rodeo shows, while others will make a couple hundred dollars or less.

They initially rode the bull

Image Source/ Silver Spurs RodeoIt was a one man band back in the early 20th century, and rodeo clowns were usually expected to do all their usual roles but while riding the bull too! However, it very negatively affected the performance when it would abruptly stop due to injury.

Rodeo clowns are a staple of bullfighting

Image Source/ Lake Chelan NowSince the inception of bullfighting, rodeo clowns have made themselves in-expendable. Back in the day, the audience would leave while a rodeo fixed a fence or resuscitated the rider, but now clowns can keep them all entertained while the antics take place in the background.

You'll need to be an adrenaline junkie

Image Source/ Texas Hill CountryCoffee is a self-proclaimed "adrenaline" junky, which is how he got himself the job. Starting his career in the 1970s, Coffee just wanted to make a few quick bucks, which he did. However, when he got a taste of the adrenaline that came with, he just couldn't give it up.

They must analyse the bull

Image Source/ Colorado Springs GazetteIt's not easy predicting how the bull will move, but rodeo clown Miles Hare claims that the secret to your longevity as a bullfighter is to anticipate his next move. This means that rodeo clowns can never take their eye off the ball while at work.

Being a rodeo clown is a well respected-profession

Image Source/ Montgomery AdvertiserA lot of people respect those who work as a rodeo clown, given the immensity of their job, which involves keeping audiences entertained, while ensuring the safety of cowboys and animals alike. Clown Trent McFarland was asked to describe what it's like to be a rodeo bull:

"It's like standing in the middle of a freeway while telling jokes."

Research is key to becoming a rodeo clown

Image Source/ Fading AdIf you're thinking about becoming a rodeo clown, then there are some things that you should know about establishing yourself within the role. Firstly, do your research of rodeo clowns. It's a serious job that requires the right amount of bravery and physical skill, but also humour and confidence.

Volunteering is key

Image Source/ Times Record NewsMany rodeo clowns actually grew up on farms or knew people involved in rodeo activity. Those who weren't lucky enough got their experience through working the field and landing summer work, helping out on ranches or rodeos so they can understand how the performance works.

Hitting the gym is a must for a rodeo clown

Image Source/ Reno Gazette-JournalAs previously mentioned, it is essential to be physically fit as a rodeo clown, given the unpredictable nature of the profession. It's important as a rodeo clown to build your stamina and your strength while at the gym, as if you're aren't physically fit, it could be fatal.

There are rodeo clown apprenticeships

Image Source/ El Paso TimesBelieve it or not, there's actually apprenticeships for becoming a rodeo clown. It's a great way to make connections with ranchers and rodeo clowns alike, learn the ropes of the job, and prepare yourself for the harsh (yet rewarding) reality of becoming a rodeo clown.

Making connections can be a great way to excel in your career

Image Source/ ABCOne of the best way to book yourself some gigs is to make connections all around you. Stay polite and forward with all your trainers and you may still be able to contact them in future. Your reputation will increase and so will your chances of securing gigs.

Rodeo clown equipment is expensive

Image Source/ TriXtan EntertainmentAs a rodeo clown, there's a bit of equipment that needs to be invested in, and it's not cheap. A rubber escape barrel will set you back around $1,000, while the padding to protect your legs, hips, chest, and arms will set you back anywhere between $100 and $300.

There are an array of rodeo clown organisations

Image Source/ Post RegisterThere's a great support network of rodeo clowns and bullfighters out there, with an array of organisations that can be joined. Being a member can strengthen your credibility and allow you to make connections. To name a few: Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, the Southern Rodeo Association, and the Woman's Rodeo Association.

They're Putting Their Lives On The Line To Save The Cowboy

Image Source / Silver Spurs RodeoOne of the clown's most important jobs isn't to just entertain - it's to protect the cowboys. And in doing so, the clown is putting their own life on the line, quite literally, to provide a distraction for the bull so that the cowboys don't suffer a serious injury - or death.

And Protecting The Cowboy From A Bull Is Very Different To Protecting From A Horse

Image Source / Sandy Valley RanchSometimes cowboys might need to be saved from a horse after falling, but when you're talking about a horse versus a bull, the situation is very different. While horses don't mean harm and will try not to step on a fallen cowboy, the bull wakes up and choose carnage - which means they will try to cause harm.

The Protective Gear Tries To Protect Very Specific Places

Image Source / Cowboy Lifestyle NetworkThe protective gear which the clowns wear under their loose clothing is tailored to very specific places, and a lot of these are bones (seeing as bone breakages are very, very likely). The padded equipment is fitted to every body part, including ribs, shins, ankles, chests and thighs.

It Can Be Like A Car Speeding Towards You

Image Source / BBCEver wondered what it's actually like to have a bull speeding towards you but never really fancied putting your life in danger to find out? Well it's exactly how you'd imagine standing there while a car going around 20 miles per hour is speeding towards you.

Their Loose Clothing Makes It Easier To Get Away If They're Hooked By A Bull

Image Source / The SunThe Rodeo Clowns will often need to work together as a team of two or three. Their distraction techniques include distracting the bull from going for any of the other clowns, as well as for the cowboy. One clown is known as a goofy Barrel Man to draw attention while the other two try to operate while the bull doesn't notice.

The Job Has Been Compared To Being A Lifeguard

Image Source / CSD Pool - Colorado Special Districts Property and Liability PoolThe same rodeo clown even compared what they do to what a lifeguard does - and it makes sense, seeing as it's their job to protect the cowboy. He said:

"We are kind of like lifeguards of the pool. You never see a lifeguard until there's a problem."

Mistakes Are Lessons For These Clowns

Image Source / Cowboys & Indians MagazineMost of life's biggest lessons can come from the mistakes you make, that's true, but for rodeo clowns it's very much a life-or-death mistake situation. When clowns make mistakes in the rodeo, they're of course learning a huge lesson of what to do next time - but that lesson might come at the price of a painful injury or two. Or three. Or ten.

"An Island In A Sea Of Sharks"

Image Source / National GeographicThe same rodeo clown described being a barrel man as being "an island in a sea of sharks". This just goes to show that even when you're not directly being targeted by the bull, it's more being in the middle of a threatening situation where a strike could come at any time - and you know the threat is lurking around you.

Doctors Can Even Advise Rodeo Clowns Not To Return To The Arena

Image Source / The Courier MailThe amount of visits a rodeo clown must make to the doctors surely keeps them in business. One doctor could probably have his whole day filled with one clown based on the amount of injuries they have. And some - if not most - doctors would advise clowns against returning to the arena and risking their lives again.

What Does It Feel Like To Be Hit By A Bull?

Image Source / TMZAnd, of course, the rodeo clowns do get hit by a bull quite a lot. And if it's non-life-threatening injuries, then just what does it feel like? According to one clown, try imagining someone taking a pipe to your read end hard enough that you'd go flying 10 feet into the air. Like that.

There Are Three Main Rodeo Clown Job Roles

Image Source / RankerWhen it comes to rodeo clowns, there are three different categories and three different job roles. The role of the bullfighter is to protect the cowboy. The role of the barrel man is to hide in the barrel and only come out when they need to distract the bull. The role of the comedy clown is to entertain the audience.

In Australia, Barrel Men Actually Don't Use Barrels

Image Source / Queensland Country LifeSeems a bit contradictory, doesn't it? But yep, in rodeos in Australia, the so-called Barrel Men don't use barrels. Elsewhere, in places where a barrel is used, it would be a very well-padded barrel usually made from steel that can easily protect the clown from the bull.

Some Clowns Use Loud And Colourful Props

Image Source / University of Mississippi Medical CenterNot only do these rodeo clowns have to navigate not getting gored by a bull, as well as protecting the cowboy, but they also need to use a variety of colourful props to keep the audience entertained. These props can include a rubber chicken - never not annoying, of course - and garbage cans that explode.

The Barrel Man Usually Taunts Everybody - The Announcer, The Crowd And The Bull

Image Source / TriXtan EntertainmentNo clown's job would be complete if they hadn't heckled at least one person in a crowd, and the barrel man's job includes heckling the rodeo announcer through a microphone they carry, as well as heckling the audience, too. They also need to taunt the bull by calling them names and waving props at them (like the rubber chicken we just mentioned!).

The Rodeo Clowns Are Different To The Bullfighters Elsewhere In The World

Image Source / WiktionarySome rodeo clowns go by the name of bullfighter, but this isn't to be confused with the bullfighters from other countries in the world. The bullfighters of Mexico and Spain, for instance - also known as matadors - have a completely different role to the rodeo clown.

Texas Has Produced A Huge Amount Of Influential Rodeo Clowns

Image Source / National Cowboy & Western Heritage MuseumTexas is known for its rodeos, so it's no surprise that this state would have produced a lot of famous and influential rodeo clown names. One of the most well-known names includes Ralph Fulkerson, who revolutionised bullfighting by introducing the clown's barrel itself.