Categories: Learn About Rodeo

The Hidden Horror of Being a Rodeo Clown

Written by

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The job of the beloved rodeo clown may seem like it’s just a bunch of fun and games, but think not. This job involves a lot of risk-taking and is in no way secured safety. The rodeo clown, otherwise known as the “bullfighter,” does not question whether or not he will survive with any injuries every time he enters the arena, but questions more like how many injuries he will end up with when it is over. Originally, the idea of rodeo clowns emerged in hopes of simply keeping the children and other spectators in the audience entertained between events. Nowadays, the rodeo clowns or bullfighters have three jobs: to clown, entertain, and protect the cowboys.
The main priority of the bullfighter, however, is to protect the bull riders from serious injuries or even death. The bullfighters are essentially putting their own lives on the line to save the rodeo cowboy. Protecting the cowboy from a bull is very different from saving them from a horse because in general, a horse will try to avoid stepping on the cowboy. Some bulls, on the other hand, will go out of their way to attack anything that stands in their way. To keep the bulls from attacking the cowboy, the bullfighter attempts to distract them, so their target becomes them and not the cowboy.
It is clearly necessary that the bullfighters wear their protective gear under the funny clown costumes. Dressed with padded equipment to help prevent injuries to every body part including their chests, ribs, thighs, hips, tailbones, shins, and ankles, these brave bullfighters still suffer from traumatic wounds. One professional rodeo clown compared his job of getting charged by a bull to that of a car blazing towards you at 20 mph. This same rodeo clown explained that over his 23 years of clowning around, he has suffered from over 24 broken bones, three concussions, a dislocated jaw, internal injuries, and a torn-off ear.
While the bulls and other livestock always leave the arena alive and unharmed, it is the rodeo clowns, cowboys, and cowgirls that are tormenting their bodies for the sake of what they love. We here at the Cowboy Lifestyle Network know that this job is one difficult, courageous, and exciting task, but are truly grateful for the men and women that continue to do it and keep rodeo alive. Read more about one of the most famous rodeo clown’s story, Flint Rasmussen, by clicking here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Katia Von Kral

Katie loves all things country including the outdoors, camping, fishing, and riding horses. She is greatly inspired by seeing the world, listening and dancing to country music, and meeting country musicians. Faith, love, helping others, and doing things that she loves are most important to her. Katie is well traveled and currently lives part time between Chicago, Illinois and Scottsdale, Arizona. Visit Katie’s website at http://artbykvk.com/.

Share
Written by

Recent Posts

8 Rodeo Podcasts to Add to Your Playlist

I’m a big rodeo fan, and honestly, I can never get enough of it. Whether… Read More

3 hours ago

Saddle Up: A Weekend Like No Other at the Kingman Rodeo 2025

The heart of Arizona’s cowboy country beats louder than ever as the Kingsmen bring back… Read More

2 days ago

Chingazos: Ultimate Bare Knuckle Boxing Kickoff to October Country Fest

Rocky Point, Mexico - As excitement builds for the October Country Fest, Cowboy Lifestyle Network… Read More

4 days ago

Arizona Invitational Black Rodeo: “Celebrating Heritage, History, & Hope!”

Calling all rodeo fans! Are you looking for something fun and exciting to do this… Read More

6 days ago

Austin Gamblers Win Sixth Straight Game to Stop Arizona Ridge Riders’ Streak at Nine Heading To Gambler Days Homestand In Five Days

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Austin Gamblers rode into Nashville and did what no one else… Read More

7 days ago

No Bull Express: Earnhardt Auto Centers makes car buying simple

Are you in the market for a new vehicle, but don’t feel like driving all… Read More

1 week ago