Rodeo Clowns
Rodeo clowns may appear to be funny with their outrages outfits, but many people don’t realize the level of responsibility they have. It takes a great deal of skill and courage to be the one to keep enraged bulls from attacking the riders. The rodeo clown has to distract the bull from the rider by getting its attention on him. This can be running at an angle or throwing a hat. They also go to the rescue of any cowboy hung up on a bull, putting their own life in danger.
Most large rodeos incorporate the skills of three rodeo clowns in the arena at one time. Two of them take the role of clowning around, entertaining the audience and protecting the bull riders. The third rodeo clown becomes the barrel man. A barrel is available for him to jump into, out of the way of a charging bull. Many rodeo clowns have had their share of injuries resulting from bulls that were mean enough to take them on.
Rodeo clowns are a rare breed of cowboy. Many of them are retired bull riders. To the spectators, a rodeo clown is pure amusement. This is a sign that he has done his job well. To the rodeo crew and to the bull riders, the rodeo clown is a respected and fearless celebrity to be honored. There are various bull riding schools that offer courses for rodeo clown training. The training includes how to distract bulls, how to entertain the crowd, and how to apply your own clown makeup.
A good, qualified rodeo clown can make a good living. However, it isn’t if you get hurt in this line of work, but how bad. Most rodeo clowns are self employed and travel around the rodeo circuit. Depending on the amount of rodeos they work and the prestige of the event, a typical rodeo clown can earn from $40,000 to $90,000 per year.
Remember that self employed means you are responsible for your own clown outfits, makeup, travel expenses, meals, and medical treatment. However, it is a job that many don’t want to tackle so the competition isn’t too stiff when you compare the number of rodeos taking place out there all over the world.
Bull riding is very dangerous, and the role of the rodeo clown is to prevent injuries and accidents from happening at all costs. The Professional Bull Riding Association recognizes this, and has issues over 700 certificates of appreciation and awards to rodeo clowns.
