Leon Coffey Rodeo Clown Age? 92 Most Correct Answers

A rodeo bullfighter at work

Rodeo barrelman entertains the crowd

A rodeo bullfighter helping a junior bullfighter.

A rodeo clown, bullfighter (in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand) or rodeo protector is a rodeo performer who works in bull riding competitions. Originally, the rodeo clown was a single job that combined “bullfighting” – protecting riders who were pushed by the bull, as well as a person providing comic relief. Today, the job is split into two separate jobs: bullfighters, who protect the riders from the bull, and entertainers (barrelmen), who provide comic humor. However, in some parts of the world and at some small rodeos, the jobs of bull rider protection and comic book remain combined.

Tasks and Skills[ edit ]

The main task of the rodeo bullfighter is to protect a fallen rider from the bull by distracting it and giving the bull an alternative target to attack, regardless of whether the rider was pushed off or jumped off the animal. These people put themselves at great risk to protect drivers. To do this, they wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing designed to tear, with protective gear attached underneath.[1] Rodeo clowns require speed, agility, and the ability to anticipate a bull’s next move.[1] Rodeo clowns work closely with very large, very powerful animals and are often seriously, and sometimes fatally, injured. Most rodeos feature a clown, and clowns have become crowd favorites.

At some venues, rodeo bullfighters still wear clown makeup and some also provide traditional clown entertainment for the crowd between rodeo events, often parodying aspects of cowboy culture. But most modern bullfighters no longer dress up as clowns, although they still wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. At major US events, the job is shared, with a bullfighter (sometimes two or more) protecting the riders from the bull, and a barrelman (sometimes one, sometimes two) providing hilarious humor.[2] Some barrelmen feature both comedy and bullfighter support, but a bullfighter’s work is generally distinct from that of comics.

history [edit]

Rodeo clowns date back to the early days of competitive rodeo in the early 1900s, when promoters would hire cowboys to entertain crowds between events or when the competition was postponed. These individuals began wearing oversized, baggy clothing and eventually developed more outlandish gear. When bad-tempered Brahma bulls were used in bull riding competitions in the 1920s, the need for one person to distract the bull from fallen riders fell on the rodeo clown. The use of a barrel for protection began in the 1930s when a rodeo clown named Jasbo Fulkerson began using a solid-bottomed wooden barrel. In 1995, Earl W. Bascom was honored as the world’s oldest living rodeo clown at the age of 89.[6] Bullfighting was listed as a profession by Wick Peth in 1967 and Jimmy Anderson is said to have started his career in 1975.

In Australia, rodeo clowns have been part of rodeos and agricultural shows for many years. They were hired to entertain spectators between events and to help manage the bullocks, bullocks, or bulls in the arena.[9] In the 1930’s, with the introduction of aggressive Brahman bulls and Brahman crossbreeds, the work became much more serious.[1] In the late 20th century, the term bullfighter began to replace the name rodeo clown in formal usage, in recognition of the great danger that the profession faced. The comedic aspect of clowning, as opposed to protecting rodeo athletes, began to disappear in some parts of the United States in the late 1970s.[10]

At the 2001 Professional Bull Riders (PBR) World Finals, bullfighter Rob Smets abandoned his traditional baggy rodeo clown outfit and began wearing an athletic jersey and shorts with his sponsors’ logos. This was the blueprint for future PBR bullfighter outfits, as in 2003 all bullfighters in the organization stopped wearing traditional rodeo clown makeup and outfits and traded them for athletic jerseys and pants with corporate sponsor logos. This was also the case with Barrelmen in the PBR, but they kept their composition. In the years that followed, many bullfighters in other organizations also adopted athletic shirts and shorts, but many continued to wear clown makeup as well.

technique [edit]

The bullfighters enter the rodeo arena on foot before the bull is released from the hump slide. They stand on either side of the chute when the bull is released and work as a team to distract the bull, protecting the rider and each other.[1] Your role is particularly important when a rider has been injured. In this case, the bullfighter stands between the bull and the rider, or uses techniques such as running at an angle, tossing a hat, or yelling to get the injured rider out of the ring.

Typically, bullfighters at larger rodeos work in groups of as few as two and as many as four. The barrelman uses a large, well-padded steel barrel that he can easily jump in and out of, and the barrel helps protect him from the bull.[5] In Australia, barrelmen generally do not use barrels.

The work of a rodeo bullfighter can be quite dangerous, as in this example of one being impaled by a bucking bull.

All members of the protection team wear loose, loose clothing. The comic can wear the fanciest of brightly colored clothing, which can include things like wearing an inflatable woman’s costume, and uses loud colorful props like rubber chickens and exploding garbage cans.

Typically, the barrelman carries a microphone and verbally abuses the rodeo announcer, the crowd, and everyone else he knows. During bull riding, the barrelman assists the bullfighters, including taunting the bulls by calling them names and waving props at them, usually from the safety of the barrel. Barrelmen can also tell jokes and use topical humor.

Freestyle bullfighting [ edit ]

Bullfighting is growing in popularity to the point that it is not only a job in its own right, but also a competitive event at rodeos across the United States. When not working to protect bull riders, many rodeo bullfighters also have their own performances known as American Freestyle Bullfighting or simply Freestyle Bullfighting or American Bullfighting. Instead of bucking bulls, fighting bulls are used in these events. They are brought into the arena and the bullfighter works the animal, evaluated based on the skill he demonstrates in controlling and maneuvering the bull, precision in jumping the bull, contact with the bull and handling of the barrel. Similar skills are sometimes displayed in intermission acts at traditional rodeos.[1] A typical format is a 60 or 70 second encounter between bull and bullfighter, where the bullfighter scores points for various maneuvers.[13][14] Unlike the older sport of Spanish bullfighting, no harm is done to the bull in rodeo bullfighting.[13]

Recognition [ edit ]

From 1981 to 2000, the Wrangler Bullfighting Tour held a series of multiple events at Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) rodeos, and at the conclusion of the regular season, the top six contestants competed at the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) to determine the world’s more masterful Bullfighter.[15] Since 2004, the PRCA has presented the Bullfighter of the Year award to its best bull rider protection athlete through voting within the organization. As of the 2020s, there are two organizations in the United States that specialize in freestyle bullfighting: Bullfighters Only (BFO) and Ultimate Bullfighters (UBF). There are schools to train potential rodeo bullfighters.[1]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

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Leon Coffee: 40 years of bullfighting

NO BULL: Leon Coffee has been making the crowds laugh for more than 40 years — but being a rodeo clown isn’t just a fun business. See why it’s also one of the most dangerous jobs.

HOUSTON, Texas – Rodeo legend Leon Coffee knows how to entertain an audience. For more than 40 years, the bullfighting clown has been putting on makeup and causing a laugh at rodeos across the country. But despite the makeup and goofy costume, being a rodeo clown is no fun affair. It is actually one of the most dangerous jobs in the world!

“I’m not afraid of these cops. I have a healthy respect for their ability to hurt me,” Coffee said. “But I also have a very healthy respect for my ability to bypass them. You look at this cop and you say ok it’s a big tag game, let’s see who gets there first. You know, these cops run 40 miles an hour and the fastest man in the world can only run 30. And I’m not him!”

Coffee has been a rodeo clown since the early 1970s. He began riding bulls as a child, then took up bullfighting in high school and performed in major rodeos across the country. He estimates that he attends 35 to 40 rodeos each year.

“It became an obsession,” he said. “And I’m an adrenaline junkie. I love living on the edge and this is as close to the edge as you can get. You don’t know what the cops are gonna do, how they’re gonna do it, but you know what you gotta do. You have to realize that you are out there to protect the bull rider.”

After suffering dozens of injuries and even a few near-death experiences over the years, Coffee serves as a barrel man at rodeos. He was also inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame and was named 1983 PRCA Clown of the Year, among many other awards.

“To be a part of that and still be here, I’ve been blessed in more ways than you can ever imagine,” he said. “Not everyone can stay in this business. You have to have that burning desire to do it.”

SAN ANTONIO – He is one of the most recognizable figures in San Antonio and at rodeos across the country. Leon Coffee has entertained the San Antonio Stock Show and rodeo-goers for the last 30 years.

But the big smile has turned to pain lately.

The rodeo clown and bullfighter is recovering from a bout with bacterial meningitis.

“I’m feeling a lot better, it just brings my strength back,” Coffee said while resting in his lounge chair at his ranch north of San Antonio.

Coffee began losing use of his left hand over the past year. He performed at the San Antonio Rodeo, then the Houston Rodeo, and in March underwent spinal surgery to fix the problem.

While recovering in San Antonio, he collapsed on the floor of his home just after feeding his horses.

He was able to call his wife, who could take him to the hospital.

“God made that call,” Coffee said.

He spent six days in the hospital, including three in intensive care, and according to his doctor, he is lucky to be alive.

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Leon said his doctor told him, “Not too many people come back from where you were.”

Not only is Coffee recovering from meningitis, he’s also recovering from medical bills.

Coffee admits he’s overwhelmed, but as soon as the word reached Facebook and other avenues, the reactions came in the form of well-wishers and cash.

Coffee once traveled across the country to donate his blood to a cowboy in need. It was 1986. This cowboy gave him a card and a check for $500.

He also received $15 from a young lady who included a picture of her and his keg.

“That was a lot of money in her little piggy bank, I’m sure,” he said.

Coffee said he’s used to being the one to give.

“I never expected anything in return. I never did it to get anything back. I did it because I enjoy it,” he said.

These remarks were made while wiping tears from his eyes.

He added, “It’s the most humiliating thing I’ve ever had to be a part of.”

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Because of mounting debt, a fundraiser was put together for Coffee. It will take place on June 15th at the Tejas Rodeo Arena in Bulverde. There will be bull riding, mutton bustin’, live music and a live and silent auction.

If you would like to donate money, go to www.tejasrodeo.com.

Bull Rider with Most Career Earnings Bull riding is a brutal and unforgiving sport. And for a few, it’s a path to riches.

Bull Riders with most career earnings Silvano Alves from Brazil competes in a professional Bull Riders event aboard Showoff in 2013. Bull riding is a brutal and unforgiving sport. Professional bull riders lead a nomadic existence, traveling from town to town to rodeos in search of paydays to keep their careers afloat and full tanks of gas. They do it at the expense of their bodies and treat injuries that would make NFL players blush. For a few, the journey is a path to riches. It can change their lives and make them rodeo superstars around the world. At what cost is up to them, although most bull riders are no older than their late 30s if they’re lucky. These are the bull riders with the most career earnings and how much they have earned.

40. Brendon Clark Country: Australia (Morpeth, New South Wales) Career: 2003-14 Career Highlights: Express Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Classic Champion (2007), Pendleton Invitational Champion (2007), Brendon Clark Invitational Champion (2011) Total Rides (Career): 355 Money Earned: $1,028,583.29 Note: All earnings are as of January 2022.

Bottom line: Brendon Clark Considered Australia’s most successful bull rider, the Brendon Clark Invitational in New South Wales is held in his honor each year and is one of Australia’s largest bull riding competitions. Clark has dealt with many injuries throughout his career – he reportedly suffered six concussions in one season in 2008 and suffered another serious injury in 2009 when a bull slammed into his chest and stomach.

39. Aaron Roy Country: Canada (Yellow Grass, Saskatchewan) Career: 2006-present Career Highlights: 3-time Canadian PBR Champion Total Rides (Career): 564 Money Earned: $1,031,471.77

Verdict: Aaron Roy Canadian Aaron Roy has an astounding 564 career rides under his belt – one of the highest totals on this list. Widely regarded as the greatest Canadian bull rider of all time, one thing is undeniable, he is the toughest. In 2013, Roy suffered a broken back and two separate broken jaws, and his family were told he would be paralyzed from the chest down for life. Roy returned two years later to win the Canadian PBR.

38. Paulo Crimber Country: Brazil (Olimpia, Sao Paulo) Career: 1998-2012 Career Highlights: PBR Finals runner-up (2001), Anaheim Invitational Champion (2008) Total rides (career): 283 Money earned: 1,111,528.87 $

Conclusion: Paulo Crimber Paulo Crimber has enjoyed a 15-year career in the professional bullriding circuit, highlighted by winning nearly $160,000 for finishing runner-up at the PBR Finals in 2001. His career, once won the National Finals rodeo and after ending his career became an interpreter for Brazilian bull riders.

37. Ednei Caminhas Country: Brazil (Indaiatuba, Sao Paolo) Career: since 2000 Career Highlights: Deep South PRCA Rodeo Champion (2021), Mesquite Championship Rodeo (2021), Lewiston Roundup Champion (2017), PRCA Championship Rodeo Champion (2017). ), Chisholm Trail Stampede Champion (2016) Total Rides (Career): 430 Money Earned: $1,160,803.80

Bottom Line: Ednei Caminhas Ednei Caminhas is the bull riding equivalent of Tom Brady – the Brazilian started his career in 2000 and is still going strong 22 years later at 46. Caminhas, just 5’1″ and 180 pounds, started riding as a boy watching highlights of the Cheyenne Frontier Days and has an incredible 430 rides to his tally as of 2022.

36.J.W. Hart Country: United States (Overbrook, Oklahoma) Career: 1994–2020 Career Highlights: PBR Finals Champion (2002), Anaheim Invitational Champion (2000), USST Challenger Tour Finals Champion (2004), PBR Rookie of the Year (1994) Total Rides (Career): 223 Money Earned: $1,170,067.64

Conclusion: J.W. Hart J.W. Hart was a dominant bull rider in the early 2000s and won a PBR Finals World Championship in 2000, earning him nearly $300,000 of his career earnings in a single event. Hart also has a pretty cool backstory. Raised in Oklahoma, he was able to train with the late Lane Frost in 1986, just a year before Frost became the National Finals Rodeo World Champion.

35. Cody Teel Country: United States (College Station, Texas) Career: 2010-present Career Highlights: Music City Knockout Champion (2018), PBR Pendleton Whiskey Invitational Runner-Up (2021), PRCA World Champion (2012) Total Rides (Career): 193 Money Earned: $1,185,027.97

Conclusion: Cody Teel A native of Texas, Cody Teel was a two-time state champion in high school and won the 2011 College National Finals rodeo while riding for Sam Houston State. Teel turned pro in 2012 and won four events, highlighted by winning a gold buckle at the $200,000+ Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

34. Ty Murray Country: United States (Stephenville, Texas) Career: 1987-2002 Career Highlights: Two-time PRCA Bullriding Champion, seven-time PRCA World All-Around Champion Total Rides (Career): 171 Money Earned: 1,195,749.22 $

Conclusion: Ty Murray Perhaps the greatest all-around cowboy of all time — and definitely the most famous — Ty Murray was a seven-time PRCA all-around world champion and dominated the rodeo-circus scene from the late 1980s through the early 2000s. Murray is unique on this list because he’s made money from so many different events…plus he was one of the co-founders of the PBR.

33. Edevaldo Ferreira Country: Brazil (Andradina, Sao Paulo) Career: 2007-16 Career Highlights: PBR World Finals Fourth (2012) Total Rides (Career): 334 Money Earned: $1,357,598.42

Conclusion: Edevaldo Ferreira Edevaldo Ferriera won the 2012 PBR Brazil title. Brazilian Edevaldo Ferreira had his best season in 2012 when he won the Touring Pro Division Championship and the PBR Brazil title and finished fourth at the World Finals. Ferreira cashed $675,634 this season, ten times more than any other year of his career. Ferreira’s final season might have been the proof he needed to hang her, given that he only made just over $500.

32. Shane Proctor Country: United States (Grand Coulee, Washington) Career: 2005-present Career Highlights: PRCA Bull Riding Champion (2011), nine-time PBR Finalist Total Rides (Career): 683 Money Earned: $1,379,736.47

Bottom Line: Shane Proctor Shane Proctor has over $200,000 in earnings in three seasons. Shane Proctor came from rural Washington to build a career that would take him to great heights, but even by his own admission, he was never among the elite cowboys he looked up to. He has compiled three seasons in which he has earned at least $200,000, including a career-high $250,492 in 2011, the same year he won the PRCA Bull Riding Championship. As a half-retiree, he only registered 10 trips in the 2018 season, four in 2019 and 16 in 2020.

31. Matt Triplett Country: United States (Canton, South Dakota) Career: 2011-present Career Highlights: Anaheim Invitational Champion (2015), Oklahoma City Invitational Champion (2015), PBR World Finals Runner-Up (2019) Total Rides (Career): 383 Earned Money: $1,405,266.29

Bottom Line: Matt Triplett Matt Triplett found great success at the 2019 PBR World Finals, finishing second and winning nearly $200,000 in a single event. It was a major turning point for Triplett, who missed a large part of the 2019 season after undergoing hip surgery.

30. Sean Willingham Country: United States (Summerville, Georgia) Career: 2003-19 Career Highlights: 12-time PBR Finalist Total Rides (Career): 537 Money Earned: $1,420,981.32

Bottom Line: Sean Willingham Sean Willingham was a high school basketball star before turning pro on the rodeo circuit. Sean Willingham, the only native Georgian on the PBR Tour when he retired in 2019, had a long, 17-year bull riding career. Willingham was a freak athlete who started out as a point guard for Chattooga High School for four years and was known for submerging opponents — at just 5ft 11, 165 pounds. During his career as a bull rider he suffered from a broken neck, a dislocated hip, a torn groin and multiple ligament tears in both knees. Willingham earned a career-high $248,313 in 2006.

29. Austin Meier Country: United States (Kinta, Oklahoma) Career: 2006-15 Career Highlights: Frost/Thurman Award (2012), 8-time PBR Finalist Total Rides (Career): 485 Money Earned: $1,444,850.23

Conclusion: Austin Meier Austin Meier had to give up early due to injury. Oklahoma native Austin Meier, who was forced into early retirement due to a variety of injuries including chronic back pain, boasted a swanky 44.8 percent career graduation rate. “No matter what I did, my back just hurt,” Meier told The Oklahoman in 2015. He had his best season in 2012, earning $311,000, which was also part of a five-year streak of making at least $100,000 each season.

28. Mike White Country: United States (De Kalb, Texas) Career: 1999-2011 Career Highlights: PBR Rookie of the Year (1999), PBR Hall of Fame (2012), nine-time PBR Finalist Total Rides (Career): 254 Earned Money: $1,463,243.77

Bottom Line: Mike White Mike White became the first person to win three consecutive PBR titles. Mike White became the first rider in PBR history to win an event three years in a row, winning the 2002-04 Ty Murray Invitational in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was also the first rider to stay on the legendary Bull Troubadour for eight seconds, who accomplished the feat in 2008. White finished his career with 12 PBR wins, 42 top 5 finishes and 67 top 10 finishes. He now works as a safety coordinator at PBR events and hosts the Mike White Touring Pro Invitational.

27. Ross Coleman Country: United States (Mollalla, Oregon) Career: 1999-2011 Career Highlights: PBR Hall of Fame (2012), 10-time PBR Finalist Total Rides (Career): 420 Money Earned: 1,489,063, $50

Conclusion: Ross Coleman Ross Colmeman is one of the few West Coast riders to make the list. One of only a few West Coast bull riders to make the top earners list, Oregon native Ross Coleman still finds his name among the top earners in his sport’s history nearly a decade after his retirement. Coleman began riding ponies as a boy on his family farm and his father Steve was also a rodeo cowboy. In 2001, Coleman set a then-record for most money won on a single ride for collecting a $100,000 check for defeating bull Tuff-E-Nuff.

26. Wiley Peterson Country: United States (Fort Hall, Idaho) Career: 2000-2012 Career Highlights: World Finals Event Champion (2007), 10-time PBR Finalist Total Rides (Career): 399 Money Earned: $1,512,269.36

Conclusion: Wiley Peterson Wiley Peterson is a member of the Shoshone Bannock tribe. Wiley Peterson, a member of the Shoshone-Bannock tribe, made post-career history by assembling the first all-Native American team of bull riders in history to compete in the 2019 Professional Bull Riders Global Cup USA. A native of Idaho, Peterson competed for Idaho State University in college and placed third in the world in 2003 and fourth in 2007. Overall, Peterson won a total of 13 televised events during his professional career.

25. Derek Kolbaba Country: United States (Walla Walla, Washington) Career: 2014-present Career Highlights: WRCA Windy City Roundup Champion (2019), Oklahoma City Invitational Champion (2017), Cooper Tires Take The Money And Ride Champion (2017) Total rides (Career): 268 Money Earned: $1,513,878.48

Bottom Line: Derek Kolbaba Washington native Derek Kolbaba is only 25 years old and has recently climbed into the top 30 career earnings in breeder’s rights history. Kolbaba’s father was also a professional bull rider – Derek’s best finish at the PBR World Championships was in 2017 when he finished second.

24. Cody Nance Country: United States (Paris, Tennessee) Career: 2007-present Career Highlights: Touring Division Champion (2016), PBR Rookie of the Year (2009), 10-time PBR Finalist Total Rides (Career): 583 Money Earned: $1,675,706.05

Conclusion: Cody Nance Cody Nance started riding bulls at the age of 14. Cody Nance began riding bulls at age 14 while growing up in Huntington, Tennessee. He was consistent but never had a real breakout season on tour, earning a career-high $292,000 in 2013, which was the same year he had his career-best fourth-place finish at the PBR Finals. Nance is no stranger to injuries, having suffered a broken arm, broken leg, fractured ribs and torn cruciate ligaments in both knees.

23. Luke Snyder Country: United States (Raymore, Missouri) Career: 2000-13 Career Highlights: World Finals Event Champion (2001), PBR Rookie of the Year (2001), PBR Ring of Honor (2015) Total rides (career) : 405 Money Earned: $1,728,916.04

Conclusion: Luke Snyder Luke Snyder was the 2001 PBR Rookie of the Year and World Finals Champion. A Missouri native, Luke Snyder burst onto the scene in 2001 to become the World Finals Event Champion and PBR Rookie of the Year. Throughout his career, Snyder became known as the “Iron Man” of bull riding by competing in a record 275 consecutive PBR and NFR events. One of the most recognizable faces in bull riding during his career, People Magazine reported on his 2012 marriage to Jen Manna in Branson, Missouri. He retired in 2013 and joined Bass Pro Shops.

22. Ryan Dirteater Country: United States (Hulbert, Oklahoma) Career: 2007-2020 Career Highlights: World Finals Event Champion (2016) Total Rides (Career): 399 Money Earned: $1,773,847.66

Conclusion: Ryan Dirteater Ryan Dirteater recorded his best performances in his native Oklahoma. Ryan Dirteater, son of a thoroughbred Cherokee, was at his best in his native Oklahoma. He won back-to-back events at the 2018 and 2019 Unleash the Beast Invitational to a sold-out crowd at the Chesapeake Energy Arena, which is also home to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Dirteater earned a career-high $498,000 in 2016, the same year he won the World Finals, and earned at least $100,000 in nine of 14 seasons.

21. Chase Outlaw Country: United States (Hamburg, Arkansas) Career: 2011-present Career Highlights: Velocity Tour Champion (2013), Touring Pro Division Champion (2013) Total Rides (Career): 378 Money Earned: $1,775,653.72

Conclusion: Chase Outlaw Chase Outlaw is perhaps the toughest athlete in pro sports. There is perhaps no tougher athlete in pro sports than 27-year-old Chase Outlaw from Hamburg, Arkansas. What is the evidence? At Frontier Days 2018 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Outlaw was riding bull War Cloud without a helmet when his face collided with one of the bull’s horns. He thought he broke his nose – but instead had 30 facial fractures, requiring 68 screws and 12 plates. He had the best season of his career in 2019 and was ranked No. 1 or 2 in the world for most of the season. And he rides with a helmet.

20. Eduardo Aparecido Country: Brazil (Gouvelandia, Goiás) Career: Since 2011 Career Highlights: 7-time PBR Finalist Total Rides (Career): 306 Money Earned: $1,829,608.91

Conclusion: Eduardo Aparecido Eduardo Aparecido is one of a long line of Brazilian riders who grew up with Silvano Alves. Eduardo Aparecido is one of a long line of Brazilian bull riders who grew up with legendary rider Silvano Alves. Aparecido made his pro debut on the PBR Brazil Tour in 2011 and has a high success rate riding bulls that rank in the top 1,000, using 41.2 percent of his opportunities. He had a great start to 2019 with over $200,000 in earnings before a broken jaw sidelined him for most of the spring. He bounced back with a win at the PBR Music City Knockout in Nashville, Tennessee in August 2019 and has been riding strong ever since.

19. L.J. Jenkins Country: United States (Porum, Oklahoma) Career: 2005-15 Career Highlights: World Finals Event Champion (2006), Missouri Sports Hall of Fame (2016), 10-time PBR Finalist Total Rides (Career): 564 Earned Money: $1,838,247.23

Conclusion: LJ Jenkins LJ Jenkins qualified for 10 consecutive PBR Finals. A native of Missouri, L.J. Jenkins was one of the most consistent Bull riders on the pro tracks during the first decade of his career, qualifying for 10 consecutive PBR Finals. Tragedy struck Jenkins in 2015 when he fractured his C-1 vertebra at an event in Nampa, Idaho. The injury forced Jenkins to retire from the sport and he switched to breeding bulls on his Oklahoma ranch and running his own semi-professional bull riding track.

18. Fabiano Vieira Country: Brazil (Pérola, Paraná) Career: Since 2006 Career Highlights: Eight-time PBR Finalist Total Rides (Career): 404 Money Earned: $1,845,163.23

Bottom Line: Fabiano Vieira Fabiano Vieira earned $100,000 over eight straight seasons. Brazilian Fabiano Vieira has been a paragon of consistency for over a decade, earning at least $100,000 in eight straight seasons from 2010-2017. He has made over $250,000 three times, with a career high of $285,000 in 2017. Vieira won the PBR Long Live Cowboys Classic in Columbus, Ohio in 2018 but struggled in 2019, earning 4,645. He rallied in 2020 and made over $52,000. He also has a respectable 33.1 percent ride rate in the top 100 bulls of his career.

17. Marco Eguchi Country: Brazil (Poá, Sao Paulo) Career: since 2008 Career Highlights: World Finals Event Champion (2018), Frost/Thurman Award (2018), six-time PBR finalist Total rides (career): 331 Money earned: 1,853. $800.74

Conclusion: Marco Eguchi Marco Eguchi made his professional debut on the PBR Brazil Tour in 2008 at the age of just 18. He had his best season in 2018, winning the World Finals event, the Frost/Thurman Award for highest PBR Finals score, and raking in a career-high $445,504 for the year. Eguchi’s 2018 run came as a surprise, as his career completion rate has hovered around 37 percent for years.

16. Valdiron de Oliveira Country: Brazil (Bálsamo, Sao Paulo) Career: 2006-18 Career Highlights: Frost/Thurman Award (2010), 11-time PBR Finalist Total Rides (Career): 527 Money Earned: 2,256,531.09 $

Conclusion: Valdiron de Oliveira Valdiron de Oliveira grew up in the mountains outside of Rio de Janeiro. Valdiron de Oliveira grew up in the small town of Tres Rios, Brazil, about 90 miles in the mountains outside of Rio de Janeiro. By the time he was 16, he was working on ranches for an estimated $1 a week. Then he started riding bulls in competitions. Oliveira has also had a respectable career in mixed martial arts, fighting for several years in the UFC, a sport for which he is much better known in his home country.

15. Robson Palermo Country: Brazil (Rio Bronco, Acre) Career: 2006-18 Career Highlights: World Finals Event Champion (2008, 2011, 2012), Frost/Thurman Award (2011) Total Rides (Career): 412 Rides Money Earned: $2,592,730.82

Conclusion: Robson Palermo Robson Palermo grew up in the Amazon forest. Robson Palermo grew up on his family’s cattle ranch in the Amazon region and was already competing in bull riding at the age of 14. Palermo is the only three-time PBR World Finals champion and helped lead his home country to back-to-back PBR World Cup victories in 2007 and 2008. Palermo has long been known as one of the sport’s gentlemen, championing the “Brazilian rope” tying method, which has been criticized by some on the PBR.

14. Joao Ricardo Vieira Country: Brazil (Itatinga, Sao Paulo) Career: 2012-present Career Highlights: PBR Rookie of the Year (2013), 6-time PBR Finalist Total Rides (Career): 386 Money Earned: 2,938,277.72 $

Conclusion: Joao Ricardo Vieira Joao Ricardo Vieira has won $300,000 in five of seven seasons in the pros. One in a long line of great Brazilian riders, Joao Ricardo Vieira has earned almost a quarter of his career earnings from an event, the Iron Cowboy, which he has won three times, including in 2019. Despite not having a breakthrough season comparable to some of the top contenders in his sport, Vieira has been a model of consistency with winnings of at least $300,000 in six of nine seasons.

13. Renato Nunes Country: Brazil (Buritama, Sao Paulo) Career: 2005-15 Career Highlights: PBR World Champion (2010), World Finals Event Champion (2010) Total Rides (Career): 408 Money Earned: 2,979,218, $16

Bottom Line: Renato Nunes Renato Nunes shocked rodeo fans when he retired in 2015. Brazilian bull rider Renato Nunes surprised everyone when he retired in 2015, but he did so because he wanted to avoid major injuries. While transitioning to a successful ranching career in his home country, Nunes has been one of the most respected riders on the Tour in a career spanning decades, qualifying for the PBR Finals in 10 of 11 seasons. Nunes earned a whopping $1.68 million in 2010, the year he won his only world title.

12. Adriano Moraes Country: Brazil (Cachoeira Paulist, Sao Paulo) Career: 1997-2008 Career Highlights: PBR World Champion (1994, 2001, 2006), Touring Pro Division Champion (2002, 2003), Frost/Thurman Award (1996, 2006) Total Rides (Career): 378 Money Earned: $3,085,286.06

Bottom Line: Adriano Moraes Adriano Moraes grew up on a tiny farm outside of Sao Paolo, Brazil. Born and raised on a rural farm outside of Sao Paolo, Brazil, Adriano Moraes became one of the greatest bull riders of all time, the first three-time PBR World Champion and the main reason PBR expanded into Brazil. Moraes was on track to win another world title in 1997 before a broken leg knocked him out, and his $1.38 million he earned in 2006, the year of his last world title, was three times that of any other rider this year.

11. Kody Lostroh Country: United States (Longmont, Colorado) Career: 2004-18 Career Highlights: PBR World Champion (2009), PBR Rookie of the Year (2005) Total Rides (Career): 517 Money Earned: 3,263,027 $.20

Conclusion: Kody Lostroh Kody Lostroh was named 2009 PBR Rookie of the Year. Kody Lostroh won three consecutive Colorado High School Bull Riding Championships before earning a scholarship to the University of Wyoming but dropping out of school to turn pro. Lostroh was an instant star on the bullriding tours, winning Rookie of the Year and winning his only world title four years later in 2009. Health problems dogged Lostroh late in his career after he was diagnosed with a tumor around his carotid artery that required surgery and retired not long after.

10. Cooper Davis Country: United States (Jasper, Texas) Career: 2012-present Career Highlights: World PBR Champion (2016), World Finals Event Champion (2015), Frost/Thurman Award (2015) Total Rides (Career): 384 Money Earned: $3,264,413.65

Conclusion: Cooper Davis Cooper Davis was featured in a 2016 New York Times thinkpiece. At just 26, Texas native Cooper Davis is one of the top bull riders in the world, already has a world title and was also profiled in a heartbreaking article in The New York Times in 2016. His consistency on tour was something to look at should. While some riders languish in feast or starvation years, Davis averages $488,000 over six seasons from 2015-2020.

9. Kaique Pacheco Country: Brazil (Itatiba, Sao Paulo) Career: since 2013 Career Highlights: PBR World Champion (2018), PBR Rookie of the Year (2015) Total Rides (Career): 299 Money Earned: 3,512,048, $20

Conclusion: Kaique Pacheco Kaique Pacheco is one of the world’s best young bull riders. At just 24 years old, Kaique Pacheco is the youngest in a long line of elite bull riders from Brazil and already has a world title under his belt in 2018 when he raked in $1.535 million in earnings. Pacheco ended his championship season with an easy run to the title, prevailing early enough to sit out the final round. Which was good because he tore both the PCL and MCL in his left knee in the penultimate event in 2018. He recovered and earned over $230,000 from 2019 to February 2021.

8. Mike Lee Country: United States (Decatur, Texas) Career: 2002-17 Career Highlights: PBR World Champion (2004), World Finals Event Champion (2004) Total Rides (Career): 796 Money Earned: $3,906,869.20

Bottom Line: Mike Lee Why does Mike Lee look like he’s smiling? Montana native Mike Lee qualified for 16 consecutive seasons in the PBR World Finals and became the first person to win both the PBR World Championship and the World Finals event in the same year, 2004. Lee is also known for becoming one of the first bull riders to fully embrace wearing protective headgear, which he is credited with saving his life after suffering a fractured skull and requiring brain surgery in 2003.

7. Chris Shivers Country: United States (Jonesville, Louisiana) Career: 1997-2012 Career Highlights: PBR World Champion (2000, 2003), Touring Pro Division Champion (1997, 2000), Frost/Thurman Award (1997, 2001, 2012). ). ) Total Rides (Career): 406 Money Earned: $3,923,994.43

Conclusion: Chris Shivers Chris Shivers was the first bull rider to make $1 million. One of the most respected bull riders in history, Chris Shivers was inducted into the PBR Hall of Fame in 2013, just a year after his retirement. Shivers set the standard for bull riders around the world en route to two world championships, becoming the first in his sport to reach career earnings marks of $1 million, $2 million and $3 million. He was also the first bull rider to earn $300,000 in a season, back in 1998.

6. Jess Lockwood Country: United States (Volborg, Montana) Career: 2016-present Career Highlights: PBR World Champion (2017), PBR Rookie of the Year (2016) Total Rides (Career): 230 Money Earned: 4,166,633, $06

Verdict: Jess Lockwood Jess Lockwood could be #1 on this list in a few years. Montana native Jess Lockwood became the youngest world champion in PBR history in 2017 at the age of just 20, and he has a chance to become one of the richest bull riders of all time. Lockwood’s early career was not without controversy. In 2018, he was fined an undisclosed amount by the PBR after using a racially insensitive comment to describe Native Americans on Twitter. Lockwood deleted the tweet and then issued a public apology. In August 2019, he reclaimed the world No. 1 ranking.

5. Jose Vitor Leme Country: Brazil (Ribas Do Rio Pardo, Mato Grasso du Sol) Career: since 2017 Career Highlights: PBR World Champion (2020, 2021), Ford Built Tough World Finals Champion (2017) Total Rides (Career ) : 301 Money Earned: $5,110,808.50

Bottom Line: Jose Vitor Leme In some circles, Jose Vitor Leme’s 2021 season is being viewed as perhaps the greatest in bull riding history — despite missing eight events with a broken ankle and torn right groin, he set six PBR records or tied them, including most rounds won in a single season. Jose Vitor won back-to-back world championships in 2020 and 2021 and saw his wins skyrocket and jump into the top 5 all-time.

4. Justin McBride Country: United States (Elk City, Oklahoma) Career: 1999-2008 Career Highlights: PBR World Champion (2005, 2007), PBR Ring of Honor (2009), Texas Cowboys Hall of Fame (2016) Total Rides ( Career): 384 Money Earned: $5,186,799.35

Conclusion: Justin McBride Justin McBride retired in his prime. Justin McBride was the first $5 million career bull rider to draw a Barry Sanders and retired earlier than most of his peers, ending his career in just over a decade. McBrides Karriere erreichte 2007 ihren Höhepunkt, als er seinen zweiten Weltmeistertitel gewann und auf der Tour 1,8 Millionen US-Dollar verdiente, darunter eine One-Shot-Fahrt in Scene of the Crash für 200.000 US-Dollar. McBride zog sich früh zurück, um in eine Karriere als Country-Sängerin überzugehen, trat 2009 im Grand Ole Opry auf und veröffentlichte in den folgenden Jahren drei CDs und eine Live-DVD.

3. Guilherme Marchi Land: Brasilien (Tres Lagoas, Matto Grasso do Sul) Karriere: 2004-18 Karrierehöhepunkte: PBR-Weltmeister (2008), World Finals Event Champion (2005) Fahrten insgesamt (Karriere): 721 Verdientes Geld: 5.338.428,48 $

Fazit: Guilherme Marchi Guilherme Marche war der erste PBR-Athlet, der 600 Karrierefahrten absolvierte. Guilherme Marchi, der erste Fahrer in der PBR-Geschichte mit 600 Karrierefahrten, gab seinen Rücktritt nach der Saison 2018 bekannt und krönte seine Karriere bei einem Event in seiner Heimat Brasilien. Marchi ist einer der beständigsten Fahrer aller Zeiten, wie die Qualifikation für 15 aufeinanderfolgende PBR-Finals beweist. Er wurde drei aufeinanderfolgende Saisons Weltmeister, bevor er 2008 seine einzige Weltmeisterschaft gewann, als er 1,5 Millionen Dollar verdiente – fast dreimal so viel wie jeder andere Fahrer in dieser Saison.

2. Silvano Alves Land: Brasilien (Pilar Do Sul, Sao Paulo) Karriere: seit 2008 Karrierehöhepunkte: PBR-Weltmeister (2011, 2012, 2014), World Finals Event Champion (2014), PBR Rookie of the Year (2010) Fahrten insgesamt (Karriere): 630 Verdientes Geld: 6.312.834,19 $

Fazit: Silvano Alves ist Silvano Alves die ZIEGE? Silvano Alves ist nicht nur einer der größten brasilianischen Bullenreiter aller Zeiten. Er ist in der weltweiten GOAT-Diskussion für den Sport. In seinen ersten 18 Monaten als Profi verdiente er 1,8 Millionen US-Dollar, was ein Rekord ist, ebenso wie seine drei Event-Siege während seiner Rookie-Saison. In den Jahren 2011 und 2012 gewann er als erster hintereinander Weltmeisterschaften im Bullenreiten. Und zwischen 2014 und 2015 absolvierte Alves 24 aufeinander folgende Fahrten, was, keine Überraschung, auch ein Rekord ist.

1. J. B. Mauney Land: Vereinigte Staaten (Statesville, North Carolina) Karriere: seit 2006 Karrierehöhepunkte: PBR-Weltmeister (2013, 2015), World Finals Event Champion (2009, 2013), PBR Rookie of the Year (2006) Insgesamt Fahrten (Karriere): 765 Verdientes Geld: 7.432.984,12 $

Rodeo bullfighters, also known as rodeo clowns, entertain fans with skits, jokes and animal actions. As a bullfighter you also have a solemn duty to keep enraged bulls from harming bull riders, some of whom become disoriented or injured after a ride. Their efforts to distract and control the bull, sometimes with the help of other bullfighters or other rodeo staff, allow the competitors to safely escape off the arena floor. While it’s possible to make a living as a rodeo bullfighter, the salaries don’t compare to the earnings of famous bull riders, who make millions, according to PBR.

your own boss

Most rodeo bullfighters are independent contractors and not employees of rodeo organizers or promoters. You typically negotiate wages and are paid by merit rather than by the hour, so your pay will depend on the number of events you book. As an essentially self-employed performer, you typically have flexibility in determining your schedule, geographic boundaries, and even the rodeo organizers and promoters you will be performing for. Bullfighters in rodeo associations or competitive tours, especially the more established ones, must settle for a season of numerous shows; Pay is negotiated for all shows in the season.

Big shows, big names

Your income depends on the experience and the public and financial standing of the rodeo promoter or tour. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that new clowns make an average of about $200 per show, while more experienced and well-known performers can earn up to $2,000 per show, especially with large covens or organizers, ABC reported in 2018.

According to JobMonkey.com, rodeo clown pay ranges from $100 to $500 per event. Full-time clowns can make anywhere from $40,000 to $90,000 per year. Those who handle 60 to 100 events per year earn an average annual salary of $50,000. For comparison, Salary.com reports that rodeo clowns earned an average annual salary of $63,826 as of January 2022, with salaries generally ranging from $54,897 to $74,837 per year.

Peak Earning Periods

The opportunities and earnings of rodeo bullfighters usually peak in summer. With warmer weather and kids out of school, you’ll find more and more organizations hosting rodeos. Many organizations can schedule rodeos on multiple dates — including weekdays — and at outdoor venues.

Events in autumn and winter are mainly limited to weekends and halls. If you’re fighting for an established tour, you generally have gigs year-round, or at least until the end of the circuit season in September or October.

Land rodeo performances

Your ability to get bookings increases your potential income as a rodeo bullfighter. If you attend a rodeo bullfighting school or clown school, you can learn how to distract bulls from competitors and entertain patrons. Potential rodeo promoters might find these skills appealing. Amateur, youth, locally-run, or small-scale rodeos are often a starting point to showcase your talents as a new rodeo bullfighter.

How do you become a rodeo clown or barrelman?

While the premise of being a barrelman may seem funny, the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) and its sanctioned rodeos take barrelmen very seriously. Similar to bullfighters, barrelmen must have a PRCA membership card to participate in a PRCA-sanctioned event.

This process includes obtaining letters of recommendation and an on-site evaluation at a non-PRCA rodeo to ensure their level of performance is up to par. The contract staff council decides on the granting of a permit. Once approved, the barrelman may operate PRCA rodeos with some restrictions. After conducting five approved events, they are again reviewed by the Contract Personnel Executive Council, at which point membership is either granted or denied.

When they reach their card, they are considered full members with no restrictions. However, if they are rejected, their membership will be terminated and they will have to repeat the process if they still wish to achieve membership.

While it may seem like fun and games, remember that the job of a barrelman is not an easy task and should not be underestimated. Check out our schedule of events to laugh at their jokes and sit on the edge of your seat at the next Silver Spurs Rodeo!

If you want to become a rodeo clown, you might want to attend a bullfighting school or take bullfighting lessons. You should try to learn everything about rodeos before you start training. You can do this by attending rodeos and talking to people in this industry. Another way to become a rodeo clown is by competing, as competitors who place well usually find it easier to get a full-time position in the rodeo.

Before making the firm decision to become a rodeo clown, it is important that you fully understand the risks involved in this type of work. Rodeo clowns are considered a type of bullfighter, although in most cases there are both clowns and more traditional bullfighters in the rodeo ring. Both work to distract the bull, generally making it less dangerous to the rider. In the event that the rider is pushed by the bull, the clown is expected to lure the bull away from the rider, making himself the primary target. In many cases, this can result in serious injury or even death.

There are schools that offer training in all aspects of rodeo work, including how to become a rodeo clown. You can take lessons in a group or arrange individual lessons. Most of these academies offer weekend courses if you cannot attend full-time. These schools will not only teach you the art of bullfighting, but also teach you about safety in the ring. Some bullfighting schools place an emphasis on bullfighting techniques, while others offer a curriculum that combines the entertainment aspects of clowning with traditional bullfighting.

Once you’ve completed your education, it’s important to start making some connections within the rodeo industry. In many cases, rodeo clown jobs are obtained through recommendation or word of mouth, so you’ll probably need a few friends in the rodeo circuit to secure a position. You may need to work your way up by starting your rodeo career in a lower position.

Some rodeo clowns make themselves known by participating in competitions. As well as often offering lucrative cash prizes, the competitions are an excellent place to show off your skills. Rodeo clown competitions are held every year, most of them in the western United States. Some competitions may require you to audition before you can enter.

Rodeo bullfighters, also known as rodeo clowns, entertain fans with skits, jokes and animal actions. As a bullfighter you also have a solemn duty to keep enraged bulls from harming bull riders, some of whom become disoriented or injured after a ride. Their efforts to distract and control the bull, sometimes with the help of other bullfighters or other rodeo staff, allow the competitors to safely escape off the arena floor. While it’s possible to make a living as a rodeo bullfighter, the salaries don’t compare to the earnings of famous bull riders, who make millions, according to PBR.

your own boss

Most rodeo bullfighters are independent contractors and not employees of rodeo organizers or promoters. You typically negotiate wages and are paid by merit rather than by the hour, so your pay will depend on the number of events you book. As an essentially self-employed performer, you typically have flexibility in determining your schedule, geographic boundaries, and even the rodeo organizers and promoters you will be performing for. Bullfighters in rodeo associations or competitive tours, especially the more established ones, must settle for a season of numerous shows; Pay is negotiated for all shows in the season.

Big shows, big names

Your income depends on the experience and the public and financial standing of the rodeo promoter or tour. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that new clowns make an average of about $200 per show, while more experienced and well-known performers can earn up to $2,000 per show, especially with large covens or organizers, ABC reported in 2018.

According to JobMonkey.com, rodeo clown pay ranges from $100 to $500 per event. Full-time clowns can make anywhere from $40,000 to $90,000 per year. Those who handle 60 to 100 events per year earn an average annual salary of $50,000. For comparison, Salary.com reports that rodeo clowns earned an average annual salary of $63,826 as of January 2022, with salaries generally ranging from $54,897 to $74,837 per year.

Peak Earning Periods

The opportunities and earnings of rodeo bullfighters usually peak in summer. With warmer weather and kids out of school, you’ll find more and more organizations hosting rodeos. Many organizations can schedule rodeos on multiple dates — including weekdays — and at outdoor venues.

Events in autumn and winter are mainly limited to weekends and halls. If you’re fighting for an established tour, you generally have gigs year-round, or at least until the end of the circuit season in September or October.

Land rodeo performances

Your ability to get bookings increases your potential income as a rodeo bullfighter. If you attend a rodeo bullfighting school or clown school, you can learn how to distract bulls from competitors and entertain patrons. Potential rodeo promoters might find these skills appealing. Amateur, youth, locally-run, or small-scale rodeos are often a starting point to showcase your talents as a new rodeo bullfighter.