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The Role and Responsibilities of Rodeo Clowns and Barrelmen
When most people attend a rodeo, they picture cowboys in ten-gallon hats, starched jeans, and plaid shirts. While that image isn't wrong, there's more to the rodeo lifestyle than the contestants in the chutes. As the announcer wraps up the prayer and the local rodeo queens exit the arena, another key figure steps into the spotlight, the rodeo clown, complete with colorful makeup and bright, loose-fitting attire, ready to go to perform.
The History and Purpose of Rodeo Clowns
The history of rodeo clowns dates back to the early 1900s, when promoters hired cowboys to keep audiences entertained between events. Over time, their role evolved from pure comic relief to a unique mix of humor and support. what many today know as the barrelman.
During quieter moments, clowns keep the crowd engaged with jokes, props, and quick wit. When bull riding begins, barrelmen work alongside the bullfighters to maintain arena awareness and create movement that helps riders reach safety. Their barrel serves as both a stage for laughs and a safety refuge, a sturdy spot a rider can slip behind if a bull stays close, while the bullfighters manage the direct, hands-on protection.
Their signature attire is designed for both visibility and mobility:
- Loose, tear-away clothing that allows quick movement and prevents snagging.
- Padded layers or longer fabric for comfort and protection.
- Bright, bold makeup that ensures they stand out to the audience and keeps the atmosphere fun and lighthearted.
What Is a Barrelman?
The role of the barrelman emerged in the 1930s, when rodeo stock contractors began using Brahma (or Brahman) bulls, animals known for their size and spirited temperament. As bull riding grew more intense, clowns adapted to stay safe in the arena. “Barrelman” became the technical term for those who worked from the barrel, while “rodeo clown” remained the familiar, crowd-facing name fans still use today.
A cowboy named Jasbo Fulkerson came up with a life-saving idea: a wooden barrel reinforced with old tire casings. That design evolved into the padded steel barrels used today. Barrelmen use them as both protection and a tool to draw the bull's attention away from fallen riders.
Over time, barrelmen personalized their barrels to match their height and weight. A typical rodeo barrel weighs several hundred pounds, a heavy but vital piece of safety equipment.
What Do Rodeo Clowns Do?
When rodeo was first taking shape, organizers realized that entertainment was just as important as competition. Between events, rodeo clowns provided laughter and kept audiences engaged while crews made repairs, contestants loaded into their chutes or contractors helped injured riders.
That tradition continues today. Bullfighters protect riders in the arena, often positioning themselves near the bull's head to draw attention away from the cowboy. Their split-second decisions require strength, speed, and teamwork, especially when bull riding scores can come down to just eight seconds of action.
They're also storytellers and comedians, using witty banter, physical comedy, and crowd interaction to keep energy high. At major events like the National Finals Rodeo, the best clowns and bullfighters are honored for excellence in both protection and performance.
Why Do Rodeo Clowns Wear Makeup?
Rodeo clown makeup is part safety, part storytelling, and all tradition. The bold colors and exaggerated expressions help make each performer visible across the entire arena, even under the bright lights and flying dust.
Every clown designs their own face paint, often with symbols or patterns that reflect their personality or pay tribute to rodeo history.
What Does It Take to Be a Rodeo Clown or Barrelman?
It takes courage, humor, and a steady heart to be a rodeo clown. These performers balance physical and mental demands, including:
- Quick reflexes and agility to dodge and redirect bulls.
- Strong situational awareness to read both animals and riders in motion.
- Showmanship and humor to keep crowds engaged even in tense moments.
- Emotional composure to stay calm under pressure.
In today's Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) rodeos, bullfighting is a competitive sport demanding top physical and mental condition. Performers wear safety-focused attire designed for speed and flexibility. Those old wooden barrels from the 1930s have evolved into padded steel barrels and safety gear designed to absorb impact and protect performers.
For anyone inspired to join the profession, there are rodeo clown and bullfighting schools that teach agility, evasive moves, and crowd interaction.
How Do You Become a Rodeo Clown or Barrelman?
While the job may seem like all fun and games, the PRCA takes barrelmen and bullfighters very seriously. To work a PRCA-sanctioned event, they must earn an official membership card, a process that proves their skill, professionalism, and commitment to safety.
Becoming a PRCA barrelman begins with several key steps:
- Submit a notarized application and pay a non-refundable evaluation fee to the PRCA.
- Providing at least three letters of recommendation from qualified professionals, such as former National Finals Rodeo barrelmen, announcers, or bullfighters.
- Completing at least five non-PRCA rodeos as part of an evaluation period to demonstrate both performance ability and safety awareness.
- Receiving a permit to work at PRCA-sanctioned events under a limited status.
- Working at least five PRCA rodeos before a final review by the Contract Personnel Executive Council to determine eligibility for full membership.
Once approved, the barrelman earns full PRCA membership, joining the ranks of rodeo professionals who combine athletic skill, quick reflexes, and a flair for entertainment. If denied, the applicant can reapply after gaining more experience.
So while it may look lighthearted from the stands, becoming a barrelman requires dedication, training, and grit. Check out the Silver Spurs Rodeo in Kissimmee, Florida, to take a moment to cheer for these clowns who prove that courage and comedy can go hand in hand.
