In rodeo’s early days, clowns were entertainers first, protectors of bull riders second. But in today’s sport of professional rodeo, protecting bull riders from serious injury or death is no joking matter.

Clowns are serious about saving bull riders, and often will put their lives in jeopardy. The men in the funny outfits have honed their skills and methods of distracting bulls, giving cowboys time to escape to the nearest fence railing or open gate.

About two decades ago, bullfighters started competing amongst themselves in informal bullfights, pushing each other to the edges of daredevil stunts. In 1980, Wrangler sponsored the first Wrangler Jeans ProRodeo Bullfight Tour, to entice and reward the unique, hardworking professional rodeo bullfighters.

The rodeo breed of bullfighting bears no resemblance to the Spanish event bearing the same name. In rodeo bullfighting, the four-legged contestants always leave the arena alive and unharmed.

At St. Paul, the primary focus of the clowns is first to protect the contestants and then to entertain the crowd.

Bullfighters - Shorty Gorham & Joe Baumgartner

Shorty Gorham is one of two men risking their lives to save bull riders at St. Paul this year. He’s been protecting cowboys for the past three years at the NFR and this year Joe Baumgartner joins him.

Barrel Clown - Troy Lerwill

Our barrelman this year is Troy Lerwill. Troy was born and raised in Payson, Utah to a rodeo family. He received his first horse when he was 4 years old. His interests and skills with speed and daring have helped him develop a specialty act for rodeos, and he will be performing that in addition to his barrel work. He began his bullfighting career in 1994 and often found himself "the man in the can" making people laugh as the barrelman. Troy joined the PRCA in 1997. In spare time, Troy enjoys motorcross, golf, and encouraging his wife, Rebecca, with her dressage competitions.