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It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with rodeo clown. (Discuss) |
A bullfighter is a rodeo performer whose job is to protect a bull rider after the rider has been thrown to the ground. The bullfighter is one of three types of rodeo clown, along with barrelman and comic (the traditional clown).[1] Some performers handle more than one task at a rodeo, but the job of a bullfighter is distinct from that of the comic.[2]
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History
Bullfighting was reported as Wick Peth's profession as early as 1967,[3] and Jimmy Anderson was reported to have begun his career in 1975.[4] The comedy aspect of bullfighting began to disappear in the late 1970s,[5] and modern bullfighters do not always dress as clowns.
Competition
Bullfighting has grown in popularity, so that in addition to being a job in its own right, it is a competitive event at rodeos around the United States. A typical format is a 60- or 70-second encounter between bull and bullfighter, in which the bullfighter scores points for certain maneuvers, such as how close he can come to the bull and how aggressive the bull is.[6][7] In contrast to the older sport of bullfighting, no harm is done to the bull in rodeo bullfighting.[6]
Recognition
From 1981–2000, Wrangler Jeans sponsored the Bullfighter of the Year contest at the National Finals Rodeo,[8] won five times by Rob Smets.[9][10] The California Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association desginates a Bullfighter of the Year annually. This title was won eight times by Donny Martin.[11] Other titles include the American Cowboys Association Freestyle Bullfighting Champion and the Ultimate Challenge Freestyle Bullfighting Champion.[12]
References
- ^ "Bronco riding cowboys embody the spirit of those who transformed West". Los Angeles Times. 1980-07-31. p. G14.
- ^ Buss, Dale D. (1981-04-02). "Our Nimble Writer Faces an Angry Bull, Lives to Tell Tale". The Wall Street Journal. p. 1.
- ^ Taylor, Ron (1967-11-12). "Matador in Baggy Pants". Los Angeles Times. p. M35.
- ^ Clifton, Guy (2008-12-08). "Late bullfighter Jimmy Anderson is remembered by rodeo community". ESPN.com. http://sports.espn.go.com/rodeo/news/story?id=3755701. Retrieved 2009-07-07.
- ^ Kendall, Pete (2009-06-15). "Clownin' around". Cleburne Times-Review. http://www.cleburnetimesreview.com/local/local_story_166095435.html. Retrieved 2009-07-07.
- ^ a b Pressgrove, David (2005-06-20). "Rodeo bullfighting comes to Craig". Craig Daily Press. http://www.craigdailypress.com/news/2005/jun/20/rodeo_bullfighting_comes/. Retrieved 2009-07-08.
- ^ "SuperBull tour comes to Amarillo". Amarillo Globe-News. 2002-01-18. http://www.amarillo.com/stories/011802/spo_superbull.shtml. Retrieved 2009-07-08.
- ^ Hoffman, Brett (1995-01-22). "Rodeo clown Rob Smets keeps the audience in stitches while keeping fallen riders out of harm's way". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. p. 17.
- ^ Pitt, Timothy E. (November 2003). Rob Smets. 15. Sports Illustrated Kids. p. 60.
- ^ Courchesne, Shawn (2002-11-17). "He has to Endure a Lot of Bull - 'Rodeo Clown' Image Tough to Shake". The Hartford Courant.
- ^ "Sidelines: Martin memorial bull ride scheduled". Oroville Mercury-Register. 2009-07-07. http://www.orovillemr.com/sports/ci_12766154. Retrieved 2009-07-07.
- ^ Waters, Betty (2009-06-13). "No Clowning Around: Protecting Bullriders Is Serious Business". TylerPaper.com. http://www.tylerpaper.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090613/NEWS01/906130322. Retrieved 2009-07-07.
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