A Short History Of The Rodeo Clown

Publication Date: July 2001

In the early days of rodeo, there were no rodeo clowns. However, once audiences were charged admission, promoters wanted to ensure they were completely entertained. The first clowns were cowboys chosen at random to amuse crowds between events. Some had natural comic ability and enjoyed the laughs their antics received.

Early rodeo clowns used sight gags extensively. Animals such as donkeys or mules were incorporated into the act. Skits ranged from falling off a bronc to dropping skunks and other small animals out of their baggy britches.

Once Brahma bulls were introduced to bull riding, a decoy was needed to distract the bull while the rider dismounted safely. The job fell to the rodeo clown and thus a new form of bullfighting was born. Unique to rodeo and the American West, it required protecting the cowboy while outmanuevering the menacing bull with agility and speed. If necessary, the clown would put his own life at risk to save the cowboy.

The clowns/bullfighters continued to develop their quick-witted routines, and for the enjoyment of rodeo audiences began to fight unridden bulls in a showdown. As a result, the Pro Rodeo Bullfighting Championship matches were established and top bullfighters were judged annually on their freestyle bullfighting. The sport has developed to a full season of matches around the country and brings recognition and prize money to athletes whose talents had been under appreciated for a long time.

A bullfighter named Jasbo originated the use of a barrel after he grew tired of losing the "race to the fence" with the bull. The barrel, or "clown lounge" as it is sometimes called, is also a tool which allows the bullfighters to be creative in their craft.

Although their faces are painted, their clothes are wild, and their antics sometimes ridiculous, the athletic ability of a rodeo clown to keep cowboys out of harm's way tells us they are the unsung heroes of rodeo.

Adapted from a piece by Gail Woerner.

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