Daredevil Bullfighters Protect Cowboys and Provide Humor, too

By Johnny McDonald

Bullfighters and barrelmen do more than add a little comedy relief during rodeos. They play vital roles in safety.

These daredevil risk-takers are there to protect the cowboys, diverting snorting bulls or high-kicking broncos.

Steering these animals away from a fallen cowboy will take some maneuvers not unlike that of a matador.

And, the man in baggy pants with white circus face will be stationed near a barrel that serves as an island for protection.

We corralled a trio of bullfighters at a recent rodeo to discuss their roles. Relaxing at a table were Louie Jones, Shorty Gorham and Charlie Too Tall West.

“It’s just the respect you get from (cowboys) that makes you feel good, knowing they trust you with their lives and that you are out there to protect them,” said Jones, a construction worker from Salt Lake City, Utah. “I found this more rewarding than riding bulls.”

Born and raised in El Centro, Jones has been around rodeos for 26 years.

Shorty, a San Juan Capistrano cattle rancher, said he works 30 to 35 events a year in the Western states.

“I’ve done a little of everything at a rodeo... something I’ve wanted to be around since I was 5 years old,” he said.

“There’s a great deal of satisfaction in (bullfighting) when they come over and thank you...particularly the guys who have been around a bit.”

West, who comes from Loomis, Calif., dresses like a clown and mans the protective barrel.

“I’m one of the funny men here ... comedy relief,” said West, whose lack of height — 5-foot-3 — belies his nickname. “I try to keep the rodeo rolling and having fun. Something breaks, they go to the clown to kill time.

“The barrel is a safety zone for the riders who get bucked off in the middle of the arena. A place for the bullfighters to go, too. It’s closer than going to the fence or wall.”

In addition to relying on the bullfighters and clowns, Shorty said riders now wear vests, helmets and other protective clothing. Most injuries come from being stepped on by animals that weigh 1,200 to 1,800 pounds.