Beyond daring rides, discover the wild antics and unexpected talents of rodeo clowns and entertainers who amplify the thrills and guarantee laughter.
The rodeo arena has long been a place of daring feats and incredible demonstrations of skill, talent, and training. In line with this tradition are the entertainers of the rodeo: the men, women, and animals (which could include anything from a dog to a monkey) who work to make the audience laugh or make their jaws drop at uncanny scenes.
Entertainers play different roles based on the size of the rodeo and the intended purpose of their slotted segment. Some are center stage with the purpose of being an added bonus of attending. Others are used as a distraction while an arena is reset for the next event and still others will sometimes step in to help with a stray bull or hairy moment.
Rodeo clowns are the most commonly found entertainment acts at rodeos. Every clown has a unique routine they put on, like an actor in various movies. From Mike Wentworth’s dance in an inflatable bikini costume or gorilla helper routine to Dusty Myers and his hunting buddy Terry routine, each act keeps the audience guessing as to what could possibly come next. Justin Rumford, the only ten time Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association Act of the Year Clown, explains he just says what he’d say outside of the arena during his show. His natural humor and background growing up around rodeo and as a rodeo competitor enables him to understand the crowd and what they want to hear.
These clowns often research the rodeo venue before attending if it's not one they have been to before and then prepare an act accordingly. They tell jokes, poke fun at contestants and audience members and make comments related to the geographic region they are in as a way of bonding with the audience and making them feel seen.
A smaller rodeo with fewer entries might have a longer clown show, or a clown that interacts between every event, whereas bigger rodeos might have more entertainment acts but at less frequent intervals.
Trick ropers and riders are another fan favorite, and sometimes duos perform together in a blend of multiple skills. Married couple Rider and Bethany Kieser are a great example of this. Bethany is a trick rider who was an opening act at the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in 2023. Her husband Rider has performed at the NFR 8 times, twirling ropes,spinning guns, leaping over fire, serving as the barrelman, and much more.
In addition to clowns, barrelmen, and additional specialty acts, rodeo organizations like the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) hire other contract personnel such as music directors. It takes these unique skills to provide the seamless rodeo experience that offers high energy and endless fun regardless of how the competitors and stock perform.
Some of these rodeo acts can be seen in non-western venues as well. Loop Rawlins, a self-slated wild west entertainer, is a whip cracking, gun spinning, trick roping cowboy whose stage presence has taken him to venues such as America’s Got Talent and the Cirque du Soleil. He’s versatile enough that he can perform for a non cowboy corporate group and then switch back over to a show full of a cowboy crowd such as the grandstand show at the Calgary Stampede.
Horses can be the star of these speciality acts too. Broken Spoke Clydesdales are a Kansas-based hitch of registered clydesdales who have made many pro rodeo and PBR performance appearances.
These acts are a welcome delight at the rodeo and enrich the overall experience for every attendee.