Andrea101
Humps N Horns
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Post by Andrea101 on Sept 28, 2005 20:23:36 GMT -5
I have a few questions about bullfighters.[glow=purple,2,300]First, how much money does a bullfighter get per day at the PBR? Second, How does a bullfighter become a bullfighter, like, how and/or where are they trained for that type of work? Lastly, how long do bullfighters usually stay in the line of work, meaning, is it a job that will support them for life (dependent on major injuries of course)?[/glow]
Thanks, I obviously don't know a lot about them.
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Post by WI8SecFan on Sept 28, 2005 22:11:52 GMT -5
Those are some great questions Andrea and I will make sure that one of the "resident" bullfighters sees it and responds.
Are you looking at the bullfighters that you see at the event each week (those like Rob and Greg) that do what is called cowboy protection or the ones that will be in the Dickies bullfighting at the PBR finals that do what is called freestyle? Some do both but their careers are pretty different as well.
Most of the guys that I have talked to that bullfight have learned through some combination of being mentored by an experienced fighter and especially the younger guys schools.
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Post by brianranse on Sept 29, 2005 2:04:02 GMT -5
Gday Andrea.. as a "resdident" bullfighter here and someone who worked the PBR's and was thingiey freestyle Finalist LAst year as it was put..
the freestyle guys at the PBR are the ones who fight a specific fighting Bull for 70 seconds and judegd on how well they do it... and are then paid prize money according to how the place starting at $4000 for first place
PBR protection guys eran around $2000 a night for regular events...
Myself I worked a number of PBR USSTC events and got anywere from 500 a night to $1000 a night...
Most amuater Guys earn from 200 a night to 500
To become a bullfighter the best place most start is a School which lasts for 3 days.. they pay to go there and will usally go to 3-4 in thier career..
Taring for it for a lot comes from working with cattle in genral Ranch work.. Or like myself working at a salebarn...
We also attend practice days just the same as the bullriders do.... Many Bullfighters start as a extra a amuatuer Rodeo's under guidence fo friemds who show them were and what to do,, Some devolop quickly others never do...
Some careers last a long time Rob Smets has been fighting bulls nearly 30 years....
Some guys only last a while.... Injuries are not the killer.... It is being able to come back from them that stops guys many dont have the heart to come back after severe injuries...
Freestyle bullfighters are a little different but Rob smets is both he has been the Only 5 time World Champion...
But they last around the same time...It all comes down to heart...
As for supporting themselves only around 30 guys in the country make a living off it... Some say they do but when you factor in Travell cost's it gets expensive.....
Only very few do it at the top for A long time that is why Bullfighetrs are a rare Breed....
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Andrea101
Humps N Horns
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Posts: 57
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Post by Andrea101 on Sept 29, 2005 8:28:45 GMT -5
Thanks so much for answering... I find it quite interesting that only about 30 guys in the country make a living at it, just because of how important they are to the sport. Are you still bullfighting? What type of bull is the best to "fight" against? I am sure that most depends on the individual bull's personality, but have there been any trends b/w breeds or sizes? The psychology of it all is very interesting, b/w the fighter and the bull (ya i know... i'm in college kid, cant help bringing in the academics... it's engrained). Anyways, thanks for givin me the lowdown on bullfighters!
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Post by WI8SecFan on Sept 29, 2005 10:28:36 GMT -5
Psychology-well basically they are all just plain crazy! Just kidding…well sort of. I totally understand your interest in learning more about what they do too (woo hoo I am not the only one  ) . The events all become more interesting when you understand a little more about the bullfighting part of it too. Instead of just an 8 second (or 1.2 sec in some cases) ride you get a lot more out of it. I had the privilege this summer of going to watch a bull riding school that included an experienced bullfighter working with some younger fighters that are just starting out. In a lot of ways I learned more from watching and listening to them then I did from the rider instructions. (I will never look at a hang-up the same way!) After that I catch a lot more when watching events. I have gotten to the point that I enjoy watching the fighters as much as some of the rides, especially at some of our smaller circuit events. Watching the Dickies bullfighting is also a ton of fun. If you have a chance to see one of their events I highly recommend it. I got to see it in Tulsa this year and they had some great guys out there. I was hoping that they would have the final round of the freestyles the second weekend in Vegas this year so I would get to catch some of it while I was out there (would much rather watch them then the Bellamy Brothers!). I know last year it was televised and I am hoping they will do the same this year. Oh and as far as the types are concerned most of the freestyle events I have seen use Mexican fighting bulls. |
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Andrea101
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Post by Andrea101 on Sept 29, 2005 17:27:02 GMT -5
What is Dickies bullfighting?
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Post by brianranse on Sept 29, 2005 19:05:25 GMT -5
Gday again Andrea YEs i am still Bullfighting... Due to Visa Requirements I had to Leave the USA so i have missed this years tour..and am enjoying some great time in Australia wiht my children who i missed at lot last year
.. But will be back I owe them sparks boys a but wooping afetr what they did to me in Vegas Last Year.. LOL no donny and Ronny are good Friends...
For Freestle Bullfighting
Best bulls vary... Attitude detrmines this the most.. Cross bred Brahman Bulls are my favourite ...they can be crossed with anything to much brahman though and they are not athletic enough...(or mean enough)
But the Mexican bred Fighting Bulls sure do stay hooked up real well...
The PShyc part here plays a big part of the game ....
In protection
It doesnt really matter here what breed because the job here is to soley save the Bull rider but.... Here you hope they buck like as carnival ride but have the attitude of a dairy cow....(is nice when they are angry thuogh...
The mind here is even more important you have to swicth of that button that says this could hurt me and just think about saving the Bullrider....
THE DICKIES BULLFIGHTS are the world championship freestyle Bullfights were the meanest and dirtiest bulls are let for the 70 seconds against the worlds top bullfighters....IT is RUN by the PBR ast selected PBR events Started LAst year with the Little Indian Mike MAtt winning the world A( i came equal Fifth)
great viewing on the PBR
Hope this helps I am more than happy to niform the genral public about what we do..
Youre Friend in Rodeo and in Life Brian Ranse
PS sorry about Spelling
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Post by LCS5484 on Sept 30, 2005 9:50:04 GMT -5
This is all really interesting!! There are SOOO many things that I don't know about bullriding and bullfighting...I know the basics but that's about it. I always feel kinda dumb asking questions, though, cause I feel like some things should be obvious and I just don't get em! I'm glad someone else asked, though! I would love to go to one of those bull riding schools & just sit back and watch. I'm sure you could learn so much! It does make it more interesting when you know more about it.
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Andrea101
Humps N Horns
Live it up!
Posts: 57
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Post by Andrea101 on Sept 30, 2005 14:17:25 GMT -5
I totally agree... I will look at the bullfighters a little bit different now that I know more about what is actually going on and more about them. It would definitely be awesome to get to check out a bullriding school and just watch... or participate...  ... The dickies bullfighting seems really awesome. That is definitely put on the list of things to do in life... watch it live. Thanks so much brian for sharing all this information... it definitely helps a lot. Oh another question popped in my mind... Do you know of any women bullfighters? I know of a few (two or three) women bullriders, I was wondering if you knew of any bullfighters. Just curious. |
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Post by WI8SecFan on Sept 30, 2005 14:59:31 GMT -5
Well you know they say the only dumb question is the one that goes unasked. But seriously don't ever not ask a question because you think it is something you should know. Chances are if you are wondering it someone else out there is thinking it too. That is one of the things that this board is supposed to do and what makes it unique from the others. There are a lot of boards out there for the contestants, the rodeo personnel or for fans of specific contestants but not a lot of places that fans can ask questions about the way things work and learn more about the process. We are all here to learn togeather. We all were (or are) new fans and at one point had to learn the answer to the questions "everyone should know" somehow. Heck I still ask questions like that all the time I figure it is the only way you will learn. I learned quite a few new things reading Brian's response.
One of the best parts of this sport is people like Brian and others in the sport will take the time to answer the questions. (When was the last time you got to ask a question of say an NFL referee and had one of them answer you?) I have never had anyone involved in rodeo look at me and say well that is a stupid question (although I am certain one or two were thinking it!). So go a head and ask away!
PS Thanks Brian for your responses too. Can't wait to see you back in the states again.
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Post by onehotcowboy on Oct 5, 2005 20:33:32 GMT -5
Howdy, I have heard of women bullfighters, and I have even had one at one of my schools....but that was like 10 yrs ago or better. I did end up workin a little ammy rodeo with that girl, never did see or hear much from her since. I did hear that there was a pretty handy girl out in Utah. Im sure that there are some out there. Brian did a great job at summing up your questions. Thanks for asking, and being a supporter of our sport....Chief
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Post by megz07 on Oct 6, 2005 11:41:27 GMT -5
this is a cool topic. I am glad ya asked those questions> and im really glad yall answered them> haha its really good info! I GOTTA ASK SOME QUESTIONS!!
OKAY
i know in bull riding you have to be 18 to get the permit card....LIKE IF YOU WANT IN INTO THE PRO TOURS I THINK... well do bull fighters have to do something like that?(besides schools) aLSO... how many fighters are allowed to work one event or be out on the arena>>>is there a limit? how do they decide whos picked and who picks them?
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Post by onehotcowboy on Oct 6, 2005 12:38:40 GMT -5
WOW...more great questions !!! I know in the PRCA you have to be 18. When i got my card, i had to have 2 NFR bullfighters and 2 Stock Contractors, and have at least 5 PRCA rodeos booked to get a membership. I know that the PRCA has tried other options for getting a PRCA bullfighting membership. I believe the PBR you also have to be 18. As far as how many bullfighters can be out there, well...The PRCA has a rule that 2 have to be there. I know it is alot nicer haveing 2. Some of your ammy shows only use 1, but then some of your bigger bullridings use 2-4 bullfighters, and the alternate back and forth. You get 3 working at the same time, it tends to get pretty congested. The rodeo committee or the stock contractor usually does the hireing. You need to go and get your name out there, and start bidding shows. Its like a carpenter.....they go out and bid jobs. Unfortunatly.....there are people that bid so low, that they get hired, because there cheaper. And that happens ALOT!!! Again, unfortunatly, 90%of the time, its not the ones who do a better job that get hired. But...if you do a great job, and do alot for the rodeo committee, you will be back year after year. Alot of your bullfighters work for certain Stock Contractors, they drive the trucks, feed the stock, set up and tear down the arena's and they fight bulls. I hope this helps you all out.
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Post by megz07 on Oct 6, 2005 13:21:06 GMT -5
YEP! SURE DOES! THANK YA SO MUCH.
I NEVER HEARD OF BIDDING WITH BULL FIGHTERS BEFORE. THATS KINDA CRAZY.
AND HOW WOULD YOU GO ABOUT THAT? AND GETTIN YOUR NAME OUT TO DO SO?
BOY GETTIN STARTED SURE SEEMS LIKE A BUNCH OF COMPLICATED I GOTTA GET THIS THIS AND THATS...AND AT 18...GAH.( HAHA I JUST TRY TO REMEMBER TO TURN MY HOMEWORK IN THE NEXT DAY!)
I AM DEFINITELY IMPRESSED!
THANKS FOR THE INFO.
YOU ARE MY HERO.
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Andrea101
Humps N Horns
Live it up!
Posts: 57
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Post by Andrea101 on Oct 6, 2005 18:18:04 GMT -5
I think it is awesome that there are chick fighters out there. I wonder how long it takes you to end up getting your name out there. If you are pretty good fighter, how long are you usually in the lower, cheaper circuits? There is so much more to bullfighting than what meets the eye. It seems to get pretty complicated.
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) . The events all become more interesting when you understand a little more about the bullfighting part of it too. Instead of just an 8 second (or 1.2 sec in some cases) ride you get a lot more out of it. I had the privilege this summer of going to watch a bull riding school that included an experienced bullfighter working with some younger fighters that are just starting out. In a lot of ways I learned more from watching and listening to them then I did from the rider instructions. (I will never look at a hang-up the same way!) After that I catch a lot more when watching events. I have gotten to the point that I enjoy watching the fighters as much as some of the rides, especially at some of our smaller circuit events. 
... The dickies bullfighting seems really awesome. That is definitely put on the list of things to do in life... watch it live. Thanks so much brian for sharing all this information... it definitely helps a lot. Oh another question popped in my mind... Do you know of any women bullfighters? I know of a few (two or three) women bullriders, I was wondering if you knew of any bullfighters. Just curious.