 | DICKIES DURABULLFIGHTERS If facing 1,800 pounds of rampaging hamburger for 8 seconds sounds daunting, try doing it for 6 hours. Every weekend. On top of that, add the responsibility of keeping 40 cowboys and your coworkers alive. Sound good? Welcome to the world of the bullfighter. The PBR's protection bullfighters risk life and limb on a regular basis to save cowboys (and each other) from the heads, horns and hooves of their adversaries in the arena. Each year, the top 40 riders of the PBR vote to determine which set of guardian angels will watch over them at the PBR World Finals and throughout the season. This year, Shorty Gorham, Frank Newsom, Joe Baumgartner, Darrell Diefenbach, and alternate Shane Simpson got the nod. Baumgartner was first chosen by the cowboys in 1994 and has worked every PBR World Finals since then. Newsom is also a veteran while Gorham got the call in 2006. Diefenbach served as an alternate at the PBR World Finals in 2006. In 2007, “Mad Dog” Simpson served as the alternate bullfighter. DURABULLFIGHTERS UNIFORMS The bullfighter’s uniform has changed over the years. The oversized clothing which once lent itself to the “clown” role has evolved into a loose-fitting jersey and shorts, which allow for maximum movement. The size of the garments serves another purpose: it makes the bullfighter a bigger target. In the words of Frank Newsom, “The bull might think he’s got you, when he’s just got your shorts.”
The vest is notably different from those worn by the cowboys. Since the vest is worn under the outer clothing, fashion plays no part. Another difference is that the bullfighter’s vest features hard plastic outer shells on the front and back, while the rider’s does not. Both types of vests feature break-away construction in the event of a hooking.
The padded garment worn under the baggier outer shorts keep muscles warm and loose while providing protection with both foam and plastic padding.
| CURRENT RESIDENCE: Red Bluff, CA
HEIGHT: 6’0” * WEIGHT: 190 lbs.
YEARS FIGHTING BULLS: 20
INJURIES: Torn up knees, broken legs several times, broken numerous fingers, broken jaw, and nearly lost an eye California native Joe Baumgartner draws a crowd as he shows off his dynamite skills in the bull riding arena. He doesn’t cover the bulls for the required 8 seconds, but instead, he is charged with covering for the riders for as long as it takes to get them to safety. Baumgartner has traveled the country fighting bulls at many of the nation’s most prestigious rodeos and bull riding events. He has been selected as one of the bullfighters for the PBR World Finals since 1994. Baumgartner credits stock handler Ted Groene and retired bullfighter Rob Smets, for getting him into professional bullfighting. He has proven to be outstanding in his profession and a natural leader for the PBR bullfighting team. | 
Joe Baumgartner |
| CURRENT RESIDENCE: Paul’s Valley, OK
HEIGHT: 5’9” * WEIGHT: 210 lbs.
YEARS FIGHTING BULLS: 16
INJURIES: Broken left leg (twice), broken left arm (twice), broken ribs (all), broken scapula, several concussions, and a separated sternum
Among the PBR bullfighters that willingly throw themselves in harm’s way and take devastating hit after hit is fearless Oklahoma bullfighter Frank Newsom. Newsom began his bullfighting career during high school at the age of 17. Bullfighting was a natural fit for Frank who's been acknowledged for his achievements in PRCA and PBR arenas. His 16 years of experience and unwavering skills at saving fellow cowboys continues to earn him respect among the best bull riders in the world and also earned him a position on the 2007 and 2008 PBR World Finals bullfighting team. When he's not facing off the most dangerous opponents on earth, Newsom enjoys fishing, roping and spending time with wife, Dea, and children, Hunter and Cadence, in Paul’s Valley, OK. | 
Frank Newsom |
| CURRENT RESIDENCE: Cotulla, TX
HEIGHT: 5’10” * WEIGHT: 180 lbs.
YEARS FIGHTING BULLS: 10
INJURIES: Broken vertabra, shattered left shoulder, broken sternum, tore pectoral muscle off the sternum, broke both ankles, blew out left knee, and other assorted minor injuries
Shorty Gorham dreamed of becoming one of the greatest bullfighters since the age of 5. Though his career began at 14, he has since fought on the professional level for ten years in PBR and PRCA arenas. Gorham's honors include fighting at the National Finals Rodeo for two years and his nomination by PBR riders to fight at the 2006, 2007, & 2008 PBR World Finals. Raised in California's historical San Juan Capistrano, Gorham now resides in Cotulla, Texas. | 
Shorty Gorham |
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| CURRENT RESIDENCE: Azle, TX
HEIGHT: 5’10” * WEIGHT: 170 lbs.
YEARS FIGHTING BULLS: 15
INJURIES: Broken back, broken neck, broken pelvis, broken lower back, face reconstruction, broken leg, broken ankle, broken fingers, broken ribs, and multiple concussions Following his father’s footsteps, Darrell began fighting bulls at the age of 17 in his native Australia. After gaining experience in his homeland, he came to the United States in 1994 to fight professionally. It wasn’t long before the rodeo world was taking notice of the bullfighter known as “The Thunder from Down Under.” Darrell has earned some of the highest honors in bullfighting. He was named the 1996-97 Australian Bullfighting Champion and was selected as a Wrangler National Finals bullfighter seven times. In 2007 and 2008, the PBR bull riders selected Darrell to join the Dickies DuraBullfighters team to protect them at the PBR World Finals and at the Built Ford Tough Series events in the 2009 season. When he’s not fighting bulls, Darrell makes his home in Azle, Texas. | 
Darrell Diefenbach |
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