Professional Bull Riders, Inc. Bullfighters

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 45 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 45 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 and alternates Darrell Diefenbach, and 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.

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

Among the PBR bullfighters that willingly throw themselves in harms 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 15 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 PBR World Finals bullfighting team.

When he's not facing off the most dangerous opponents on dirt, Newsom enjoys fishing, roping and spending time with wife, Dea, and children Hunter and Cadence in Pauls Valley, OK.

Frank Newsom

Shorty Gorham, the most recent addition to the PBR's bullfighting team, 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 nine years in PRCA and PBR 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 PBR World Finals.

Raised in California's historical San Juan Capistrano, Gorham now resides in Cotulla, Texas.

Shorty Gorham