Bullfighters

Cowboy Protection Bullfighting

Bullfighters ate the only two-legged athletes in the rodeo that don’t wear boots. As cowboy protection athletes, their job relies on athleticism and the “bull-sense” they possess.

Their job sounds simple -make themselves a more attractive target than the bull rider who is trying to get away from the bull, and prevent bad wrecks from getting worse.  Derived from the rodeo clown, some bullfighters dawn grease paint and ‘baggies’, while they prefer a more modern style jersey and shorts combination.

One of the most selfless and iconic jobs in rodeo, the bullfighter is a staple in the sport of bull riding, and always a fan favorite.

Cooper Waln & Wayne Ratley make their return to the Mandan Rodeo Days this year. Cooper is a very decorated athlete, working many illustrious events throughout his career, most notably the INFR , PRCA Badlands Circuit Finals, RFDTV’s the American, and PBR Velocity Tour Finals.

Wayne Ratley of Sharon, KS is Waln's partner in protection. The 30 year old has been fighting bulls since 2013. In 2019 he was selected to fight the Prairie Circuit Finals. He grew up in Foster care, and went on to play college baseball. He then took up bullfighting 7 years ago and never looked back.