A rodeo clown, also known as a bullfighter (US/Canada) or rodeo protection athlete, is a rodeo performer who works in bull riding competitions. The primary job of the rodeo clown is to protect a fallen rider from the bull, whether the rider has been bucked off or has jumped off of the animal. The rodeo clown distracts the bull and provides an alternative target for the bull to attack. These individuals expose themselves to great danger in order to protect the cowboy.