Bullfighters: Behind the War Paint

Bullfighters are some of rodeo’s toughest and brave men to hit the dirt. From stepping between a bucking bull and a cowboy, to freestyle fighting, bullfighters are one of a kind and unique to the rodeo industry.

Over the years, fighting bulls has evolved into a league of its own, and I wanted to dive into this sport that is not just another rodeo event. I asked Clay “Sad Clown” Moore, professional bullfighter from Belen, New Mexico, to give his insight on cowboy protection and freestyle fighting.

Moore has been fighting bulls for six years now. He currently travels from show to show with Ultimate Bullfighters (UBF), and is sponsored by 2ten Salon, IV Spot, and RecoverME Workout Supplements.

When asked “What separates freestyle bull fighting from cowboy protection”? Moore said “There’s a fine line in my opinion with the freestyle and the cowboy protection. In the freestyle, it’s you and that bull for one minute and you get judged for it just like a bullrider would from 50-100 points. As for cowboy protection, you just got one more thing to worry about… and that’s protecting the bull rider”.

Moore further explained, “Other than that, the bullfighting game doesn’t change, it’s all about the same. Some bullfighters prefer to just fight cowboy protection, and

some just like to freestyle”. Moore expressed his passion for the sport and said, “I have a special love for just being able to be out in that arena doing what I’ve always loved and known”.

Next I asked Moore “What made you choose to start fighting bulls rather than competing in a rodeo event”? he said that he “got into rodeo at a very young age. My Grandpa Casper Baca put on many rodeos in New Mexico and Arizona, but I always specifically had love for the bulls. I rode junior bulls for a little bit, and then I got the chance to fight a Junior High Rodeo in the eighth grade-I really liked the adrenaline rush it gave me”.

In addition to, Moore says “I honestly never looked back to getting back on. I was in the practice pen every weekend or I would be trying to get in front of anything. It became something I enjoyed and got very good at it. I can’t live without it”.

When it comes to role models, Moore says for him it’s Nathan Harp. “He is as true as they get in the bullfighting game. He practices on what he preaches, and I respect that man a ton for that”.

When bringing up the discussion “What makes bullfighting a league of its own”? In Moore’s opinion, “not just any human being is capable to look at a beast in the face and tell them it’s game on. You have to be wired differently and make yourself have a mindset to become this invincible badass that turns this fear that’s bundled up into a beautiful dance”.

Moore says that “it’s not money or the buckle to show off for the girls” that keeps him motivated. “My lord and savior gave me this talent that I love to do so very much. He has allowed me to be great at it… not everyday someone gets to say that they were blessed with the opportunity to do something they love and are great at it. That’s my motivation”.

Lastly, I asked Moore, “What’s behind the war paint”? he says “Originally Sad Clown first started off as part of the rules at a protection match I was entered in, but it was also around the same time Lecile Harris passed away. I really liked the old school look and I didn’t want to completely mock the legend. He was one of my favorite styles of all the clowns face paint and I wanted to keep that sad clown look around”.

There is no doubt that Clay Moore has the heart of a true bullfighter. Under the “sad clown” surface is just a man who has a burning passion for his true love, fighting bulls. Athletes like him show that fighting bulls is so much more than just getting chased around an arena, it’s an art form. Freestyle fighters have revolutionized what it means to be a bullfighter.