Community & Business
5 July, 2022
Protection at its finest – the bull riders' bodyguard
COMING face-to-face with some of the rankest pieces of meat to protect riders from harm is Dalton Poole, a protective rodeo athlete travelling north this weekend for this year’s Mareeba Rodeo.
More commonly known as a “rodeo clown”, protection athletes put their lives on the line to protect bull riders from harm when coming off their beast.
The term “clown” comes from an old tradition of protection athletes dress up as the stereotypical circus clown and entertaining spectators in the arena.
Although appearing silly and giving spectators a good laugh, the role of the clown is serious and the reason many bull riders are still standing today.
Today, the tradition of dressing up in baggy clown costumes and putting on a red squeaking nose has died out, and the more serious side of the sport is now being recognised.
The Townsville born and bred cowboy began his career as a protection athlete just over a decade ago after a successful run as a rider, travelling across Queensland and New South Wales to compete.
Throughout his career thus far, Dalton has avoided several near misses with the bull and has saved a trip to the emergency room for many riders.
“My job is essentially to be a bodyguard for the bull rider – a bit like being a bodyguard for the president,” he said.
“Being a protection athlete, you have to be both mentally and physically prepared to be in the arena.
“You have to take the job seriously because you are protecting the rider’s life.”
Now travelling from his patch of land just outside Brisbane, Dalton will be making his way up north for one of his favourite rodeos.
This will be his sixth year at one of the biggest rodeos in the circuit, regarding the Mareeba Rodeo as one of his favourites of all time.
“I have a few mates from up there and it is only around Mareeba Rodeo time I can come and see them,” he said.
“It is probably one of my favourite rodeos and I am keen for a good weekend.”
With high ambitions for a great weekend, Dalton will be in the arena again this weekend at Kerribee Park.
