Bull riding is one of the most popular events in rodeo. But it is really two events in one.
The bulls and bull riders share the arena with highly skilled bullfighters whose work begins when the ride is done.
While bull riders were out in the arena four times during last week’s College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, the bullfighters were out more than 100 times. And hometown hero, bullfighter Wyatt Mason — a Casper, Wyoming native — was in the arena 135 times looking out for his fellow cowboy.
“It’s just been a calling of mine ever since I could walk,” said the CNFR bullfighter Wyatt Mason.
Fellow bullfighters Josh Rivinious and Nathan Harp joined Mason in the arena serving as life saving partners to bull riders and artful distractions for the 1,500 pound bulls with whom they tangle.