Bullfighters

If facing 900kg of rampaging hamburger for 8 seconds sounds daunting, try doing it for 6 hours… every weekend.  On top of that, add the responsibility of keeping 40 cowboys and your coworkers alive.  Sound good? Welcome to the world of the bullfighter.

The PBR’s protection bullfighters risk life and limb on a regular basis to save cowboys (and each other) from the heads, horns and hooves of their adversaries in the arena.
 

Each year the top 30 bull riders of the PBR vote to determine which set of guardian angels will watch over them at the PBR National Finals and throughout the season.  This year, Shane “Maddog” Simpson, Brendon Allen and Dale Spannagle got the nod.

Durabullfighters Uniforms

The bullfighter’s uniform has changed over the year.   The oversized clothing which once lent itself to the “clown” role has evolved into a loose-fitting jersey and shorts, which allow for maximum movement.  The size of the garments serves another purpose: it makes the bullfighter a bigger target.  In the words of PBR World Finals bullfighter Frank Newsom, “The bull might think he’s got you, when he’s just got your shorts.”
 

The vest is notably different from those worn by the cowboys.  Since the vest is worn under the outer clothing, fashion plays no part.  Another difference is that the bullfighter’s vest features hard plastic outer shells on the front and back, while the rider’s does not.  Both types of vests feature break-away construction in the event of a hooking.
 

The padded garment worn under the baggier outer shorts keep muscles warm and loose while providing protection with both foam and plastic padding.
 

Shane ‘ Maddog’ Simpson
Current Residence:  Mackay Qld
Height: 187cm    Weight:  94kg
 

PBR bullfighter Shane “ Mad Dog” Simpson is originally from Central Qld but has worked for the past few years in the USA as a bulfighter. Mad Dog is considered among the top five bullfighters in the world and is a true character of the sport. Maddog’s brash exterior belies the caring heart of a man who puts his life on the line for his mates every time he steps inside a bull-riding arena.
 

1992 to 1995 Bullriding Australia Champion
2007 Alternate for PBR World Finals
2008 PBR World Finals
Chosen to work the 2007, 2008 and 2010 PBR World Cups.

 

 
Maddog

Brendon Allen
Current Residence: Rockley, NSW
Height:  5’9”   Weight:  74kg
2008 and 2009 PBR Australia Bullfighter of the Year

Brendon Allen is one of the most likeable blokes in Australian bull riding – full stop. A former bull rider, Allen has concentrated on the noble art of bull fighting for the past six years, capturing the past two PBR Australia Bullfighter of the Year titles. Still supremely fit, Brendon Allen uses his speed, agility and quick mind to out-step and out-think Australia’s massive beasts in the line of duty.
 

 

Brendon & Dale

Dale Spannagle
Current Residence:  Injune, Qld


2007 PBR Australia Bullfighter of the Year
Chosen to work the 2007 PBR World Cup – Gold Coast, Qld.
 

Queenslander Dale Spannagle wears a constant smile that masks the serious nature of his profession. An affable character, always up for a chat and a joke, Spannagle turns off the humour and engages the steely stare of a dedicated protection athlete when he steps into the arena. Having fought bulls for the past 14 years, Spannagle still possesses the speed and athleticism to get between man and beast and escape relatively unscathed.