When it comes to unique work, nothing beats Rob Gunn. Gunn is a professional rodeo he travels around the country as a clown and a barrelman.
“I grew up in a rodeo family and am a third generation rodeo member. , I got a Bachelor of Arts degree in Agricultural Education.I was teaching in schools for a few years, but I realized it wasn’t for me and I wanted to go back to rodeo,” Gunn explained. “I started bullfighting in his early 2000s and had a very successful career for about 18 years. So I started looking for other avenues and was drawn to rodeo clowns.”
Gunn explained that his work as a rodeo and bullfighter helped prepare him for his new role.
“Because the bullfighter is to help the clown perform, I have helped many bullfighters in the past, and people said I had a knack for that kind of entertainment. I struggled to get into it, but it’s been pretty successful over the last 4-5 years, and now I’m running into the summer and doing rodeos almost 7 days a week. It’s everything I have and everything my family has ever known,” Gunn said.
Gunn explained what his duties as a rodeo clown were like during the performance.
“Obviously the rodeo contestants are the main show and I’m there to be the bridge between the event and the contestants. Rodeos have very little rehearsal and you never know what can happen. If there are dead spots or gaps in the performers, it’s my job to keep the flow going.When the bulls come out, we distract them and wait until they return to safety. It acts as a safety net for them,” Gunn said.
Gann explained some of the challenges that come with being a rodeo clown.
“Travel is probably the biggest challenge. The rodeo joke is that you’re a professional driver and you rodeo on your break,” Gunn said with a laugh. “Once you get to your destination, most rodeos are like that. You have to know where you are. Stay away from politics, be sensitive to people’s emotions, because it’s all on social media and you’re under constant scrutiny.”
Fortunately, Gunn overcame the challenges he faced and became a remarkably successful rodeo clown.
“I was lucky to work at the International Finals rodeo in Guthrie, Oklahoma, which is like the Super Bowl for rodeo fans,” Gunn said. “Now that I am working on the American Finals Rodeo in Columbiana, Ohio, I plan to work on the Prairie Circuit Finals as well. It made the top five list and was also named Crown of the Year by the American Professional Rodeo Association.”
Gann shared some of the skills rodeo clowns should have if they want to be successful.
“I’m trying to help some young clowns with their careers, but to do well you have to understand the rodeo flow. The more you know, the better.” Everything I do is based on timing. increase. If you don’t understand how the rodeo works, you’re going to have a hard time,” Gunn said. “I can predict the timing and I know what to do to fill the time. I’m always on the lookout for new trends and TikTok dance updates. , if you can play with it, please do.Again, also know if you need to step away from anything.A good rodeo clown must actively cooperate with other people. Me, the rodeo announcer and the music director, we are a team and our success depends on how well we work together, so we have to be team players.”
Gann offered some advice for aspiring rodeo clowns.
“Get to know the rodeo. There are many ways to do it. It is almost impossible to start a rodeo as a clown. Learn what is involved and see what kind of jobs you can try.There is no school for rodeo clowns.It’s an experience.It’s a very rewarding career.I have traveled all over the United States I get paid for my vacations, in a way, and whenever I go from town to town, I take my family to places most kids will never see.
“The flip side of it is that we’re always apart. There’s always a rodeo in the summer, and my family will be there, but in the winter I miss a lot of things and my family. It’s hard for my wife.It’s like a professional athlete travels.I leave Wednesday morning for Friday’s show and leave Saturday night.Then I have to go to Maryland on Thursday. Then I leave Maryland, go to Kansas, then Oklahoma, then go home for a few days and back again.I fill my time in the car with podcasts and audiobooks,” Gunn said. said Mr.
Gunn shared some of the life lessons he learned as a rodeo clown.
“Always know that you can improve. You have to evaluate each time you play. What worked? I’ll try again Why did it go wrong? Gotta stare and think how everyone is doing other than that I thought about my performance. Did this work? I am my biggest critic. It requires a lot of self-reflection and a circle of loyal friends. I work with my best friends every day and they are my rodeo family. If you ask them what they think, I’d like them to tell me what they could have done better. Don’t just say I did a great job. We all bombard each other with ideas. we help each other. ”
Finally, Gunn shared what he loved most about being a rodeo clown.
“There’s something magical about being a rodeo clown. When I dress up and put on makeup, I can be a different person for a few hours. It’s like my alternate personality. When I change and go back outside in my normal clothes, no one knows I’m a rodeo clown, so there’s nothing to be nervous or embarrassed about if I fail. It makes people laugh, and when the show is over, I’ll be back at Rob until next time,” Gunn said.
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