EVENTS Rodeo Clown and Bullfighter Rodeo Barrel Clown
Rick Young was born in 1934 in Houston, Texas. After his family moved to Tickfaw, Louisiana, he graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in animal husbandry and became involved in rodeo in the mid-1960s. Before long, he took up the role of rodeo clown, specializing in bullfighting to protect downed riders in the arena.
Known on the circuit as “The Ragin Cajun,” Young pursued his dangerous occupation for more than 30 years, performing his daring athletic feats from Canada to Hawaii. In 1974, he was selected to work the National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City, and in 1980, he was declared PRCA Clown of the Year. Young worked the Wrangler World Bullfighting Championship Series from 1980 through 1983, and in 1981, he competed at the National Finals for the World’s Champion Bullfighter title. In the 1990s, Young switched to performing as an arena barrelman. He was named “Coors Man in the Can” at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1991, 1994, 1996, and 1997.
Young has appeared in several films, including Alvarez Kelly, The Great American Cowboy, and Everybody’s All-American. Wherever he has performed in the arena, he has also given freely of his time and energy to support children and charities. Young died in March 2026.
Bio
EVENTS Rodeo Clown and Bullfighter Rodeo Barrel Clown
Rick Young was born in 1934 in Houston, Texas. After his family moved to Tickfaw, Louisiana, he graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in animal husbandry and became involved in rodeo in the mid-1960s. Before long, he took up the role of rodeo clown, specializing in bullfighting to protect downed riders in the arena.
Known on the circuit as “The Ragin Cajun,” Young pursued his dangerous occupation for more than 30 years, performing his daring athletic feats from Canada to Hawaii. In 1974, he was selected to work the National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City, and in 1980, he was declared PRCA Clown of the Year. Young worked the Wrangler World Bullfighting Championship Series from 1980 through 1983, and in 1981, he competed at the National Finals for the World’s Champion Bullfighter title. In the 1990s, Young switched to performing as an arena barrelman. He was named “Coors Man in the Can” at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1991, 1994, 1996, and 1997.
Young has appeared in several films, including Alvarez Kelly, The Great American Cowboy, and Everybody’s All-American. Wherever he has performed in the arena, he has also given freely of his time and energy to support children and charities. Young died in March 2026.
