They wear loose fitting clothes to distract the bull and to provide false targets for the bull to chase. The rodeo clown's job is to protect the rider from the bull when the rider is bucked off. The rodeo clown may interpose himself between the bull and the rider, run off at an angle, throw a hat, shout or do anything he can to distract the bull while the rider seeks safety. Injuries are common.
The rodeo clown has one of the most dangerous jobs in all of show business. He must protect other performers from charging bulls while also entertaining the audience. He is, in essence, a comedy stuntman who must perform live improvisation with half-wild animals.
See also: Rodeo; Clown; Bull riding, Slim Pickens