Learn about the history of rodeo, origin of rodeo clowns, and development of the clown barrel with professional rodeo clown, Nate “Shotgunn” Reed in the Museum’s Learning Center.
Reed was voted Barrel Man of the Year for the Grand Canyon Professional Rodeo Association. He started in rodeo when he was 17 in the Arizona Junior Rodeo Association, then moved to High School Rodeo and amateur bull riding. In 1997 he went to a bullfighting school, and it changed his life. He became a bullfighter, fighting bulls all over the southwest for 13 years. In 2009 he was involved in a bullfighting accident where he almost lost his left leg due to the injuries sustained. Fortunately, six surgeries later the doctors were able to save his leg. He was sidelined from rodeo for about nine months; this is when he decided to put on a microphone and start packing a barrel to set out on his next venture in the arena. Rodeo has given Reed so much in his life and he was not ready to quit. In 2011 he worked his first PBR Touring Pro Event as a rodeo clown. Then in 2012 he was able to work his first year in the PRCA as a permit card holder. In 2013 he was honored to be working in the PRCA as an official Barrel Man/Clown card holder. Now he travels all over the United States entertaining audiences everywhere, putting smiles on their faces. Reed feels truly blessed in being able to share his dream and excitement of rodeo with thousands of people, as he travels up and down the highway.
Free for Museum members and children ages 17 years and under. Free with paid museum admission. Call 928.684.2272 or visit westernmuseum.org for more information.
Photo supplied by Nate “Shotgunn” Reed.
