How rodeo clowns have evolved, from funnymen to bullfighters — with lives on the line

DENVER — From the time he was in fifth grade, Richie Harris aspired to be a rodeo clown. For Harris, who was raised in Westminster, Colorado, going to the National Western Stock Show in Denver with his grandparents was family tradition as far back as he can remember. During one formative trip as a kid, he met legendary rodeo clowns Leon Coffee, Rick Chatman and Tom Feller. The allure of the arena was inescapable. “Ever since that day, I said, ‘This is what I want to be,’” he said. Coloradoan Richie Harris (pink shirt) has been a rodeo clown since he was 16 years old. Now, at age 49, he spends more time perfecting his comedic acts and less time fighting bulls. (Provided by Lexi Christopher...