Mike Hayhurst

(760) 953-2152

Rodeo Clown & Barrelman, Mike Hayhurst, is from Barstow, California. Mike was once a city police sergeant and is now a charter school administrator. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science and a Master’s degree in education from Chapman University.

Mike began his rodeo career in 1977 at a junior rodeo in Livermore, CA. He was a clown and bullfighter for many high school and junior rodeos before moving up into the California Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association. Mike worked as a clown and bullfighter for the European Rodeo Cowboys Association while stationed in Germany in the US Army, and continued with the CCPRA after he served his 4-year enlistment.

He took a break from rodeo to build his career as a police officer. He returned to rodeo in 1998 by helping out at some high school rodeos and then joined the IPRA to ease back into the sport. With the encouragement of PRCA gold card member Brent Gilbert and support from Mike’s family, he joined the PRCA in 2002.

Up until the 2008 rodeo season, Mike worked an average of 40 rodeo performances per year. His greatest honors are having been selected to work the internationally famous Bishop Mule Days Celebration in Bishop, California and being selected to work the PRCA California Circuit Finals Rodeo in 2006.

After working the CCPRA Finals Rodeo in October of 2007, Mike took a year off from his career as a professional rodeo clown. He focused on his duties as the contract personnel director for the PRCA California Circuit and produced some bull riding events of his own. Mike is thrilled to be back in his baggy Wranglers and looks forward to entertaining rodeo fans for years to come.