Tyler Mansell is a master of anticipation. The Idaho born bullfighter has arrived at the forefront of the bullfighting world through his agile movements and calm demeanor. His smooth footwork and strength allows him to wait until what appears to be the last second to out maneuver the bull, often employing one of his signature front reverse moves, or his other favorite, the mercy roll overtop of the bull. He is as gritty as he is quick, and dirt stains on his clothes from sudden hits or tumbles never break his mental concentration.
Mansell is no stranger to the cowboy world. Growing up near Caldwell, Idaho, Tyler started rodeoing at 3 years old as a mutton buster, and then competed in multiple junior rodeo events such as steer riding, before transitioning to the high school rodeo circuit. He soon found his focus shifting into captivation over the bullfighters–these men who could talk to the bull in their own words of body language and sideways glances.
Not long after, he attended his first school with Nate Jestes in Cody, WY. His education continued with the Vinita, OK Elevate school featuring instructors Dusty Tuckness, Evan Allard, Nate Jestes, and Nathan Harp. Finally, he found himself at Cody Webster’s school, planning to stay three days and then staying a full two weeks, totally enamored with the lessons and complexities of the bullfighting world. With all of this experience under his belt, he took the next step and attended a Frank Newsom school, where he received encouragement that he had some special skills.
He has taken that affirmation and expanded upon his knowledge through long hours in the arena and in the gym. From Crossfit style training to meeting lots of different bulls, Mansell finds in every exercise his strength comes from remaining calm and in control of breathing and mindset. By not subscribing to the style of entering the arena with high energy, he is able to read the bulls and react to their movements, seeing in their eyes what their body is going to do.
His practice and focus paid off, as he became a BFO d-camp champ and then took second place at his first BFO bullfight in Waco, Texas in October of 2020. He also qualified for the BFO World Finals in 2020 and 2021.
Like a true cowboy, he speaks to the nature of fighting bulls by mentioning that it is part of who they are, and when they are born they “come out pretty upset.”
Bullfighting is a way of life for Mansell, and he has big dreams of tacking a championship onto his belt. When not training or fighting, he likes to hunt, fish, and hang out with his friends. He credits his friends and mentors with his success and looks forward to passing it along to the next generation of young bullfighters as the sport continues to grow.
With the knowledge of great mentors from multiple schools, friends who are also talented fighters like Austin Ashley, and his own natural ability, Mansell has established himself as a bullfighter who lives and moves in the moment.
Keep an eye out for him May 20-21 in Ft. Worth for the $100,000 UBF event.
PC for featured image: Mary Peters
