PUEBLO, Colo. - Jesse Byrne has been a mainstay of the Dickies Bullfighters for years and has protected the world's best bull riders from some of the PBR's feircest bulls. PBR.com got the chance to catch up with Byrne and really get to know what it takes to work on the dirt.

Q: Why did you choose to fight bulls?

A: Bull riding, bullfighting and rodeo have all been a part of my life basically since day one. My father, Ryan, led the way as a legendary bullfighter being the first Canadian to be selected on the world stage in 1986, the year I was born. I started out riding in the junior events as a kid, but by the time I turned 15 I felt like I was finally ready to try bullfighting. From that day on I knew this was exactly what I wanted to make my lifelong career out of.

Q: What is your favorite part of being a bullfighter?

A: The feeling I get from being able to read a situation before it unfolds, being right on time to take control of the bull and the have everyone walk away smiling is something I don't think exists anywhere else. It's that combination of action/adrenaline and danger/pressure to perform at its highest levels. Besides that, I'm a huge fan of bull riding and have the utmost respect for these elite athletes. Having the opportunity to support them in chasing a gold buckle is a real honor.

Q: What does it take to be a bullfighter?

A: The most important attributes of a great bullfighter to me would include impeccable timing along with the ability to take and remain in control of a chaotic situation. The earlier you read the play, the more likely you are to be on time. When you’re on time, the more likely you are to be able to remain in control and safely diffuse the situation. The smoother, the better.  At the end of the day if it comes down to you or a rider getting hit, it better be you – just make sure it's not the both of you.

Q: What is the most memorable wreck you've been a part of?

A: The most memorable wreck would probably be with Nathan Schaper in Nampa and the bull Wicked. Nathan made a hell of an effort and ended up coming off right in front of Wicked. I did everything I could to take the danger away from Nathan and got myself in a one-of-a-kind situation to say the least. With a well-timed duck, I was able to sneak away and everyone got out of there safe.

Q: If you weren't fighting bulls what would you be doing?

A: If I weren't fighting bulls, I'm sure my life would still consist of a lot of bull riding and rodeo. It's something that gets in your blood, that’s for sure. There are so many good people and great opportunities surrounding our sport. I feel in one way or another, no matter where life takes me, it will always involve the PBR in some form. 

Q: With as much traveling as there is to do on the BFTS, how do you spend your spare time?

A: During the regular season there really isn't much downtime between events. I deal with a pretty lengthy travel schedule which for the most part leaves a few days mid-week to regroup around home. (You) try and get the body feeling good again, repack and head back to the airport. During actual breaks throughout the year I try spending as much time with family as possible, which oddly enough quite often involves rodeos.  My wife is a professional barrel racer in Canada so for the months of June and July we do a lot of traveling together. I also enjoy spending my time golfing, fishing, hunting, roping and playing poker.

Q: What is the one most important thing you would suggest to young up-and-coming bullfighters?

A: The most important thing I could suggest for a young up-and-coming bullfighter is first and foremost make sure you are doing the job for the right reason. There is a lot of responsibility that comes with the position, you need to be aware of the fact that people are depending on you for their safety and you need to be willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that.  It better be about love, not glory. 

Q: Having already worked the PBR's World Finals eight times, what are your goals from here?

A: It's a long way to the top and once you get there, and get a taste of what it's like in the big leagues, you work even harder to stay there. At this point, my goals are to push myself daily to be a better version of the athlete I was the day before. With experience comes knowledge and with each bull fought there is room to grow. I strive to always keep learning. With a new season ahead, ultimately the goal becomes the 2016 PBR World Finals.  

This story originally appeared in the 2016 8 Seconds Vol. 1 publication.