What Do Picadores Do?

The picador has three main functions in a traditional bullfight: To pierce the muscle on the back of the bull's neck in order to straighten the bull's charge. To fatigue the bull's neck muscles and general stamina as it tries to lift the horse with its head. To lower the bull's head in preparation for the next stage.

What do Banderilleros do?

Banderilleros, also known as peons, are in charge of thrusting the banderillas, or darts, into the bull's neck to further weaken it. At the end of the fight, a banderillero kills the downed bull by using a small dagger called a puntilla. Thus, this particular banderillero is known as the puntillero.

What to the picadores carry?

The third trumpet signals the entrance of the picadores, mounted on horseback, who carry long pikes with a steel tip that is prevented from going more than four inches into the bull's flesh by a metal guard. ... The cowardly bull backs away and is reluctant to charge again and maybe booed by the crowd.