Girletz Cowboy of the Year

By Gwen Snell
Freelance Journalist

Former Cereal hometown cowboy Tanner Girletz was recently named Cowboy of the Year at the CRF (Canadian Rodeo Finals) held in October at Red Deer. When asked about how he felt receiving the award, Girletz responded that he felt “Shocked and honoured! I never expected and actually nominated someone else for the award. It is crazy for me that my peers feel like I deserve something like this.”

Tanner Girletz is humble regarding this prestigious award, but his list of accomplishments reads like a Hollywood superstar. Girletz is a former Canadian Bull Rider Champion, has nine Canadian Final Rodeo appearances, nine Professional Bull Riding Finals, has coached for the rodeo team at Olds College for six years, and is the 2023 CPRA (Canadian Professional Rodeo Association) Administrator.

Tanner Girletz with wife Brittany, daughter Rowyn and son Stratten. SUBMITTED

A third-generation cowboy, the Girletz family's accomplishments are long and varied. Both Grandfathers competed in rodeos. "Grandpa Wilf Girletz was a professional bull rider and rodeo cowboy, winning Canada 8 times. My Grandpa Cliff Holt was also a competitor in the pony chariot racing." Competing rodeo at the professional level definitely runs in the family as it involves the entire family for Tanner Girletz – his dad (Kevin), his mother (Rita) and his sister (Savanna). "My cousins and brother-in-law fought bulls, uncles all rode bulls. It was in the family, you could say."

And cowboys aren't the only thing which made a name for the Girletz ranch. Well known to have some of the best bulls in the country, they had many Canadian Champion bulls and CFR bulls over the years.

Tanner Girletz entered into bull riding a bit later than most. He states: "I was around 14; I was a little later than most as I loved hockey my whole childhood. I played hockey every winter and rodeos with mom and dad during the summer, just touring around with them. I finally got the nerve to get on, and I was hooked from there.". Girletz turned pro the day he turned 18 when he purchased his card and started entering. "Once I got the feeling for riding bulls I wanted nothing more but to be the best. It was something I pushed myself really hard at."

Coming out of the chute on a 1600-pound bull can be like a bolt of lightning or a slow stroll. Anticipating the ride is likened to a dance, according to Girletz. "If you are in time with them, it goes real good. If not, it turns ugly usually pretty fast."

Girletz's advice to newcomers to bull riding is simple… It's not a hobby. You have to love the sport, and focus is key. "It's a dangerous sport and not to be taken lightly. Go to a good school, get the right equipment, and take it as serious as possible."

Retired from professional bull riding in 2017, Tanner Girletz continues to be an ambassador for the sport. He believes that the sport is evolving with better rodeos, better bulls and better riders, and it's great to see the sport growing. "the money is outstanding, the bulls are awesome, and everyone getting on at a professional level is great. The sport has turned from a bunch of guys going around having fun to a bunch of guys working out hard, focus is through the roof, and the bulls aren't just luck – they are bred and made to be the best in the world."

When asked about his time growing up in Cereal and what he liked most, Girletz responded: "The people. Everyone around knows everyone, and I love that. It's quiet, friendly and very community-driven." He is quick to credit his family for his success. "Without my family, none of what I have done would be possible. My wife and kids, mom, dad, sister, uncles, aunties, cousins, friends, everyone around me in my circle has pushed me to be better, and I can't thank all of them enough."

Tanner Girletz currently resides in Bowden with his wife Brittany, daughter Rowyn, and son Stratten. His advice to those who wish to learn more about rodeo is to join their local ag society, volunteer at a rodeo, ask lots of questions and watch videos. Sounds like solid advice from Cowboy of the Year.