Two Bowden-area cowboys competed at the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) in Edmonton from November 6 to 10.
Tanner Girletz and Ky Marshall competed in bull riding and bareback riding respectively at the event. Girletz went into the finals as the overall season leader in bull riding after competing in about 25 rodeos throughout Western Canada in 2013. He finished fourth in the finals while Marshall was fourth at the end of the season heading into the CFR. Marshall didn't win any money at the finals and finished the season in 10th place in bareback riding.
The top 12 money-earning competitors on the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association circuit qualify for the CFR in seven different events, including bareback and bull riding.
Girletz said it was different leading the pack going into the finals as he is usually one of the cowboys doing the chasing going into the CFR. He had accumulated $33,655 in about 25 rodeos heading into the finals. He earned a further $12,644 at the CFR for a season total of $46,309.
“It was definitely a new experience for me (being the season leader). I didn't feel much different riding in the finals than any other year. It was the best season I've had to date for sure, other than the not-finishing-it-off part, but I still had a pretty good finals. It was a pretty fun year,” said the nine-year veteran of the pro rodeo circuit.
Girletz said with a little harder work next season, he might end up on top as the CFR champion.
“Just have to start working hard at it,” he said.
Marshall said while he didn't win any money at the CFR, for his first year he felt he did well. He competed in about 40 rodeos from April to September. He finished the season with $17,540 in bareback riding earnings.
“At least I got my name out there and I think I rode pretty good,” he said. “It's just like any other rodeo, you just have to go at it one horse at a time and hopefully now that my rookie year is over and my name's out there, next summer I just hope to draw good and hopefully be back (to the CFR). Hopefully it goes a little better next year,” he said.
