Tanner Loring of Riske Creek will be fulfilling a dream when he competes at the 2025 Calgary Stampede.
The 15-year-old was only two when he got on his first cow at his father, Hugh Loring's, steer riding school. Ever since he could understand he wanted to ride at the Calgary Stampede, said his mom Shelly Howarth-Loring.
In June of this year, Tanner notched fifth place in the Canadian Pro Rodeo Circuit after he competed at the Sundre Pro Rodeo. That placing guaranteed him a spot in Calgary.
His highest score during the pro rodeo circuit so far has been an 80 at the Wainwright Stampede. The ride meant a lot to him because that was the first time a steer had turned back both ways and he felt he rode it really well.
At the Grand Prairie Stompede he got 75 points again winning first place.
On the weekend of July 5 and 6 he won first place at the Benalto Fair and Stampede, earning 77.5 points and first place at the Anahim Lake Stampede, closer to home.
Steer riding "is fun," he said, adding it's the adrenalin rush and getting on different cows that also make it exciting.
The harder the buck the happier he is, his mom said.
Competing at the Williams Lake Stampede on Friday, June 27, didn’t go as well for him as he would have liked.
“I just drew very bad,” he said, noting the cow he chose basically just ran across the arena.
He did ask for a re-ride, but it was denied.
This year Tanner didn’t participate in the B.C. High School Rodeo season but focused on the Pro Rodeo Circuit knowing it would be his last year to qualify for the Calgary Stampede before he ages out.
At the Calgary Stampede the junior steer riding is for riders 12 to 15-years-old.
The rules say the riders are allowed to ride with one or both hands.
If they choose to ride one-handed they’ll have to abide by the rules of bull riding, meaning they will be disqualified for touching the animal or themselves with their free hand, or for grabbing with both hands during the eight seconds, explains the Stampede’s website.
Another of his goals is to qualify for the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton, Alta. in October.
“We pretty much have a rodeo or two rodeos every weekend until October,” said Shelly. “We’ve been travelling every weekend to Alberta.”
To get to the various rodeos, they pack up Shelly's car and stay in hotel rooms, which has been possible with the help from sponsors who Tanner is very grateful for.
Competing in the Canadian pro rodeo circuit has been a great experience and helped Tanner gain more confidence.
His mom especially likes seeing some of the top bareback and bull riders help him get on his steers.
He is also thankful to his dad who coaches him through all his rides, he said.
Ranching has been part of Tanner’s lifestyle since the beginning because his parents have always worked on ranches.
When he goes to the Calgary Stampede to compete, however, that will be something totally new.
It will be his first time being there, ever.
