Rodeo runs deep for New Brigden's Tye family

By Joan Janzen

Rodeo is a family affair that encompasses multiple generations. These families don't just attend rodeos; they live them and are tied together by the sport. The Tye family from New Brigden is just one of the many rodeo families who have rodeo in their blood, even though DNA samples may not be able to provide proof.

Savanna and Riley Tye's son Quade was a contestant in Junior Steer Riding at the Kindersley rodeo on the weekend. He and his brother Keller compete in chute dogging, which is steer wrestling without a horse. The boys' sister Cabrie competes in barrel racing and pole bending.

Quade rode Thursday night in the Junior Steer Riding at the Kindersley Indoor Rodeo. PHOTO BY KATE WINQUIST

This family photo from a couple of years ago pictures Riley and Savanna Tye with their children (l-r) Quade, Cabrie and Keller. The Tye family from New Brigden has spent every weekend since the end of March travelling to rodeos, where their children compete. SUBMITTED

"In our house it was kind of bred into them," their mom Savanna explained. "All the kids have wanted to do is live up to their dad, uncles and grandpa's legacies." Those legacies are quite impressive.

Savanna's grandfather, the late Wilf Girletz, was a multiple Canadian Champion in bull riding and the all-around. He later founded Girletz Rodeo Stock, home of many great bucking bulls in Canada.

"My dad was a bull rider and later a pick-up man and stock contractor with my uncles," she further explained. "My brother is a Canadian champion bull rider, my mom was a barrel racer and my husband was a bull fighter." Bull fighters are those courageous athletes who step into the arena during bull riding events to distract the bull and protect contestants.

And Savanna won her first peewee barrel racing buckle in Jenner, Alberta, when she was just four years old. "I started entering small local rodeos as soon as I could ride on my own," she said.

Now the family operates a small cattle feeding and cow-calf operation, as well as some grain farming outside of New Brigden, Alberta. Savanna also works part-time as a dental hygienist, but they always make time for rodeos.

"We have spent one to three days every weekend at a rodeo since the third week in March," Savanna said. "We travel all over Alberta, and will be travelling to Guthrie, Oklahoma, where both boys will compete in the National Junior High School Finals." On the weekend, Quade travelled to Grande Prairie, Kindersley, Handhills and Cadogan.

Quade trains for his competitions by working on the farm, riding ranch horses bareback, doing stretches and sitting on a yoga ball while watching TV.

"The kids had all attended a rodeo by the age of one month; they have always loved it!" Savanna recalled. "We have been very clear that we will support whatever sport they choose; it just happens to be a sport we both love as well." For families like the Tyes, rodeo is more than a sport; it's a family lifestyle.