Prince Albert bull rider Tanner Skene, pictured here at a previous rodeo in Armstrong, B.C., will compete this week in Edmonton at the Canadian Rodeo Finals. (Photo courtesy: Covy Moore)

By paNOW Staff

Repping at the rodeo

Skene overcomes injuries to attend first Canadian Rodeo Finals as bull rider

Sep 30, 2025 | 6:05 AM

After several injuries, a Prince Albert cowboy has made an epic comeback that is leading him to his first Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) as a bull rider.

Tanner Skene competed as a Junior Steer Rider at CFR in 2018, but now has his sights set on winning the bull riding event that starts Oct. 1 in Edmonton.

The 22-year-old is one of four bull riders in his family, and as Canadian Rodeo news writer Dave Poulsen wrote, Skene has had a ‘rollercoaster ride in his sophomore season as a pro.’

In his final year at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas, he suffered broken ribs and a punctured lung that prevented him from attending the college finals. Then, after finally getting healthy, Skene blew his knee out (ACL, MCL and meniscus) when he got bucked off at the Ponoka Stampede.

“Sport Med got me sorted out and fitted me with a custom brace, and I got back on at Teepee Creek,” he told Poulsen. “But then I struggled and fell off every bull I got on for five straight weeks.”

Celebrating the Arts

Prince Albert art exhibition celebrates 50th anniversary

3h ago

Moose Jaw and Regina

Weekend Preview: Raiders set for two East Division battles

3h ago

Riderville

Tailgating law fully passed, ready in time for Riders opener

5h ago

However, things turned around for Skene at an event in Dawson Creek, B.C. He placed there and riding 8 of his next 11, set the stage for his biggest career win so far at the SMS Equipment Tour Finals in Armstrong, B.C. He rode the Calgary Stampede bull ‘Smog’ to 86.25 for second in his pool and a berth in the finals, where he forged a 87.25 on the Vold bull Rock Steady for the win, the $7,500 payday and the coveted trip to his first CFR.

“I had nothing to lose coming into this week,” he said after the win. “I just never counted myself out. Just went out there and had some fun.”

After his spectacular comeback, Skene said his goal of making the CFR has now changed to winning a Canadian title.

“And, I feel great going in.”

Prince Albert’s Tanner Byrne, who is part of a family bullfighting dynasty, will be in Edmonton for a fourth consecutive CFR trip as a bullfighter.

—

With files from Dave Poulsen, Canadian Rodeo News Writer