Tanner Haviland rodeo pickup man knew from a young age exactly what kind of cowboy he wanted to be. Some kids grow up wanting to be cowboys. Tanner grew up knowing his path was to become a pickup man. After watching them at rodeos early on, he didn’t waste any time getting started. The story goes that the man who gave him his first shot held a practice on a Wednesday, and by Friday, Tanner was in the arena, officially living the dream.
Horses have been a part of his life since day one. Growing up with his parents, Shane and Dana Haviland, he learned the ropes from his dad, who showed reined cow horses. By 13, Tanner was working for him and has been training horses ever since, a skill that has made him one of the best in the business.
In 2016, he married his wife, Shailyn, and together they are raising a force of nature—their three-year-old daughter, Ivy, who is described as being “full of spunk and attitude.” They are also eagerly awaiting the arrival of their second daughter in early August.
But Tanner’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Diagnosed with diabetes at age seven, he faced a tougher battle when his kidneys began to fail at 28. After a period on dialysis, he received a life-changing kidney and pancreas transplant in February 2024. Doctors told him it would be at least six months before he could ride again and much longer before he could pick up. Tanner, however, had other plans.
His recovery was nothing short of miraculous. In just three months, he was cleared to ride, and the first thing he did was head to a branding. In less than a year, he was back in the arena doing what he loves most—picking up. Tanner Haviland isn’t just a great pickup man; he’s a testament to what grit, passion, and a whole lot of cowboy try can accomplish.