Ladies Breakaway Roping has been announced as the newest addition to the 2025 Calgary Stampede.
According to a news release, women will compete from July 4-13.
"Breakaway Roping is one of the fastest-growing rodeo events, with winning times clocking in at under two seconds. The event showcases exceptional horsemanship and roping skill, where the goal is simple: rope a calf, stop the horse, break the rope from the saddle horn, and record the fastest time," added the Stampede.
"While the concept may be simple, flawless execution takes years of training and precision."
The Women's Professional Rodeo Association (WRPA) has sanctioned the event and prize money of up to $310,250 will be available throughout the 10 days of competition. With the addition of the extra cash, a total of $2,171,750 is up for grabs at this year's Stampede Rodeo.
"Breakaway Roping was first introduced at the Calgary Stampede as part of the Rocky Mountain Cup during the annual 10-day festival in 2023 and 2024 and will now take its place among the Stampede Rodeo’s main events," mentioned the release.
"This marks the first time a new event has been added to the Stampede Rodeo since Ladies Barrel Racing was introduced in 1979."
Shelby Boisjoli-Meged is originally from Langdon and won the WRPA world title in Breakaway Roping in 2023. She said that the announcement is a huge step for the sport and women in rodeo.
"I can only imagine the impact this moment will have on the little girls watching us compete in the Stampede Rodeo for the first time and realizing that one day, they too could be in our place. Knowing they have something to aspire to, to dream about, and to work toward is truly amazing."
Staff with the Stampede said there are 30 spots left in the Stampede Rodeo, and 24 participants will grab their spots through the previous and current year's Canadian and WRPA Pro Rodeo rankings.
"While the six remaining spots are up for grabs via two Breakaway Roping qualifier events. The first event will take place April 10-13, 2025, at the Western Regional Barrels & Breakaway competition in Salina, Utah, followed by the Calgary Stampede Ladies Breakaway Roping Qualifier at the Nutrien Western Event Centre on Stampede Park, June 3-4, 2025," added the Stampede.
Following the Stampede, the Rocky Mountain Cup will get underway in August and showcase Team Roping.
Tickets for the 2025 Stampede Rodeo and Evening Show are available here.